All about ‘In Person’ School Visits

I love visiting schools as an author/illustrator. A typical visit might involve:

*A whole school assembly where I talk about the process of making a book, from initial ideas to publication, followed by Q&A

*’Story Map’ workshops lasting 45 minutes for individual classes, where I read a story, then do a group brainstorm before unfolding my story map and getting each child to make their own. Ideal for KS1 although I am happy to adapt for KS2

*Storytime and Q&A (half an hour) for nursery and reception

*Book signing after school

*Online access to my exclusive ‘studio tour’ video, as well as several story-time videos and four worksheets. This is a great way of preparing for the visit, introducing the children to what I do as well as where and how I work.

I am very flexible about what can be included in the visit, and am happy to tie in with particular books or themes on request. You can scroll back through an archive of my earlier schools workshops here.

Email me at janeporterillustrator@gmail.com to enquire about prices and availability.

 

HERE’S WHAT TEACHERS SAY

“I just wanted to say a big thank you for everything you did with the children at Bedfont Primary. All the pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They were stimulated and engaged throughout the workshop and have loved learning all about you and what you do as an illustrator and author. We would love to invite you back in in the future.” Farzana Miah, Art and Design Lead, Bedfont Primary School

“It was so wonderful to have you in school yesterday. The children really enjoyed finding out about your work and then creating their own story boards and seeing you bringing their stories to life.” Laura Bassett-Cross, Deputy Head Teacher, Wood Street Infant School, Guildford

“Thanks again for a fantastic day yesterday. You really inspired the boys and staff – some of your ideas have been used in lessons today and lots of the Reception boys have been making their own books which is so lovely.” Rachel Geary, King’s House School, Richmond

“Speaking to the staff and children today they loved having you and the buzz you created on the day was stunning – quite simply – thank you. I was so sorry not have been more part of it but what a gorgeous surprise you left for me! The framed picture will have pride of place in our new school building.” Georgina Flooks, Head Teacher, Warden Hill School, Cheltenham

“Thank you so much for the amazing morning and for the experience you helped us create for our children! ” Gloria Montironi, Nursery Manager, Imagination Preschool Nursery, Battersea Park

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for visiting our school yesterday. You were amazing! The girls were talking about writing their own animal stories all day after your assembly. The feedback from your sessions with pre-prep was excellent. They said the girls were really engaged with your sessions and loved spending that time with you. I will 100% be recommending you to friends in other schools.” Carolyn Thornton, Abbots Hill School, Hemel Hempstead

“We invited Jane to our school as part of our ‘Storytelling Day.’ We love Jane’s books and we were very excited to have her join us for our special day. Jane is so warm and engaging and the children loved the workshops and storytelling sessions. We particularly enjoyed seeing her wonderful handmade creations, we fell in love with King Otter and the Tiny Penguins. The day ran so smoothly and was enjoyed by all. Thank you Jane for visiting our school and making it such a memorable day!” Louise Piper, Whiteheath Infants School, Ruislip

“I just wanted to sat a huge thank you for coming to Darell today. Your visit was extremely inspiring and was loved by children and adults alike. I know an experience like this really makes a difference to our children and will help them to develop a love of reading.” Kathryn Hayward, Darell Primary School, Kew

“Jane has visited us several times now and each time she has totally engaged all our pupils in her book-making workshops. She teaches them a variety of imaginative art skills, encourages amazing creative writing  and fosters an increased awareness of the environment around us. She makes sure her workshops are fun and educational for all our children, regardless of their age, ability or medical need.  Her workshops are such a tonic for us all, thank you Jane!”
Fiona Dyson, Evelina Hospital School

“When Jane came to our school she conducted an assembly and three class sessions. Children and staff alike said how wonderful the day was.  Her classroom sessions, with Year 1 and 2 groups, encouraged children to think differently and create characters using collage – Jane even brought materials and ink stamps to use! Since her visit, lots of children have been asking for her books in the library and talking about collage and different art mediums.  It was clear that even the youngest children had a better understanding of the different roles of author and illustrator, thanks to Jane’s unusual situation of having different roles on different books! I would really recommend inviting Jane to your school – she has great talent and a marvellous way with children.  And her books are great for reading aloud!”
Tanya Efthymiou, librarian at Chestnuts Primary School 

“My class had a wonderful time when Jane Porter visited. She was keen to answer their questions and involve them in the  process of creating books. They loved listening to King Otter read by the actual author and were excited to meet King Otter himself! After the visit they were inspired to write the story they had planned together with Jane. Thanks so much for helping us to foster a love of reading.”
Gemma Crozier, Year 2 teacher, St Matthias Primary School, Bethnal Green

“We were recently visited by the illustrator and author Jane Porter. She spent the day with the year 1 children, talking about her work and helping the children to make books. The children loved her sessions and she was both inspiring and so personable.”
Anna Venus, Wessex Gardens Primary School, Brent Cross

“Jane is an absolute delight to work with, brimming with ideas and enthusiasm.  Southbank Centre’s Learning & Participation team asked Jane to come and work with two groups of children  across the country to create a guide for other children visiting our Royal Festival Hall Organ. She led the children through a series of activities, drawing, making and creating and really made each child’s contribution feel valued. The results were really beautiful, authentic pieces of work that the children knew came from them, all magically brought together by Jane.  We came away  from the project with more resources than we expected and are delighted with the work.  Jane is a brilliant facilitator and also works fantastically in collaboration with other artists.  We are looking forward to having her back!”
Alice Chesterman, Participation Producer (Organ Project), Southbank Centre

“Jane was a natural when working with our local primary school groups; devising and delivering creative sessions which made the complex histories accessible to younger children and inspired them to create their own art work. We would love to continue working with Jane in the future.”
Gemma Bending, Community Engagement and Learning Officer, National Trust (Sutton House, Hackney)