Primary school have high aspirations in getting their pupils to achieve ambitious literacy goals.
Developing pupil’s reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are vitally important as they move through their school career and beyond.
But it’s hard work, especially with technology creeping into all aspects of life and taking attention away from reading books or writing stories.
I’ve worked in the media for over 20 years, and have been at the tip of the spear in the development of the growing online content landscape. But I still have time for great stories.
While I can deliver dynamic, interactive and fun assemblies to all stages of primary school education, I also specialise in engaging workshops to older year groups, which can help primary schools go some way into achieving their literacy goals.
Why you should book children’s author Scott Allen to visit your primary school?
What I provide:
Assemblies, talks and workshops for primary school children to help achieve their literacy goals.
If you book me on a school visit, children will experience fun and rewarding sessions, cleverly disguising the fact they are actually learning a fundamental skill.
Who it’s for:
All primary school children, from reluctant readers all the way up to proper bookworms
Age group:
KS1 and KS2 children, which can be broken down into year groups depending on what you require
Format:
Assemblies and talks to KS1/KS2, Half-day/full day writer’s workshops to KS2, weekly/monthly lessons to KS2
Outcomes: Helping children develop a love of storytelling, reading and writing, while also giving them the tools to encourage growing their own skills. In turn this will support schools in achieving its literacy goals
Who is Scott Allen?
As a children’s author, journalist, lecturer and swimming teacher, I love talking to primary school children about the power of storytelling.
I’ve spent over 20 years as a journalist and editor working in fast-paced newsrooms, making split-second decisions and producing content (written, social, video and audio) to tight deadlines.
I’m also a published children’s author with six books under my belt so far, and another due in 2027. The books you can buy in the shops are:
Llamas Go Large (Pan Macmillan)
On Your Marks, Get Set…Gold – Tokyo (Nosy Crow)
On Your Marks, Get Set…Gold – Paris (Nosy Crow)
Goal Squad: Win The Cup (Scholastic)
Goal Squad 2: Football Fever (Scholastic)
I’m DBS checked, hold safeguarding certificates and work with children on a daily basis from ages 2-15.
What could booking a literacy workshop day with Scott Allen look like?
My workshops include a variety of fun and rewarding activities that include:
Discussing the power of storytelling
Warm-up sessions
Helping children develop a reading habit that they can try out at home
Learn more about a broad range of books and what might appeal to them
Learn about the different type of content creative jobs for example journalist, writer, editor, social media content creator
The writers’ room*
Dream up new ideas from scratch and turn them into a story
Develop characters, storylines and narrative plot
Editing, thought process, problem solving and being tough on your own work
Grow their vocabulary and understanding of grammar
Write a clear and coherent story to a deadline
(* the writers’ room can be set-up for creative fiction story writers or a newsroom style activity where the class work as a team)
Publish and share
Discuss, present and demonstrate their work to an engaged audience of their class mates
What a full day could look like
30-45 minute assembly with KS1
1hr assembly with KS2
1 hr class workshops with Year 3, 4, 5 and 6
Testimonials from primary schools
“Thank you so much for your amazing author event – the boys loved you and the post visit demand for books has been amazing. It was the most inspiring fun and enjoyable event. ” Linda Huxley, Librarian, Rokeby School
“Thanks for coming over! The families really enjoyed the session. I have no doubt we’ll have you over again when the opportunity arises. ” Iain Hendry, Audience developer, National Science and Media Museum
“Thank you for the visit yesterday, the children had a great time! I’m already hearing from staff how engaged the children were and how funny and exciting they found the session.” Laura Wood, Alwoodley Primary School
“Scott had great rapport with children and fantastic working with large groups of children of a variety of ages. He was really engaging and we’re using some of the ideas from the group brainstorm to inspire some of the children’s independent writing this week.” Caroline Hall, Bolton Library
Get in contact
I’m easy to get hold of, and always respond to enquiries very quickly. So why not get in touch here