Author's Visits

Mandy's poetry for children has featured on BBC Schools Radio and CBeebies. She visits primary and secondary schools and colleges (all Key Stages).

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A typical author's visit:

can be a full or half-day , in primary or secondary schools. It includes a poetry reading, Q&A and  poetry workshops for class-sized groups.

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The workshops:

include a range of games and guided writing activities  designed to support creativity and confidence (and have fun!). The poems the young writers create will explore imagery, voice,  narrative and form.

Working alongside young writers,

Mandy shares real writing practices  such as  book design, illustration, finding inspiration, creative risk-taking, editing as well as reading and writing for pleasure.

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Zooming in on the future

For National Poetry Day, World Book Day, or to support creativity in the classroom...  Mandy can make an author's visit to your school, in person, or through online workshops, talks and/or readings.

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To request an email info-sheet on dates, rates and bookings contact Mandy using the contact form below. 

(Mandy can also be booked via the  Poetry Society UK, Education).

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Audio of poems for children can be heard at the Children's Poetry Archive, and  at BBC School's Radio.

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• National Association of Writers in Education membership

• DBS certificate

• public liability insurance

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photo credits, MCBF, The Writing School at MMU

 Feedback on Visits

Creative risk-taking, critical thinking, confidence, reading and writing for pleasure....

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"We have a new culture of confidence in children wanting to perform and share their work." 

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Plymouth Grove Primary, Manchester

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“In two hours, we created a piece of poetry we were proud of -thanks Mandy!”  

Yr 8 pupil, Manchester High School

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"I came away from the afternoon with lots of ideas for teaching creative writing and poetry.

Teacher, The King's School, Devon

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 "I can’t remember the last time I have felt such a buzz of excitement from students about my subject..."

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Head of Yr 8 Woodroffe School

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“Mandy's  enthusiasm is infectious.” 

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Leasowe Primary, Liverpool

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Educational work

Co-author of 'Our thoughts are bees: Writers Working with Schools', Mandy has been an educationist for 20 years. She has created poetry activities for all UK Schools for National Poetry Day, and designed educational materials for the Poetry Society, the Book Trust's 'Poetry Friendly Classroom' and the Children's Poetry Bookshelf.

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Workshop resources incorporate all learning styles and explore poetry using:  

• cross-curricular subjects

• responses to art

• close observation

• other languages

• making and doing 

Resources: 

In support of a 'poetry-friendly school, Mandy will leave teaching staff with copies of resources used.