When I go to schools I have a special pack that I take along. This has been put together by trial and error!
I take my knitted Princess Spaghetti doll and her two alien friends. They have become a little 'cuddle worn' and Princess Spaghetti will soon need a new tiara. With younger children I ask them to count the number of eyes, arms and legs for each alien. Then I ask them to let me know if they spot these aliens in 'You Can't Eat A Princess!' You might recognise them on the cover.
I've had several little girls ask if they can take Princess Spaghetti home. One said, "Knit another one for yourself, I'll have this one." Luckily, my doll has made it home every time.
I include activity sheets for the children to do after my visit. I show them ones that I have already completed (I had a lot of fun doing that!) Teachers seem to like these sheets as it is a follow up activity that will keep the children busy and ties in nicely with Literacy Hour. You can downlad these sheets from the above Fun Stuff tab.
I like to donate signed copies of my books. Obviously, this means the children are able to listen to my stories over and over and over again...
I always enjoy my visits to schools. I love the enthusiasm of young children and their view of the world. Anything seems possible to them.
Here is a photo of my school visit pack :
