Rob Parkinson - Writing
Rob
Parkinson
AIM High Writing
Summary
Age range All Ages
Books Yes
DBS Checked Yes
Booking
Contact
+44 (0)1535 656015
aimhigh@caboodlebooks.co.uk
Rob has visited literally thousands of schools to perform and to lead workshop sessions.
About Rob
Rob has made various appearances on national TV and radio, chaired the Society for Storytelling in the mid nineties, ran a story club and edited a storytelling magazine. His publications range from poetry and stories for children to fiction for adults, self-development texts and books about the many practical uses of stories and metaphor plus several CD’s of stories, music and songs.
Rob’s AIM High Writing Days
Rob’s inspiring A.I.M. High sessions work from storytelling and music into story making and writing in fun ways, showing how the two connect and complement each other. They feature some of the imaginative tale telling/making techniques Rob has pioneered and written about in much-praised books such as Storytelling & Imagination, transforming Tales and the Natural Storytellers booklet series.
Days typically start with an exciting short performance from Rob, featuring some of his fascinating and unusual ancient and ethnic instruments and his entertaining and imaginative storytelling style. This introduces a story pattern around which pupils will shape their own tales during the day – material ranges from (for example) ancient wonder tales to bardic fantasy yarns, from fairy tales to fables, from urban legends to traditional tall tales and modern yarns.
Structured talk activities follow – from fantastic fibs, to spinning out the yarn etc. Children improvise and develop stories around plots, then pass them on in various ways one-to-one and/or in small groups. Focusing down on writing a story, Rob provides guide sheets for shaping stories, talking writers through planning their tales – from more familiar logical /sequential ways, to some unusual imaginative, holistic methods. Rob also illustrates ways of starting stories, making effective descriptions and otherwise elaborating a basic plot. Children then plan and write their own stories in their own way and style – from ancient to modern to futuristic, with guidance as necessary at each stage.
The focus is on creating a coherent and interestingly shaped narrative inspired by the example plot. In a final sharing session, there are opportunities for children to get some hands-on experience with Rob’s instruments in presenting their tales to each other.
A Selection of Rob’s Books
Bookings
To book Rob Parkinson please contact
aimhigh@caboodlebooks.co.uk
Rob also offers visits to schools and other settings, click here for more information.