Author Visit and Interactive Workshop

“I Wonder at the Park” is sparking imaginations in every corner of classrooms, libraries and clubs. Inspired by the magic of outdoor discovery, this immersive workshop transforms familiar school spaces into vibrant zones of curiosity and play. Children step into a world where storytelling meets sensory exploration, where each station invites them to wonder, create, and connect. From crafting nature-inspired tales to engaging in movement and reflection, the experience brings the spirit of the park indoors, encouraging children to see their everyday surroundings through a lens of awe and adventure. It’s not just a workshop, it’s a celebration of curiosity, right at the heart of school.

What to expect:

My workshops are designed around the theme of I Wonder at the Park, with complete flexibility in mind, making them ideal for a single class or easily scalable to accommodate multiple classes within the same year group. Whether you're working in a cosy classroom or a spacious hall, each session is thoughtfully tailored to suit your unique environment and the space available.

You have full control over how the session unfolds:

  •  Assembly + Activities: Start with a lively, curiosity-sparking assembly, followed by your choice of activity to bring the theme to life.

  • Short & Sweet: Prefer more time for exploration? You can choose to start with a brief introduction and dive straight into extended activity sessions—perfect for schools wanting a deeper creative experience, or for younger learners who would rather explore.

  • Make a Day of It: For a truly immersive experience, choose a full-day format that blends storytelling, movement, sensory play and reflection. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories and spark imaginations across the school.

No matter the format, every workshop is crafted to be engaging, inclusive, and adaptable—ensuring children of all learning styles feel inspired and involved.

Prices are based on a set booking fee plus an hourly rate for workshop delivery.

Timings are fully flexible to fit around your school day — get in touch for a personalised quote!

Workshop Activities - You choose...

ARTS & CRAFTS

These activities invite children to use their fingers, hands and tools with care and precision - building coordination and confidence.

Each activity is designed to spark joy and pride, while strengthening the muscles and movements essential for writing and everyday tasks.

SENSORY PLAY

These hands-on activities invite children to look closely and engage their senses as they explore the hidden wonders of the natural environment.

Children develop focus, dexterity and an appreciation for the environment around them.

READING & RELAXING

These gentle, reflective activities invite children to slow down, tune in and explore the power of stories and inner worlds.

The activities nurture emotional regulation, offering a peaceful counterbalance to more energetic play.

EXPLORE & LEARN

Encouraging children to engage their whole bodies through large, purposeful movements helping develop coordination, strength and spatial awareness.

The activities spark curiosity, creativity and a deeper understanding of the world in motion.

Workshops individually tailored just for you:

Full day - Spinney Lane Nursery (EYFS)

I took along a variety of activities which I switched throughout the day. I had an area set up just for me, which worked really well with this age group.  The learners had the opportunity to engage at their own pace.  There was plenty of activities for the learners to choose including: bug sensory tray, washing line matching, walking the dog and picking up poop, making ducks! Outside in the sunshine we explored movement with silk scarfs, helicopters and bubbles.  It was great to have I Wonder at the Park read to the children by staff - I'd not heard anyone read it outload before - they read it exactly as I had imagined! I left Spinney Lane with the biggest smile on my face - What a fantastic day!

I Wonder at the Park - (voices from children):

What activities were you doing this morning?

“Picking up poo with a black bag”

“There were worms, spiders and lady bugs”

Bug tray voice

“Lady bugs are my favourite, look I have a pet”

“I have lots of worms, I have 5”

Dog activity - Why do we put doggy poo I the bin?

“The doggy might get sick if it eats it”

“It’s fake, I felt it with my hands”

“I’m taking off the lead so it can play fetch”

Weather activity 

“I have water shoes that are the same colour“

“You wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun”

“Earmuffs, you need them for the snow”

Feedback: 

"Thank you again for coming to visit Spinney Lane - feedback from staff and our children was really good.  All the children had a lovely day with you - reading your book and doing all the activities."

Morning Session - Gilmerton Primary with P2's (Year 1)

A fun assembly followed by a variety of activities.  Primary 2 classes were split into 3 groups and rotated around Arts and Crafts, Explore and Learn and Sensory activities.  Within the groups the pupils worked together to explore.  I would have loved to stay for the whole day - but the school was only open half day!  The pupils engaged in the assembly and created some colourful kites, ducks and woodland wonders using a variety of materials!

Feedback:

"Thank you again for making the time to come and share your stories with us. The children really did have a fun morning.  The calming bird song is a lovely touch to create an atmosphere"

 

Full day KS1 Alexandra Park Primary

Assembly followed by Arts & Crafts throughout the day - Celebrating World Book Day!! A fun interactive assembly, with 160+ KS1 pupils engaging and joining in with the assembly.  There was lots of fun and laughter.  I then worked with the 6 individual classes throughout the day making our ducks, using images of real life ducks and chicks to create our own and letting our imaginations roam free.  Have you ever had a conversation in 'Duck language'? Did you use magic to bring your duck to life?   Thank you to Alexandra Park for such a warm welcome and fantastic day. 

Feedback during the day:

"Perfectly pitched - I thought it was going to be too difficult for them but they all achieved"

"Great that you prepared for different abilities - I didn't expect that!"

"I've had the best time"

"This was so much fun"

Feedback:
As part of our World Book Day celebrations this week, our EYFS and KS1 children had a fantastic time meeting author, Reese Jaxon. The children took part in interactive assemblies and enjoyed a range of arts and crafts activities inspired by different texts. It was a wonderful opportunity to spark their imagination and enthusiasm for reading, and the children were truly inspired by the visit.

 

Short and Sweet  - an evening session with Rainbows

 Introduction and Explore & Learn and Arts & Crafts.  Rainbow group designed and decorated their own kites, they explored big and small movement.  The Rainbows ended the session with some magical bubbles.

Feedback from Parent:

"She was so excited trying to explain her kite and things she had made before bed I was backing out of the room and she was still trying to explain it all to me!"

Interested in hosting "I Wonder at the Park"?

Fill out the form with your group requirements and I’ll be in touch to plan a magical, tailored event for your School, Nursery, Library, or Club.