John Rice has visited over 2,000 schools, libraries, arts centres, theatres and festivals to read his poetry and tell stories. He has published 13 books for children, young people and adults, the most recent being ‘Guzzling Jelly with Giant Gorbelly’ published by Macmillan Children’s Books. Two of his poetry books were illustrated by the renowned artist Charles Fuge.
John’s poetry has been included in over 300 anthologies and educational books as well as being featured regularly on radio and TV. His work has been published in many European countries as well as in South Africa, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the USA.
School Visits
John is available to visit infant, primary or secondary schools. A typical visit to a Primary School usually includes a Poetry & Storytelling performance for younger children (KS1), followed by a performance for junior-aged children (KS2): performances last one hour with no limit on numbers (parents are welcome to attend too!).
The afternoon features two 60- or 70-minute creative workshops for Years 5 or 6 children with a maximum of 35 in each workshop. During John’s poetry workshops children are encouraged to use random selection and discovery as ways of finding themes and subject matter for their poems. They are also encouraged to create patterns in their writing and given examples of how pattern and rhythm in poetry is used effectively by all kinds of writers.
John’s storytelling workshop involves elements of analysing story, creating new stories, devising, dramatising, performing and offering critical advice to their peers. Much of the work is based on the Oral Tradition and thus memory, improvisation, voice control and projecting from ‘centre stage’ are central elements in the workshops.
Both the poetry and the storytelling workshops are adapted to suit secondary school needs.
I am organising our annual book week and this year we are focusing on Poetry. I wanted to enquire as to your availability for the 26th-28th April 2011. We are an infant school with 120 Reception children (age 4-5), 120 Year 1 children (age 5-6) and 90 year 2 children (age 6-7). If you are available for a workshop at our school on any of the above dates we would love to organise a day for you to come to our school.
Look forward to hearing back from you
Becky Cowan (Literacy coordinator)