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Jesse Blackadder Tribute

September 9, 2020

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IN MEMORIAM

Vale Jesse Blackadder

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Dr Jesse Blackadder was an international award-winning author of fiction and served on the Byron Writers Festival board from 2011 until her death in June 2020. Jesse conceived the idea for StoryBoard in 2015, which at the time of her passing had reached over 27,000 young people. Friends Sarah Armstrong and Alan Close pay tribute to her legacy.

It’s hard – it’s almost impossible – to believe that we’ll never again see Jesse as so many of us remember her, in her element at Byron Writers Festival, striding purposefully between marquees in one of her fabulous colourful coats. She was such a familiar sight in her many roles at the festival – chairing panels with her trademark warmth and humour, greeting writers, chatting to readers and drawing new writers into the fold. She represented the best of what Byron Writers Festival strives to be, inclusive, passionate, colourful. She was in so many ways, the face of the festival.

Director Edwina Johnson says, ‘Jesse leaves an extraordinary legacy, not least the wonderful StoryBoard program which has inspired so many young people to read and write. Jesse emanated joy and drew out the beauty and potential in everyone she met. We will miss her dearly.’

Friend and fellow board member Marele Day adds simply, ‘Jesse made the impossible happen.’

StoryBoard is perhaps Jesse’s greatest legacy. She had long dreamt of running a creativity and literacy program for kids, inspired by writer Dave Eggers’ 826 Valencia project in San Francisco, or the Story Factory in Sydney. In parts of the Northern Rivers, she discovered, as many as 1 in 3 kids live below the poverty line, but research shows if these kids are ‘language rich’ their opportunities to flourish increase.

Jesse landed on the idea of using a colourful bus to take local and visiting authors to run writing workshops in schools.

Edwina Johnson describes StoryBoard as Jesse’s ‘deep heart work’, and it was clearly was. When announcing StoryBoard on her blog ‘A dream with wheels’ she quoted Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary General, who said: ‘For everyone, everywhere, literacy is, along with education in general, a basic human right… [it is] the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realise his or her full potential.’

Her dream was to reach all children, not just kids who already knew they wanted to write, or who were gifted at writing – but all kids. She taught a pilot program for StoryBoard out of Lismore Public Library – a class that continues to this day. Jesse insisted that writing be fun. Her mantra was, ‘The first rule of writing is there are no rules!’

One student’s mother said of Jesse’s class, it was there her son found his ‘tribe’ – other children passionate about reading and writing. ‘Over time Jack went from a quiet, reserved boy who would not engage in conversation in class to a young man who would voluntarily walk up to Jesse and read her his stories.’

Since it began in 2016, StoryBoard has reached around 27,000 young people. The program has received fantastic support from both government funding bodies and the community, along with a flood of donations following Jesse’s death.

StoryBoard also provided a chance for Jesse and her beloved partner Andi to work together – Jesse as teacher and Andi as support person and driver of the magical bus. Except that very swiftly Andi’s role grew into a marvellous and wildly popular double act – Jesse and Naughty Andi. The kids loved them both.

Jesse was diagnosed with cancer in December 2019. Treatment proved unsuccessful and she spent her last days surrounded by loved ones at the beautiful Wedgetail hospice in the hinterland behind Murwillumbah.  Jesse died on June 10 2020.

Her death has brought great sadness to all of us who loved her, but has left us also with memories we cherish. Memories of colourful coats, cheeky humour, inexhaustible generosity and a friend whom we never doubted we were fortunate to have in our lives.

–

Donations received to our Children’s Program Fund in memory of Jesse will go towards establishing the Jesse Blackadder Award, an annual writing prize for primary school students. It will launch in 2021.

We have also added a new primary school category to our existing annual writing prize, the Susie Warrick Young Writers Award, open to Stage 3 primary students in memory of Jesse.

To apply click HERE – submissions close Friday 18 September, 2020



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https://byronwritersfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Jesse-with-Holy-Family-Catholic-Primary-school-students-540x540.jpg

Striking a pose with Holy Family Catholic Primary school students

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Listening to student stories

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Engaging young minds

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Jesse with her life partner Andi and the StoryBoard bus

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Presenting to senior students

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Flood Stories Lismore group with their anthology

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In the flow…

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Kicking back in her colourful writing studio

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Enjoying one of her many adventures

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On the high seas to Antarctica

anika


Lucas Proudfoot Online Workshops

April 20, 2020

StoryBoard


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StoryBoard Online

Lucas Proudfoot

Primary Schools

Lucas Proudfoot is a multi-platform storyteller, sharing stories through his music, books, live performances and TV appearances, and is on a mission to inspire and educate as many children across the nation as possible.

Cementing himself as one of the nation’s most versatile children’s performers, Lucas Proudfoot has been playing guitar, didgeridoo and stomp box to over 120,000 kids each year. He has been touring the country with his cultural show, Circular Rhythm for over 10 years, delivering an entertaining and contemporary Indigenous Australian music experience.

Lucas Proudfoot is committed to sharing stories through his music and his books, with the intention of inspiring young people to learn more about Indigenous cultures and the diversity and vibrancy they bring to our communities.


Presentation

The Proud Foots – Your words! Your story!


Duration: 1 hour

Delivery Mode: Online

Suitable for: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Indigenous musician and author, Lucas Proudfoot presents a dynamic musical storytelling experience, showcasing dance, cultural diversity and Lucas’ creative process. This highly interactive session is great way to start a StoryBoard session with Lucas. Students get to know Lucas not only as an author, but also as a live performer who shares positive aspects of music, story & culture.

Topics covered

  • Indigenous Australian culture and history
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Multicultural diversity
  • Storytelling
  • The creative process

How it works:

Lucas Proudfoot has adapted his cultural show for the online space. His 1-hour pre-recorded show is personalised for your school with Google Classroom hand-out notes. Simply send the streamable video link to your students.


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Author

Links & Resources

circularrhythm.com

theproudfoots.com.au


anika


Zanni Louise Online Workshops

April 20, 2020

StoryBoard


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StoryBoard Online

Zanni Louise

Primary Schools, High Schools

Zanni Louise is passionate about writing quality books for children of all ages and inspiring people to write their own stories.

Based in the Byron Bay hinterland, Zanni has published twelve books, including the popular ERROL picture book series, STARDUST SCHOOL OF DANCE chapter books and TIGGY AND THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. Her new series HUMANKIND is out in 2020.

She’s collaborated with several award-winning picture book illustrators, and has twice been nominated for the CBCA Book Awards. ARCHIE AND THE BEAR was selected for the prestigious White Ravens International Catalogue. Her books are sold in  over twenty foreign territories.

As well as appearing at festivals, Zanni mentors writers and runs writing workshops for kids and adults Australia-wide. She is one of the Australian Writers Centre tutors.


Online Workshop

Sweaty Brain Editing


Duration: 45-minutes – 1-hour

Delivery Mode: Online via Zoom

Suitable for: Stage 2, 3 & 4 (Primary & Secondary)

Workshop overview

You’ve written a story. Then what? The next step is putting on your editor’s hat and editing! Editing is an essential part of the writing process, but most kids stop at the first draft. In this fun workshop, Zanni leads kids through professional editing techniques they actually like! One Year 3 boy reported after a Sweaty Brain Editing session: ‘I speak for everyone, well myself at least, when I say I discovered how much I loved editing!’

Topics covered:

  • Structural editing
  • Line editing
  • Show don’t tell
  • And much more

How it works: 

Live, interactive editing workshop facilitated via Zoom. Simply share the Zoom link with your class and join the virtual workshop.


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Author

Links & Resources

www.zannilouise.com


anika


Tristan Bancks Online Workshops

April 20, 2020

StoryBoard


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StoryBoard online

Tristan Bancks

Primary Schools, High Schools

Tristan Bancks is a children’s and teen author with a background in acting and filmmaking. His books include Two Wolves (recognised as an Honour Book in the 2015 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards, as well as winner of the YABBA and KOALA Children’s Choice Awards), the My Life series (weird-funny-gross short stories featuring Tom Weekly) and Mac Slater, Coolhunter. His short films as writer and director have won a number of awards and have screened widely in festivals and on TV. Tristan is excited by the future of storytelling and inspiring others to create.


Online Workshop

Your Life & Other Stuff You Made Up


Duration: 45 minutes – 1-hour

Delivery Mode: Online via Zoom or Google Hangouts

Suitable for: Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4

Workshop overview

How can you use all the odd, boring, funny stuff that happens to you and turn it into excellent stories? Author Tristan Bancks used bits from his life to inspire his short story collections My Life and Other Stuff I Made Up and My Life & Other Stuff That Went Wrong. Like the time his sister made him eat Vegemite off her toe and the time he had his appendix removed just to get out of school detention. Learn how to mine your own life for cool, weird, funny stories that your friends and teachers will love.

Topics covered

  • Using memory for story inspiration
  • Mashing truth and fiction to create authentic, entertaining stories
  • Freewriting practice to discover untapped story ideas

How it works:

Option 1:

One-hour pre-recorded personalised author talk and workshop with Google Classroom hand-out notes. Simply send the streamable video link to your students. Pre-recorded sessions include personalised introduction for your school, images, video, music, maps, readings, anecdotes and writing tips.

Option 2:

45-minute live, interactive writing workshop facilitated via Zoom. Workshops are made up of readings, storytelling and three five-minute writing blasts. Simply share the Zoom link with your class and join the virtual workshop.


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Author

Links & Resources

www.tristanbancks.com


anika


Online Workshops

April 20, 2020

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StoryBoard Online

Online Workshops


StoryBoard online workshops are run by professional authors and illustrators and cover a range of narrative storytelling devices, strategies and concepts, each with connections to the Australian Curriculum. Through fun and engaging activities, our workshops and presentations help students develop an understanding of narrative process and craft. 

Online workshops are offered in two modes: live and interactive, or personalised pre-recorded sessions. All workshops are compatable with Google Classroom. 

Click on an author to browse the online workshops and presentations they offer and register your interest.


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AUTHOR

Tristan Bancks

Primary Schools, High Schools

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Zanni Louise

ILLUSTRATOR

Zanni Louise

Primary Schools, High Schools

View Workshop Options

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AUTHOR

Lucas Proudfoot

Primary Schools

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anika


Zacharey Jane Workshops

January 30, 2020

StoryBoard


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Author Workshops

Zacharey Jane

High Schools

Zacharey Jane is a writer, teacher and painter. Her two publications with UQP are The Lifeboat, released internationally, and the children’s picture book, Tobias Blow. She has been an author and tour manager on the Byron WF regional tour, Writers on the Road, since 2014. Zacharey is senior on-staff writer for Coastbeat magazine and has contributed to various academic and literary journals.


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anika


Samantha Turnbull Workshops

January 30, 2020

StoryBoard


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Author Workshops

Samantha Turnbull

Primary Schools

Samantha Turnbull is a children’s author, slam poet, and journalist/content creator at the ABC.

Sam writes the super successful ABC podcast Fierce Girls – a series of narrative-style non-fiction audio stories and short TV animations for kids. Fierce Girls won Best Family & Kids podcast at the 2019 Australian Podcasting Awards. Shortly after its debut, Fierce Girls hit the number one spot across all categories on podcasting charts, making it the most popular podcast in Australia.

Sam also wrote the best-selling five-book children’s fiction series The Anti-Princess Club, published by Allen & Unwin.

Sam is also an accomplished slam poet and five-time Australian Poetry Slam state finalist. She has performed her poetry on live TV, and at schools and festivals across Australia.

Sam’s ‘day job’ is as a journalist with the ABC, where she reports for TV, radio and online. She has won a long list of journalism awards, and has been a finalist in The Walkleys.

Sam will soon have her Masters in Teaching specialising in primary education.


Workshop 1

Tantrum to Tale


Duration: 1 hr
Suitable for:  Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

A tantrum in a shopping centre led to the creation of Sam’s bestselling children’s book series, The Anti-Princess Club. In this workshop, students will learn how to use their gripes as inspiration for their own stories. Students will then follow Sam’s steps for turning ideas into compelling narratives.

Topics covered

  • Inspiration
  • Creating characters
  • Assembling a setting
  • Building a narrative arc

Curriculum outcomes

  • Writing and representing
  • Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretatively
  • Expressing themselves

Workshop 2

Creating Characters (and Smashing Stereotypes)


Duration: 1 hr
Suitable for: Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Middle grade author, Samantha Turnbull deliberately crafts characters that smash stereotypes. In this workshop, students will learn to articulate the difference between a boring character and a compelling one. They will  then create a bunch of their own captivating characters – from heroes to villains and everything in between – all while smashing stereotypes themselves.

Topics covered

  • Character creation
  • Identifying and avoiding stereotypes and cliches
  • Types of characters (ie protagonists, antagonists, mentors, sidekicks etc)

Curriculum outcomes

  • Writing and representing
  • Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretatively
  • Expressing themselves
  • Responding and composing

Workshop 2

Slam Poetry


Duration: 1 hr
Suitable for:  Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

As well as an author, Samantha Turnbull is an accomplished slam poet (it was the next best option after realising she couldn’t be a rap superstar). In this workshop, students will learn how to write and perform their own slam poem. Slam poetry a unique skill that blends creative writing, persuasive writing, public speaking and performance.

Topics covered

  • What is a slam poem?
  • Poetic devices – particularly rhythm, rhyme and repetition
  • Using your passions as inspiration
  • Performance/public speaking with flair

* Note: Video is included in Sam’s slam poetry workshop, so an IWB or computer with projector is needed please

Curriculum outcomes

  • Speaking and listening
  • Writing and representing
  • Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretatively
  • Expressing themselves

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Author

Links & Resources

samanthaturnbull.com.au


anika


Lucas Proudfoot Workshops

January 30, 2020

StoryBoard


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Register interest

Author Workshops

Lucas Proudfoot

Primary Schools

Lucas Proudfoot is a multi-platform storyteller, sharing stories through his music, books, live performances and TV appearances, and is on a mission to inspire and educate as many children across the nation as possible.

Cementing himself as one of the nation’s most versatile children’s performers, Lucas Proudfoot has been playing guitar, didgeridoo and stomp box to over 120,000 kids each year. He has been touring the country with his cultural show, Circular Rhythm for over 10 years, delivering an entertaining and contemporary Indigenous Australian music experience.

He has recently achieved the following accomplishments:

  • Lucas was recently invited as a special guest on Australia’s favourite children’s program ABC Play School, where he performed four original songs as part of the program’s ‘Music in Me’ series
  • Booked out for live shows nationally year on year with over 250+ shows booked, performing to over 120,000 kids each year
  • Has published a five-part book series titled The Proud Foots, which is published by one of Australia’s leading education publishers
  • Headline and guest appearances at a number of writers’ festivals including the Sydney Writers’ Festival, Byron Writers Festival, Whitsundays Voices Literature Festival, Kimberly Writers Festival and Somerset Storyfest, Australia’s premier youth literature festival based in Queensland
  • Over the years he shared stages alongside a host of Australia’s most renowned children performs including Hi5, Justine Clarke, ay Laga’aia and Yo Gabba Gabba.

Lucas Proudfoot is committed to sharing stories through his music and his books, with the intention of inspiring young people to learn more about Indigenous cultures and the diversity and vibrancy they bring to our communities.

His colourful career and life shows a true reflection of his undying passions and incredible talent. He has been a cultural performer for over 20 year and has been on the stage ever since.

His imaginative stories, engaging storytelling through his books and music, deliver powerful messages on a range of topics, already capturing the hearts of many across the Australia over the years.


Workshop 1

The Proud Foots – Your words! Your story! (performance)


Duration: 1 hour
Suitable for: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Indigenous musician and author, Lucas Proudfoot presents a dynamic musical storytelling experience, showcasing dance, cultural diversity and Lucas’ creative process. This highly interactive session is great way to start a StoryBoard session with Lucas. Students get to know Lucas not only as an author, but also as a live performer who shares positive aspects of music, story & culture.

Topics covered

  • Indigenous Australian culture and history
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Multicultural diversity
  • Storytelling
  • The creative process

Curriculum outcomes

  • History/culture
  • Multicultural themes
  • Performing arts

Workshop 2

The Proud Foots – Your words! Your story! (writing session)


Duration: 1.5 hour
Suitable for: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Lucas’ creative writing session highlights the importance of using spontaneity and imagination to create short, fun-filled stories. This quirky format allows the students to experience the joy of writing without worrying about spelling mistakes and perfect grammar. The focus of the session is finding your voice, then expressing it through story.

“Lucas is a treasure personally and culturally. We are really lucky to have someone with his storytelling skills and gift for entertainment to inspire our students. His connection to his heritage and place was very powerful. The staff responses were glowing. I am like the kids; I only wish we could see him more often!” – Pottsville Beach PS, QLD

Topics covered

  • Finding your writing voice
  • Imagination and creativity
  • Writing with joy
  • Personal and cultural storytelling

Curriculum outcomes

  • Creative writing
  • History/culture
  • Multicultural themes
  • Performing arts

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Author

Links & Resources

circularrhythm.com

theproudfoots.com.au


anika


Zanni Louise Workshops

January 30, 2020

StoryBoard


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Register interest

Author Workshops

Zanni Louise

Primary Schools, High Schools

Zanni Louise is passionate about writing quality books for children of all ages and inspiring people to write their own stories.

Based in the Byron Bay hinterland, Zanni has published twelve books, including the popular ERROL picture book series, STARDUST SCHOOL OF DANCE chapter books and TIGGY AND THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH. Her new series HUMANKIND is out in 2020.

She’s collaborated with several award-winning picture book illustrators, and has twice been nominated for the CBCA Book Awards. ARCHIE AND THE BEAR was selected for the prestigious White Ravens International Catalogue. Her books are sold in  over twenty foreign territories.

As well as appearing at festivals, Zanni mentors writers and runs writing workshops for kids and adults Australia-wide. She is one of the Australian Writers Centre tutors.


Workshop 1

We’re All Creative (Author Presentation)


Duration: 20 min – 30 min
Suitable for: Stage 1, 2 & 3

Presentation overview

Are you creative? Many kids don’t think so. But in this fun session, Zanni will help you see just how creative you are! Zanni leads kids through her own creative process and how books are made. She performs ERROL with the kids, and leaves plenty of time to answer their questions.

Topics covered:

  • Unleashing creativity
  • Publishing books
  • The writing process
  • The magic of editing and feedback

Workshop 2

Magic Story Workshop


Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Suitable for: Stage 1, 2 & 3

Workshop overview

In this fun workshop, kids will develop an original character, plot their story and get plenty of time to write. Even the most reluctant writers experience writing as fun and learn something new about themselves. Zanni works one on one with both reluctant and advanced writers to inspire them to tell their story, in the way that best suits them.

Topics covered

  • Brainstorming ideas
  • Story planning and story structure
  • Free writing
  • Basic editing tips

Workshop 3

Sweaty Brain Editing


Duration: 1hr – 2hr
Suitable for: Stage 2, 3 & 4 (Primary & Secondary)

Workshop overview

You’ve written a story. Then what? The next step is putting on your editor’s hat and editing! Editing is an essential part of the writing process, but most kids stop at the first draft. In this fun workshop, Zanni leads kids through professional editing techniques they actually like! One Year 3 boy reported after a Sweaty Brain Editing session: ‘I speak for everyone, well myself at least, when I say I discovered how much I loved editing!’

Topics covered:

  • Structural editing
  • Line editing
  • Show don’t tell
  • And much more

Register interest

Connect

Follow Us


Author

Links & Resources

www.zannilouise.com


anika


Erin Knutt Workshops

January 30, 2020

StoryBoard


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Author Workshops

Erin Knutt

Primary Schools

Erin Knutt (Buie) moved to Australia from Canada 8 years ago settling in Byron Bay, NSW where she completed her Primary Teaching Degree.

Erin has been working with children over the last 15 years in a variety of settings including, coaching sporting teams, instructing at outdoor education facilities, teaching English in a remote school in Thailand, teaching in Primary schools and during the last three years teaching in the Special Needs Department of a local High School. Throughout this time Erin has enjoyed using her love of writing and her vivid imagination to create stories for the children she teaches to enjoy and learn from.


Workshop 1

Loving our Differences Program

With Míša Alexander, Erin Knutt and an Auslan Interpreter

Duration: 1 hr
Suitable for:  Stage 1, or Stage 2

Workshop overview

Author, Erin Knutt and illustrator, Misa Alexander present a dynamic workshop where they use their picture book, Fergus & Delilah, to explore diversity and inclusion. Students will have the opportunity to explore the similarities and differences of the characters through life –sized props, discussion, illustrations and a bit of dance and music thrown in the middle. Students will then work alongside Misa as they draw their own characters and reflect on how they can be inclusive of others. Finally participants will make their own block head craft, complete with wires for hair, that they can take home or showcase at school!

Topics covered

  • Differences and Similarities
  • Character choices
  • Inclusion
  • Storyline
  • Power of Illustrations

Curriculum outcomes

  • Examine Literature
  • Recognise similarities and differences in individuals and groups, and explore how these are celebrated and respected.
  • Understand that people use different systems of communication to cater to different needs and purposes and many people may use sign systems to communicate with others.
  • Explore ideas, experiences, observations and imagination to create visual artworks and design.

Workshop 2

Unique Characters for Unique Stories


Duration: 45min -2 hrs
Suitable for:  Stage 2, Stage 3

Workshop overview

Erin Knutt is a children’s book author and special needs teacher. Erin’s workshops are highly engaging, imaginative and interactive. Students will challenge their norms to create diverse characters, which lead to inspiring storylines. Students will write a short narrative where their new characters have to overcome funny, peculiar and difficult situations to achieve the end result. Students love taking home their unique story to share with their friends and family.

Topics covered

  • Character development
  • Brainstorming & storyline creation
  • Components of a narrative

Curriculum outcomes

  • Text Structure and organisation
  • Thinking imaginatively, creatively and interpretatively
  • Expressing and developing ideas
  • Examining literature
  • Creating texts

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Author

Links & Resources

erinbuie.com


anika

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