Saturday, February 04, 2012
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Frog Stories

Storytelling and Drama in schools with David Farmer

Frog Stories

What is it?
Storytelling with music and practical drama sessions for schools based on the popular 'Frog' books by Max Velthuijs. As well as being beautifully written and illustrated, the stories relate to many themes in PSHE.

Who is it for?
Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2).

When?
Available throughout the school year - email to check.

Why?
The programme supports the drama strand of the Primary Framework for Literacy as well as PSHE themes.

How much?
£145 for a half-day or £225 for a full day, plus travel.

How do I book?
Contact David Farmer on 01603 465973 / 0797 321 7876 or send an email here.

David created a real sense of the imaginary world contained within these wonderful animal stories.
- P.K. Holbrook, Headteacher, Gaywood Community Primary School, Norfolk

The session was simply wonderful - linking literacy with music and drama in ways which engaged and involved the children. David really understands how young children think. They were totally engrossed throughout the storytelling session - including our youngest nursery children!
- Cathy Whalen, Headteacher, Mousehold Infant School, Norwich

Full Details and Enquiry Form

Download in Word (doc)

Programme
'Frog Stories' is based on the books Frog in Winter and Frog is Frog. It begins with a participatory 20-minute storytelling session by David Farmer to the year groups involved, including live music and songs. It is followed up with 35-40 minute practical workshops using drama games and techniques to explore the stories. Pupils have the opportunity to act out scenes and play different characters using improvisation, movement and dialogue. These sessions support PSHE aims including identifying and respecting the differences and similarities between people.

The fee is £145 for half a day (includes storytelling and up to two drama sessions) or £225 for a whole day (includes storytelling and three or four sessions), plus travel expenses.

Storyteller
Norwich-based storyteller and dramatist David Farmer (Artistic Director of Tiebreak Theatre Company from 1981 to 2005) is the author of best-selling book '101 Drama Games and Activities' and was a mentor in Norfolk schools for Drama for Learning and Creativity (D4LC). He is a Creative Agent for Creative Partnerships and runs regular INSET courses on drama. He is a qualified primary teacher and has a current enhanced CRB check.

Availability

The storytelling and drama sessions are available to schools in Norfolk. Bookings further afield by arrangement.

Schools
Schools visited with 'Frog Stories' are listed below.

2008

Ashwicken First School, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
Marsham Primary School, Norfolk
Hevingham Primary School, Norfolk
Horsford Infant School, Norfolk
Southtown Infant School, Great Yarmouth
Gaywood Primary School, Kings Lynn, Norfolk
Heartsease Primary School, Norwich
Hempnall Primary School, Norfolk
Mousehold Infant School, Norwich
Drayton Infant School, Norfolk
2009

Hickling Infant School, Norfolk
Sutton Infant School, Norfolk
East Ruston Infant School, Norfolk
Bignold Primary School, Norwich
St Williams Primary School, Norwich
Cecil Gowing Infant School, Norwich
West Earlham Infant School, Norwich
Diss Infant School, Norfolk
Recreation Road Infant School, Norwich
2010

North Lopham Primary School, Norfolk
Bressingham Primary School, Norfolk

Frog in Love and other books by Max Velthuijs © Andersen Press, 1989

Primary Drama Courses

The Tutor

Melanie Peter

Dr Melanie Peter has worked in special education for over 20 years, and is currently Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University where she is in charge of teacher training for Inclusion and SEN. She is widely known for her innovative work using drama and the arts, and has published a number of books based on her research and extensive experience, including 'Developing Play & Drama in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders' (co-written with Dave Sherratt, 2002), and recent articles on-line.

She advises on drama in the curriculum at policy level, and contributes regularly on conferences and training events. A former Advisory Teacher, Melanie has expertise also in movement and dance, and is the educational consultant for CBBC's highly successful early years dance show, Boogie Beebies!

Drama Courses

Since 2005 Drama Resource has offered a range of high quality training opportunities to hundreds of teachers, teaching assistants, drama practitioners, actors and directors. Courses on drama in education explore the role of drama techniques to use across the curriculum. Courses on directing and devising theatre use exciting and creative approaches to developing group performance.  All courses are highly practical and supported by course notes, enabling participants to easily adapt the approaches for their own use.

What They Said

Comments received about this course in 2009, 2010 and 2011:

  • A really useful day that has given me loads of ideas. It has made me excited about teaching drama again.
  • It really enabled me to appreciate how difficult some SEN pupils may find drama and how to work to overcome boundaries.
  • I was amazed by the wide range of activities that can be brought to life using teacher in role.
  • I found the whole day very useful and full of practical ideas. Melanie is an excellent expert!
  • I thought the day was very useful for me as an NQT.
  • I was very impressed with the breadth and depth of Melanie's knowledge.
  • I enjoyed the day and feel full of ideas to take back to Leeds City College.
  • Lots of ideas to use across the curriculum. I now have some ideas the children will love.
  • Gained a lot of ideas on how to engage and control sessions.
  • Thank you for a fantastic inspiring day. Loved every minute of it!
  • Well presented - superb.
  • An inspiring facilitator.

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