For Schools
Author Visits and Workshops for Schools
Bring the themes of Grandad’s Garden to life through a bespoke school visit filled with storytelling, poetry, nature and imagination.
Caroline offers engaging assemblies and workshops for Reception, KS1 and KS2 pupils. Each visit is thoughtfully crafted around the age and stage, interests and needs of your children.
Bespoke School Assemblies
Caroline shares Grandad’s Garden, the story behind the story, and its journey from an idea inspired by two fox cubs, scribbles in a notebook at Reading Station, to a published book.
We explore why authors write, the importance of a garden and how being outside in nature, under the sky, is good for us.
Reception & KS1: Exploring seeds and Grow a Tiny Garden
We share the story (and listen out for the fox and the cat!), explore and wonder about seeds. 'What might grow if we plant this?' Children have the opportunity to sow their own seeds; a little pot to notice and nurture.
KS2: Exploring and writing nature-based poetry
We share the story and explore pupils' own experiences and imagination about being outside in gardens, parks and woods. Why not create and perform nature-based onomatopoeic soundscapes? Or, using Grandad's Garden as an exemplar, draft, edit and perform nature-based poetry? Sessions are responsively scaffolded so that all young authors and poets can participate.
KS1 and KS2: Grief, death and bereavement
In line with the Government's new statutory RSHE guidance, the story of Grandad's Garden is a good place to start when exploring conversations around grief, death and bereavement. Caroline's visit can include these important concepts gently and sensitively.
A Visit Created for Your School
Every school is different, so each visit is tailored to your timetable, year groups and learning objectives or focus. Caroline can work with individual classes, several year groups or the wider school community through a combination of assemblies and workshops. A 'book-sign' can also be part of the visit.
Currently, Caroline's focus is primary schools in Gloucestershire, however, please reach out should you require a visit a little further afield.
Kind Words from Schools
“The children had a wonderful day with Caroline. Her beautiful book is sensitive and gentle and the children learnt a lot about nature and the outside world.”
Kat Wood
Head of School, Nailsworth C of E Primary School
“Caroline visited our school as part of our annual Literature Festival. Our children enjoyed sharing the book and the story of why it was written. Children in Reception to Year 2 enjoyed finding out about different seeds and growing. They are all waiting in anticipation for their peas to grow! Children in Years 3 & 4 enjoyed a more in-depth session with a higher focus on literacy skills, including poetry. Thank you so much, Caroline, for a wonderful day.”
Georgie Baish
Reading Lead, Upton St Leonard's C of E Primary School
“The children thoroughly enjoyed having Caroline share her beautiful book, Grandad’s Garden. They really enjoyed the idea of encouraging wildlife into the garden. She thoughtfully designed 3 brilliant workshops for our age groups and we would definitely recommend a visit from her, into your school."
Tina Jones
Head of School, Bisley Blue Coat C of E Primary School
Plan a Visit
Would you like to bring Grandad’s Garden to your school?
Get in touch to explore what a day's visit could look like for your school.
Discover the Book
Grandad’s Garden is a beautifully illustrated story embracing the importance of a garden, human connection, nature, and life’s changing seasons and cycles.