John Malam is a children’s non-fiction author of over 200 titles for KS1, KS2, and lower KS3. John offers talks, readings, and workshops with non-fiction as the key theme. Talks explain the process of how a children's non-fiction book is created, from first ideas to finished pages (suitable for KS2/KS3). Readings are from a range of biographies (suitable for KS1/lower KS2). Workshop is a ‘Make An Information Book’ event, in which children work in teams of four (author, editor, illustrator, designer) around an A1-size activity worksheet, following the key stages in making information books: research, synopsis, editing, proof-reading, designing, illustrating, printing, scheduling and selling. The end result is a 16-page A4 information booklet. The workshop highlights the need for people to work co-operatively as part of a team (suitable for upper KS2/lower KS3, Y5--Y8).

John is happy to work in any area, but north-west counties, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, North Wales and West Midlands are preferred

Responses to John’s visits to schools:

‘John Malam visited Byley Primary School for a one day workshop to demonstrate the procedures involved in producing an information book. He worked with both Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils. We were impressed by his professional approach and his ability to quickly relate to both children and adults during his presentations and practical workshops. He was well organised and prepared. All activities and resources were very suitable for the pupils. The children were enthusiastic and during the workshop tasks used co-operation and teamwork skills throughout the session. We feel that the children benefited greatly from the experience and are now more aware of the complexities of producing information books.’

Myrfyn Davies, Class Teacher, Byley Primary School

‘We were delighted with the workshop. It involved the students taking on different roles; those of author, editor, designer and illustrator. This gave a very interesting framework to the workshop and, as it was designed specifically for the production of an information book, it gave a good insight into the process. The students had to make real decisions about the content, layout and design of their books and this resulted in lively discussion and the occasional tricky negotiation. John was calm, assured, and kept the pace of the workshop moving. He related very well to the students and the feedback afterwards from them was most encouraging. I have no hesitation in recommending him to other schools and/or librarians.’

Hilary McKenzie, Librarian, The Cardinal Wiseman School

‘John worked with groups of our Year 8 students. It was an extremely exciting experience for them. The sessions were workshop based, giving each student responsibility whilst working as a team. The sessions were lively, each was different and the students were excited with the book they had produced at the finish. John was very adept at dealing with the mixture of students he was given. He could talk to them and get the response needed. His instructions and explanations were clear. >From the time I contacted him to the time he left us, he was always amenable, worked well with us at school as part of the team and he adapted his workshop to our time schedules. I would recommend any school/colleague to have him work with them.’

Josephine Stanley, Independent Learning Centre Manager, Bexhill High School

 

Booking Information

Home: Cheshire   Travels to: Anywhere   Prices: Full day - £340 + travel expenses/ accommodation expenses as necessary + VAT   Click here to book