We have an extraordinarily strong line up of speakers and workshop leaders for our Reading Spree. More may be added but so far the list includes;

Darren Chetty (@rapclassroom)

Darren is a teacher and academic. He contributed a thought provoking chapter to the highly successful ‘The Good Immigrant’. He has lots to say on the subject of representation of black and minority ethnicity characters in fiction. You can read his blog here.

Martin Galway (@GalwayMr)

Martin is a well known book lover and a literacy advisor. He is held in high regard for his attention to detail and his expertise in teaching grammar through reading of high quality texts. We’re letting him off the leash to speak on something close to his heart. There may be tears. Martin contributes to the Herts for Learning English blogs and newsletters . You can see some of his work here.

Mini Grey

Mini is the author and illustrator of a whole host of brilliant, quirky, thought provoking picturebooks including the all time classic ‘Traction Man’. Mini’s books often question or gently poke fun at stereotypes and preconceptions. You can find out more about Mini and her books here.

 

 

 

 

Chris Smith (@chrissts1)

Chris is an Oxford based storyteller, musician, trainer and founding member of Storytelling Schools. Chris has worked in schools, universities, museums and prisons using the power of story to improve education and to change lives. There’s lots more to find out at www.storytellingschools.com

Simon Smith (@smithsmn)

Simon spent some years as a literacy consultant but now works as a Head Teacher in Whitby. He has an infectious passion for children’s literature which runs from picturebooks to Young Adult Literature. Simon’s blog is thoughtful, entertaining and frequently moving.

 

Mat Tobin (@Mat_at_Brookes)

Mat teaches at Oxford Brooke’s University. He is involved in ITT as well the Early Childhood Studies programme and the PGcert/MA programme. Mat has a dizzying array of research interests including landscape in the work of Alan Garner, depictions of fatherhood in picturebooks, vernacular architecture as a window into representation in children literature and Reading for Pleasure. Mat’s blog is a treasure trove of thoughts, reviews and interviews around children’s literature.

SF Said (@whatSFSaid)

SF is the author of Varjak Paw and Phoenix, he is currently working on Tyger which we hope will see the light of day before too many more months have passed. SF is a passionate advocate for children’s reading and for school libraries. Unlike some chilren’s authors, SF is never afraid to say what he thinks – ask him a question and you’ll get an answer! Check out his many blogs at SF Said

Jules Pottle (@MrSpottle)

When it comes to using storytelling to deliver targetted learning Jules is the one to watch. She has collaborated with Chris Smith of Stroytelling Schools on ‘Teaching Science through Storytelling, and Teaching History through Storytelling – two indispensible volumnes of brilliant stories and brillaint ideas. Jules continues to teach regularly ensuring her ideas and training has real authority.