We all wanted it to go on longer! Come again, Meg!
Solihull Gifted and Talented Cluster

Meg is a qualified English and Drama teacher so can provide a variety of events, ranging from traditional author visits to innovative creative writing and drama workshops. She can design workshops to suit teachers’ and pupils’ particular needs. She especially enjoys using her own writing as a springboard for drama which can lead to creative writing. Her writing is most suited to children aged 6-14 but she is happy to work with any age group and any group size. For inter-active workshops, however, she would recommend group sizes of no more than 30. She can also provide assemblies and inset training if required.

Earlier this year, she achieved distinction in her MA in Theatre and Drama Education and has a special interest in creating workshops for Heritage venues. Examples of successful recent projects include Write Here and Now for Warwickshire Museums and Libraries, in which groups of gifted and talented pupils wrote for publication a story based on four heritage venues; ‘Pictures tell Stories’, a creative writing workshop based at Compton Verney Art Gallery, and ‘Getting it Gorgeous’, an editing and re-drafting workshop for Solihull Gifted and Talented Cluster.

What they say about Meg’s workshops:

Helen Price, Senior Team Leader, Children, Young People and Family Learning,Stratford-upon-Avon Library
Meg Harper is very good at engaging with both children and adults. She quickly builds up a rapport with those she works with, drawing out their creativeness. Meg is able to spark ideas in others and encourage the use of the imagination. She radiates a genuine interest and enthusiasm for writing which is infectious.

SJ Hamman, class teacher: Cropredy C of E Primary, Oxfordshire  
I would recommend any school to use her presentations to supplement many strands of the National Curriculum

St. Anthony’s R.C. Primary, Leamington Spa
The drama was great. The children were enthused and bubbling with excitement. They talked about the characters in the book and remembered them weeks later.

  Heather Butler, NAWE mentor, primary teacher, writer and creative writing tutor: Amersham, Bucks
Meg's creative workshops develop drama, story writing and listening skills. A teacher for over fifteen years, Meg's rapport with the children is warm and dynamic. A wonderful way to interact with a writer. The children produced excellent work. I have no hesitation in recommending Meg.

Current Talks (PDF)

Being a writer – how it REALLY is!
In this entertaining and inter-active talk (which can last up to an hour but is shortened to half an hour for the younger audiences), Meg shares a few tricks of the trade and reveals details of the process of creating a book.

Princess Amelia
A half-hour special for 3-6 year olds. Meg shares her story about Princess Amelia with members of her audience, who use simple props and items of costume to help her tell the story. Meg also shares some simple information about how a writer works and a book is made. This talk can be adapted for school assemblies.

Current Workshops (PDF)

Getting it Gorgeous
Particularly suitable for age 9+, this 3 hour inter-active workshop focuses on re-drafting and editing. Participants need to have a previously written piece of prose which they wish to improve.

A Bundle of Laughs
Suitable for age 7+, this 2-3 hour inter-active workshop utilises children’s own experience to create funny short stories. Uses Meg’s own stories as a starting point.

It’s for real!
Suitable for age 7+, this 2-3 hour inter-active workshop focuses on writing realism. No horror, no Harry Potter, no swords and sorcery allowed! Uses Meg’s own stories as a starting point.

How to stop your teacher from sleeping!
This inter-active workshop for upper KS2 lasts from 1-2 hours and focuses on simple techniques for building suspense.

Argue, argue, argue!
Using a simple dramatic approach, Meg suggests a lively way of tackling argumentative writing. This workshop lasts about an hour and is most suitable for upper KS2.

WANT TO BOOK A TALK OR WORKSHOP?
It’s best to phone Meg to discuss your requirements as e-mail can be unreliable although you can e-mail her from this web-site if you prefer.
Tel: 01926 403424
Before phoning, make sure you have read Meg’s Current Talks and Workshops to see if any suit you or if you would prefer to commission something new. Likewise, to avoid any embarrassment, look at Meg’s fees! Meg doesn’t work for free except in very exceptional circumstances!
Fees