‘Highly engaging sessions... We all learned a lot not only from the very well explained materials and enjoyable story games but also from Rob’s imaginative presentation skills and sheer enthusiasm for his subject.’ Heather Davis, Head Teacher.

‘Rob’s ideas for developing natural storytelling skills through fun games and focused imagination should be much better known – because they actually work very well with children of all abilities.’ Jennifer Williams, Advisory teacher.

Well known for his lively performances and workshops for children in schools, Rob Parkinson also has well over 2 decades experience in presenting to audiences of teachers and leading teachers’ and assistants’ workshops. His work shows not only the immense possibilities of the storytelling art itself but also the many ways in which pupil’s own oral storytelling and imagining abilities can and should be taken seriously. It includes highly practical techniques for linking speaking and listening work with writing and developing controlled, focused imagination.

‘Teachers from all the schools had a great time and were very impressed... We got a tremendous amount out of it.’ Jason Simms, Literacy Co-ordinator, St Michael’s School, Welling South East London.

All good teaching starts from what we do naturally. Telling fibs, making excuses and day dreaming may seem negative traits, but are expressions of the same faculties for narrative and imagination that lead to the creation of great novels and films. By drawing on and developing what children do naturally through fun story games used in an intelligent and considered framework, abilities to speak and listen are encouraged and stretched, whilst written story making skills are given an huge boost.

Ideally a full day course with 4 sessions, this inspiring course has also been presented in shortened form in a half day with 2 x one-hour sessions. A stimulating and entertaining 1-hour talk covering the essentials of the approach is also available.

Full description with learning targets and typical 4-session outline read or download

Fees for presentations Read or download

The ability to fascinate and enchant pupils with a suitable tale is hugely useful in itself. But storytelling is also imaginative communication at its best and all teaching involves elements of it. Even teachers who would not immediately associate what they do with telling tales can learn how to be better and more effective communicators through learning the art and craft of storytelling.

In this flexible workshop, participants can learn • to understand and use their own and pupils’ natural story skills • how to use verbal and non-verbal language in storytelling • techniques of pacing stories and engaging young audiences • what the skills of a good storyteller are • skills of developing, elaborating and changing plots • skills of adapting to suit different audiences and ages • how to play and use story games • how stories communicate and improve all communication • how to develop storytelling confidence • how to develop a repertoire of stories

Ideally a 4-session full day course, effective half-day courses are also possible. Single hour talks cover some of the territory and introduce some of the skills. The course is adaptable for parents and others.

Full course description and outline read or download

Imagination may be a natural skill, but it needs understanding, directing and developing. In recent times, children have been effectively taught to plan, to set aims and to carry out intentional tasks, but not to imagine in focused and controlled ways. This short talk/workshop draws on techniques used in advanced learning, therapy and even hypnosis, creatively applying all of them in practically effective ways that work in the classroom.