Letter from Caitlin of Greenock.
... we were expecting an old man
who would go on about times tables
and boring maths...
...after five minutes there was water in my eyes
from laughing so much...
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E-mail to "Pongo McWhiffy" of the Murderous Maths books
Hello Pongo,
I think you are cool and I love the pearson who wrote the books that you where
in because he came to Brough primary school today and he made me cry with laughter.
Love Annabelle xxxx
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Asking for volunteers in Maesteg, Wales. (Note the harp and the hidden dragon!)
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From Emily in year 4, Witton Gilbert Primary School, Co Durham.
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"I want to say a massive thank you as it was brilliant this morning, the students (and staff) really enjoyed it and it was really good to raise the profile of maths!"
Cath Jespers, Boston Spa School
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Visit the Murderous Maths site!
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BOOKING ENQUIRIES: Primary Schools
This page follows on from my author appearances page.
Thank you for showing an interest in what I do!
I have been visiting primary and secondary schools since 1998 and I estimate I have spoken to over 100,000 kids. Although I'm glad to do any combination of talks you like, over the past years I've developed what seems to be an ideal "package" for primary schools.
A day is based on my arrival around 10:30 and departure by 15:00. The timetable usually runs as follows:
- The main event is a big maths session (up to 75 mins). Although my primary maths talks are aimed at yrs 5 and 6, a big* primary group going down to yr 3 is great fun. I do quite a few visual things, and even if the younger kids don't follow all the numeracy, they still enjoy the atmosphere. I can do the whole talk working from a flip chart with paper, but if a projector and screen are available for powerpoint, this adds an extra dimension.
- A 20-30 minute talk for yrs 1 and 2 (so they don't feel left out!). I show off a few simple visual tricks for a bit of fun.
- An author talk (up to 45 minutes, usually to year 6, or 5 and 6 together. I suggest a maximum of about 50 kids, maybe in a classroom rather than a hall.) I spend 10-15 mins explaining how I got to be an author and then it's best if kids have pre-prepared questions which I'll answer. This usually leads to a bit of a reading/playacting (e.g. from my URGUM THE AXEMAN novels or magic tricks.
- EITHER: A space talk (30-60 minutes). Suitable for yrs 3-4-5-6. I demonstrate the size of the solar system, how eclipses work, what other planets are like, the danger from asteroids! For this I need a projector and screen for powerpoint.
OR: I could do a second author talk to different kids. It could be years 3 and 4 if I'm already speaking to both years 5 and 6.
- If you're planning sales of my books of course I'd be delighted to sign and meet kids informally.
* There's no limit to the number of kids I can talk to at once providing they can all see the flip chart. If it's to be more than about 150 I may need something to plug a microphone into, although I can usually bring something myself.
PLANNING A DAY
Before I agree to an engagement, I need a rough idea of how you hope to timetable the day, in particular what time you need me to arrive. Please bear these things in mind:
- Unless I'm doing a multi-day trip and staying overnight, I will be travelling from York on the day, probably by rail which means allowing for delays. It helps me if you have looked at National Rail Times to see what's practical and the different fares in the day.
- I don't like spending long periods cluttering up the staffroom - especially if I've had to set off from home very early to reach you - so please plan my time with you efficiently!
WHERE ARE YOU? It is usually only practical for me to visit primary schools that are within 90 minutes travelling time from York. Sadly if you are much further away, I probably won't be able to do the full set of sessions suggested and/or the costs and travelling may be prohibitive. However I do travel some long distances for festivals and bigger commercial events, so if you can be flexible on dates and I find myself in your area, it may be possible to visit you for a big single maths session. Another option to spread costs is to link up with another school in your area, and I could see you both in a day, doing a big maths session in each.
FEES... depend on where you
are and what you want. Please use the link in the next paragraph to contact me, telling me where you are and giving me an idea of what you'd like me to do.
CONTACTING ME
Thank you for taking the trouble to read all this. Please also be aware of the problems regarding CRB forms and visiting authors , and my policies regarding Noise and Disruptive Behaviour which are listed below, but now if you'd like to make an enquiry please use this address:
Boring but necessary...
NOISE My maths sessions tend to be quite noisy, so to minimise disruption
you are FAR better to bring as many suitable classes together for 60 mins,
rather than have me do two smaller sessions. It's also more fun and makes a much
bigger impression on the kids!
REQUIREMENTS These are all detailed on my author appearances page but generally I need:
- Flip chart with paper
- A working p.a. system
- A bottle of still water.
- If available: projector and screen for powerpoint
- STAFF: an adequate number of responsible staff MUST be present at all times.
This is for insurance purposes and if necessary, to deal with any excessive disruption. (see next section)
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR This is very rarely a problem in primary schools, but please be aware of my policy towards it!
I enjoy and encourage a lively atmosphere in my sessions, but sometimes a kid crosses the line between high spirits and disruption. When this happens I will move them away from their mates. No problem.
However if I'm faced with individuals or groups who are repeatedly disruptive, it makes it impossible for anyone else to pay attention to what I'm doing. I do not have the authority or inclination to deal with this. If you know that you have people who are likely to be repeatedly disruptive, either they must be monitored very closely, or better still, excluded from the start. I have visited schools where it seemed acceptable for kids to speak loudly to each other, throw things around the hall or get up and walk around. Quite simply, those schools wasted my time and their money. If this sort of behaviour has become normal in your school then please accept my sympathies, but do NOT book me.
CRB and Enhanced disclosure forms... are all useless. Please read this!
CRB and visiting authors
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CONTACTING ME
Thank you for taking the trouble to read all this. If you'd like to make an enquiry please use this address:
Full details of my sessions and everything else are at my author appearances page