Schools

Here are examples of some schools, I have attended. I visit and give author talks throughout England and Wales with Authors Abroad.

For teachers;  I hold a C.R.B. check. I take assembly presentations and workshops: For assemblies I take from Years 3 to 6, (7yrs to 11 yrs) but I can also add Year 2 if required. My books are reading age 8+ (KeyStage 2 up). So workshops are for (KeyStage 2 - 3) which is Years 3 up.

The Talk - is approximately an hour.

1. I begin with talking about myself and how I started on the road to my writing career.
2. I integrate my short stories and the books I have written into the discussion.  I also play act one of my short stories, 'in which I chase an ice-cube' and is an hilarious part of my session. Children seem to enjoy an anamated production.
3. There is a Q&A session where students can ask me anything about writing and I can spend time answering and give them a chance to relay why they picked that question.
4. I explain how I begin writing a book, exploring narrative adding characters and dialogue. I also relate how I develop a character and come up with character and place names.
5. I read a chapter from one of my books and afterwards I do a booksigning and sell the books to the children (normally the school buy copies too) and that finishes the talk.  

Workshops - are an hour a session. 

To 'break the ice,' it starts with a quiz I've developed, that the children enjoy.  I have ten titles on cards that they have to identify and answer as quickly as possible on author's and book titles (a quick-fire round) which the children really have fun with, trying to answer first. 

HOTSPOT - is a fun way in which I get more indepth, explaining and exploring; Narrative, description, dialogue and pace. The children join in by giving me; characters names, places and so forth in a fun 'throw and catch,' type of game. I also do a,'Minds Eye,' sketch. I ask questions in the session and drop in a bit of humour to keep the interest. At the end of the workshop, I read a short story I've written especially for the workshop or I can read an excerpt from one of my books. The session normally ends with me signing and selling my books.     
 

Contact me for details on fees and expenses.

I'm involved with 'Author's Abroad,' and I also give talks in libraries, writing circles and institutes. I am part of the 'Writers on Tour,' scheme with Literature Wales.    

We thoroughly enjoyed the informative and entertaining assembly and workshop you gave. The assembly was both funny and exciting and really captured the pupils' imagination. It was a real roller coaster ride through the Wizards' Kingdom trilogy with a sharp turn into The Curious World of Shelley Vendor and short visits to Katie Hinge and Crank Tech One. Every pupil was inspired and engaged in you every word.
The Year 6 workshop was a perfect follow-up. They benefited from the in-depth discussion on writing fiction and interactive, thought provoking short story you read.
I know that the pupils have been influenced by your visit and your books we have in our library are evidently popular with them all.
Thanks once again.
Mr Kyle Winter (English Teacher) at Bryncethin Primary School.

Colin R Parsons has made several visits to our school, since becoming an author, and has always been a source of inspiration to our pupils. His stories are captivating and the characters are appealing to children across the Primary age range. His animated presentations are a popular addition to our literacy provision, and have been invaluable in explaining and engaging pupils in the writing process. We are grateful for the input he has given to our school and look forward to working with him again.
Alison Hall, (English Teacher) Williamstown Primary School.

Thank you so much for an invaluable visit to our school yesterday. The children were enthralled and gained a tremendous amount from the experience. The level at which the presentation and workshops were pitched (Keystage 2) was just right and the children were extremely impressed with meeting a 'real' author. It has been inspirational and we will recommend your visits to other schools.

Mrs Elizabeth Wheeler, (English Teacher) Llanilltud Faerdref Primary School 

Thank you so much for visiting our school and capturing our pupils’ imaginations.Colin came to our school as part of our library project – children are now queuing up to have opportunity to read his fabulous books! The pupils loved Colin’s fun filled presentation and our children were inspired to actively create their own characters and stories. In fact our writer’s club has been inundated with children wanting to sign up! Colin was not only entertaining but incredibly informative.Thank you so much Colin for giving our pupils a wonderful experience.

Mrs Melanie Miller (English Coordinator) Ystruth Primary School