Author School Visits

The demand for Jasper Cooper’s presentations has resulted in over 90 school visits, both primary and secondary, over the past few years. His growing reputation means that he is now highly recommended by teachers and has recently been the guest key speaker at a Kent Literacy Conference for 120 teachers. This involved a presentation and workshops on creativity.

“Visiting a school is a delight for me,” Jasper said, “I love talking about my writing and artwork, and enjoy the enthusiasm of the children. It is great to have the opportunity to creatively inspire them with their reading and writing.”

Having gained a degree in art, Jasper enjoys illustrating his own books. He also created the cover for Candara’s Gift with his son. The combination of being a writer and illustrator enriches his presentation for the children to gain inspiration and enjoyment

Jasper’s Presentation

His presentation lasts about one hour and is rich with interesting features, from video clips on the interactive whiteboard to the demonstration of the takeoff and landing of an albatross!

He describes the very unusual story of how he came to be an author. He also reads from his book and discusses his creative methods of working.

Jasper does all his own artwork for his books, so he can show some of his original artwork and demostrate how this ties in with the whole creative process.

He taught for many years and this experience makes him very comfortable in schools.

Jasper’s aim is to interest the children and inspire them to read and write.

Schools are constantly giving positive feedback about the infectious buzz that is created by Jasper’s visits. His book sales are always exceptionally good and there have been many cases of reluctant readers taking to reading following Jasper’s visit.

Some examples of feedback from a few schools

“Just wanted to say thank you for yesterday. The talk really had a major impact… in fact one pupil came in this morning and produced a book he is now writing complete with a map of his imaginary land!”

Dominic McBride, Headteacher, St. Thomas’ Catholic Primary School , Canterbury.

“Thank you so much for coming in to school today. The children were absolutely brimming with enthusiasm about your book and I know many will be looking out for you and your work in the years ahead!

Lynne, Sarah and the head were all also full of praise and said how good the morning had been. I know there is now quite a sizeable list of children requesting a book…”

Veronica Tutthill, St, Joseph’s RC Primary School, Aylesham, Kent.

“…today has been delightful. So many children have had your book tucked under their arm or their nose stuck into it.

Lots of children have been to see me telling how much they are enjoying the book, or how they got into trouble last night because they were still reading when their parents went to bed!! A true success!!

You have inspired them! For this I can’t thank you enough. For you there can be no higher compliment… your audience are happy!”

Hayley Liddon, Head of English, St.George’s CE Middle School, Sheerness, Kent.

“Jasper’s visual presentation was a particular highlight and the children were enthralled when he displayed his illustrations and maps on the large screen.

When Jasper showed us his original artwork the children really felt they were becoming part of the magic!

I would thoroughly recommend a visit by Jasper – he has the insight and knowledge to be able to inspire even the most reluctant of readers and writers!”

Erin Moon  Key Stage 2 Co-ordinater, Chartham Primary School, Chartham, Kent.

Organising A School Visit

Jasper will help in every way he can to make the visit be a success. He will provide the following:

• Poster and bookmarks for advertising the visit.
• Information about his presentation.
• A document about preparing the children for his visit with ideas that could be used, including a quiz worksheet & others
• A document about arrangements on the day.
• Details of a creative writing competition just for students of the school.
• Signing and selling books on the day.
• An article, with photos and video about the visit on my website. The school can post this on their website too, or make a link.

Talks For Adults

Jasper gives inspirational talks to adults, adapting the content to suit the audience.

He has given very successful talks on the theme of Creativity and Writing, illustrating them with examples from his own experience. He includes some input on the creativity in other arts – music, sport, painting – which show common features. His aim is to help the understanding of the creative force, how it happens and how it may be brought into practical use. Some have found it an inspiration to their own writing.

If you are interested please contact Jasper and he will discuss the type of talk you need.

Other Events Jasper Can Be Booked For

Speaking at Literacy Courses for Teachers

Literary Festivals

Prizegivings

Arranging A Visit

To arrange a visit, you can contact Jasper by email at:

Jasper will always be glad to fit in a visit if he is available, even if you only notify him at short notice. So if you are in urgent need for an author visit, please do contact Jasper.

Jasper is happy to travel anywhere in the UK and also abroad.

Fees

Jasper’s fees are at the scale currently approved by the Society of Authors.