School Visits, Workshops and Residencies

I offer presentations and workshops for children and adults, ranging from one-hour talks to half-day workshops to longer residencies in schools. Please contact me if you have any questions not answered by the following information.

School Visits

"From a Doodle to a Book": a 45 to 60 minute presentation for children aged 7 upward on being an illustrator and how I go about illustrating books. With small groups (single classroom) I can show original sketches and artwork from my books as well as lead a short hands on drawing project. For presentations to large groups, the host must be able to provide digital projection equipment and a screen to show Powerpoint presentations, as well as a microphone. Themes I emphasize in my presentations to children: you are somebody, value your ideas, cherish your own stories, keep practicing doing what you love, don't give up your dreams!

"I really liked it because we drawed our own island. And you get to learn how people make books. And you get to meet Teresa. And it's a lot of fun."
Liam, age 8

"Fun, interesting, exciting learning experience, really good."
Primary Class Teacher, Edinburgh

This presentation can also be tailored to adult audiences.

Short Workshops for Children

I offer simple, yet inspiring workshops that excite children about writing and illustrating stories. I have led workshops in schools, art and community centres. (I am certified by Disclosure Scotland to work with children, having successfully undergone an enhanced police background check.)

I can design a half-day (two hours) workshop to dovetail with a particular topic pupils are studying or deliver one of my current workshops, such as:

"Make Your Own Books": Using safe and simple techniques, pupils learn how to make two types of small handmade books. Paper for covers and pages is cut to size in advance, so that children will not need to use sharp tools, other than school scissors for cutting collage elements, if required. For younger primary pupils, any complex paper folding will also be done in advance. Children will only do simple assembly of the pages into a book.

"Here's What Happened Next!": Working with a simple but incomplete story that I provide them, pupils brainstorm their own additions and endings. They then create a series of pictures to illustrate their version of the story.

Short Workshops for Adults

"Make Your Own Books" can be adapted to an adult group. It may be particularly suitable for art clubs or writers' groups who are interested in making artists' books or poetry or short story pamphlets.

Children's Illustration Masterclass: a half or full day workshop covering how to get started as a children's book illustrator, how the publishing industry works, what resources are available to aspiring illustrators, advice for further study and on developing a portfolio.

Residencies

I am available to serve as Artist-in-Residence in schools and can deliver in-depth projects that integrate literacy, writing and expressive art skills for pupils at varied developmental stages and ability levels. I encourage pupils to express themselves creatively through storytelling, working with written words, designing images that integrate with and support the story narrative and completing an original, hand constructed book.

I am eager to work with teachers to design workshops within a residency that support and enhance the curricular themes they are exploring with their classes.

“Teresa was a joy to work with. She was very well organised and her sessions were carefully planned and exciting. She was very skilled at working with the children and inspiring them to achieve a very high standard of work.”
Deputy Head Teacher, Glasgow

General Information

Travel: I am happy to travel to give workshops and make visits. Outside of greater Glasgow, I require any travel and accommodation expenses to be covered by the host. I visit the United States regularly and can make arrangements to visit a school district with plenty of advance planning.

Workshop Materials: Most of the materials required for my short workshops are provided by the school or art centre hosting me. I provide some specialised materials not normally available in schools as part of my fee and I can provide basic materials at an extra cost to the host. I can also provide materials lists for adult workshops, so that those attending can provide their own materials.

Preparation: Children and adults get more out of my workshops and presentations if they know a bit about me and have read any of my books. Please contact me if you would like me to provide any materials before my visit.

Costs: Please contact me with your requirements and I can give you a quote tailored to your needs.

Financial Aid: If you are a school or organisation based in Scotland, you may be able to receive financial support for my visit through the Scottish Book Trust's Live Literature Scotland programme. To learn more, visit Scottish Book Trust and click on "Live Literature Scotland". Please note that this scheme is very popular and applications must be made months ahead. Deadlines are stated in the Application Guidelines.

Further questions? Please contact me.