Author Visits, School Workshops
and Wellbeing Sessions
Curriculum-aligned author workshops in Scotland and across the UK, supporting literacy, wellbeing, and self-belief
I work with primary schools, libraries, and educational groups to deliver engaging author visits and interactive workshops that support both literacy and wellbeing.
Each session is designed to help children build confidence, express themselves more openly, and develop a stronger sense of self-belief through story-led learning.
Rooted in my S.E.C.R.E.T. Framework®, these workshops combine storytelling with simple, practical tools that support emotional awareness, resilience, and positive relationships. Schools often see a noticeable impact in pupil engagement, participation, and the confidence children bring back into the classroom following a visit.
All workshops and teaching resources are designed to align with the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Health and Wellbeing experiences and outcomes, supporting key areas such as emotional literacy, self-awareness, resilience, and communication skills. Sessions can be tailored for whole-school assemblies, class groups, or targeted year groups, depending on your school’s needs.
Whether you are looking to enrich your literacy programme, support pupil wellbeing, or create an inspiring
author experience, each visit is designed to complement your existing curriculum while leaving a lasting, meaningful impact.
Images used permission of parents/guardians of children in each photo.With many thanks.
You are enough and everything all at once.
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Author Workshops and School Visits That Build Confidence and Wellbeing
Interactive, curriculum-aligned workshops for schools, libraries, and children’s groups across Scotland and the UK
I deliver author workshops and school visits designed to create a lasting impact on children’s confidence, wellbeing, and engagement with learning. These sessions go beyond a one-off experience, giving children simple, practical ways to express themselves, understand their emotions, and build a stronger sense of self-belief.
Through story-led learning, guided discussion, and age-appropriate activities, children are encouraged to think differently about challenges, develop positive relationships, and feel more confident sharing their ideas. The focus is not just on enjoyment in the moment, but on what children take back into the classroom, the playground, and their everyday interactions.
My workshops are rooted in my S.E.C.R.E.T. Framework® and are designed to align with Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Health and Wellbeing outcomes, supporting emotional literacy, resilience, communication, and teamwork. Each session is carefully adapted to suit the age group, setting, and priorities of your school, library, or organisation.
The result is a meaningful, engaging experience that supports both literacy and wellbeing, while helping every child feel seen, capable, and ready to take part.
Dreaming Big Workshop for Early Years (Ages 3–5)
A story-led workshop that builds confidence, creativity, and early growth mindset in young children
This engaging Early Years workshop is designed to help young children begin to believe in themselves, explore their ideas, and understand that learning comes from trying, practising, and not giving up. Through interactive storytelling, movement, and creative activities, children are introduced to the foundations of a growth mindset in a way that feels simple, fun, and accessible.
This engaging Early Years workshop is designed to help young children begin to believe in themselves, explore their ideas, and understand that learning comes from trying, practising, and not giving up. Through interactive storytelling, movement, and creative activities, children are introduced to the foundations of a growth mindset in a way that feels simple, fun, and accessible.
Using story-led discussion and imaginative role-play, children explore what it means to have a “big dream” and how even the biggest ideas start with small steps. Movement activities and creative drawing encourage children to express their thoughts, build confidence in sharing their ideas, and see themselves as capable learners.
Throughout the session, children are gently introduced to key concepts such as perseverance, learning from mistakes, and believing that they can improve with effort. These ideas are reinforced through simple, repeatable language and group affirmations that children can take back into the classroom and everyday life. This workshop is particularly valuable for children developing confidence, reluctant to try new things, or needing support in believing in their own abilities.
Aligned with Early Years learning goals and Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Health and Wellbeing outcomes, this workshop supports confidence, communication, creativity, and a positive attitude towards learning from an early age.
Friendship and Teamwork Workshop for Primary Schools
(Ages 5-7)
A story-led wellbeing workshop that builds empathy, cooperation, and positive relationships in young children
This highly engaging author workshop uses my book Mousey Mornings to help children understand what makes a strong, kind, and balanced friendship. Designed for Early Years and Primary settings, the session supports children in recognising emotions, considering the feelings of others, and learning how to work together more positively.
Through guided storytelling, discussion, and interactive group activities, children explore real-life scenarios such as sharing responsibility, noticing when someone needs help, and understanding how their actions affect others. Concepts like fairness, teamwork, and kindness are brought to life in a way that is simple, memorable, and immediately relevant to the classroom and playground.
Children leave with clear, practical language and actions they can use every day, from offering help and saying thank you, to working together and resolving small conflicts more calmly. Teachers often find this workshop supports improved cooperation, stronger peer relationships, and more thoughtful communication between pupils. This workshop is particularly effective for classes needing support with friendship dynamics, cooperation, or low-level behaviour challenges.
Aligned with Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Health and Wellbeing outcomes, this session supports emotional literacy, social development, and positive behaviour in a meaningful and lasting way.
Book Review and Creative Writing Workshop (Half-Day) for Primary (Ages 7–10)
A literacy workshop that develops confident readers, writers, and independent thinkers
This half-day literacy workshop gives children the time and space to fully explore, understand, and respond to a text in a meaningful way. Designed for upper primary pupils, the session moves beyond a one-off activity to develop real confidence in reading, writing, and expressing ideas clearly.
Children begin by exploring how a book is created, gaining insight into the role of both the author and illustrator. Through shared reading and structured discussion, they learn to analyse what makes a story engaging, how design influences their choices, and how to form thoughtful, independent opinions about what they read.
With extended time to apply their learning, pupils then create their own written book reviews and redesign a front cover, developing both analytical and creative skills. This deeper approach allows children to reflect, refine their ideas, and build confidence in articulating their thoughts, both verbally and in writing. Ideal for classes focusing on developing writing confidence, comprehension, and pupil voice.
By the end of the session, children are not only more engaged readers, but more confident communicators, able to express their opinions with clarity and purpose. Aligned with Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Literacy outcomes, this workshop supports reading, writing, listening, and talking, while encouraging critical thinking and a more meaningful connection with books.
Becoming an Author: Creative Writing Workshop and Programme (Ages 10–14 / P7–S3)
A structured writing workshop and in-school programme that builds confidence, creativity, and real storytelling skills
This creative writing workshop and extended programme is designed to help pupils see themselves as writers, develop their ideas with confidence, and understand how stories are built from start to finish. Suitable for upper primary and secondary pupils, the session introduces the full writing process, from first idea through to developing characters, structure, and story.
Using a clear, step-by-step framework, pupils explore how ideas become stories, how characters are developed, and how challenges and emotions shape engaging narratives. The focus is not on perfection, but on helping pupils begin, build confidence in their ideas, and develop the resilience to keep going.
Supported by a structured workbook, pupils move through key stages of storytelling including character creation, setting, problem-solving, emotional depth, and story development. This gives them a practical tool they can continue using beyond the session, supporting both classroom learning and independent writing. Ideal for schools developing writing confidence, pupil voice, and creative expression across upper primary and early secondary.
Aligned with Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Literacy outcomes, this workshop supports writing, creativity, communication, and confidence, while helping pupils develop a stronger sense of voice and ownership over their work.
Delivery Options
Option 1: Two-Hour Workshop + Classroom Resource
A focused, high-impact session introducing the full writing process, supported by a follow-up workbook for teachers to use in the classroom.
Pupils leave with a clear understanding of how to develop a story, while teachers gain a structured resource to continue the learning independently.
Option 2: Half-Day or Full-Day Workshop Experience
A deeper, immersive experience combining an engaging assembly-style session with smaller group classroom workshops.
Each pupil receives their own workbook, and we work through key sections together, allowing time for discussion, idea development, and supported writing. This extended format allows pupils to build confidence and begin shaping their own stories during the session.
Option 3: In-School Writing Programme
A structured 5–7 week programme delivered in school, designed to support pupils in developing their own story from idea to completion.
Working together over a series of sessions, pupils build characters, develop plots, explore emotion, and write their own original pieces using the workbook as a guide. This format allows for deeper learning, greater confidence, and meaningful progress over time.
Where appropriate, (at and additional fee) completed pupil work can be developed into a printed class book as a lasting outcome, giving children the opportunity to see their ideas brought to life and celebrated.
Library Workshops That Inspire Reading, Increase Borrowing, and Bring Your Space to Life
Interactive, story-led workshops for public and school libraries that encourage exploration, independence, and a love of books
These interactive library workshops are designed to help children connect with books in a meaningful, memorable way while actively encouraging borrowing, exploration, and return visits. Suitable for both public libraries and school library settings, each session transforms the library into a space children feel confident to explore, choose from, and return to.
Through immersive storytelling, guided activities, and hands-on exploration, children are encouraged to move beyond simply listening to a story and instead engage with the library itself. Activities such as themed book hunts, creative challenges, and group discussion support independent book choice, helping children feel confident selecting and borrowing books for themselves.
Workshops are carefully structured to support key outcomes for libraries, including increased borrowing, improved engagement with the space, and encouragement of library membership where applicable. Sessions also create a natural opportunity for families and pupils to build positive reading habits, both within the library and beyond. Designed to support National and Local Reading initiatives, including the Year of Reading.
From Mousey’s Magical Library Kitchen (ages 3–5) to Open the Secret Door: A Fairy Woods Reading Adventure (ages 5–8), each workshop is tailored to the age group and setting, while supporting national reading initiatives and encouraging a lifelong connection with books.
All workshops can be adjusted to suit your requirements, so please contact me if you are interested in a specific workshop for a certain class or age-range,
'It encouraged the children to start thinking about their dreams. Children discussed their dreams with their classmates and loved sharing at the end.'
[Leslie Primary School, Fife]
'Absolutely! The whole workshop was valuable. We have previously discussed growth mindset in class but his session definitely helped to reinforce that anything is possible and helped the children think about dreaming big.'
[Markinch Primary School, Fife]
'For our youngest children, they were really excited about hearing a story. The focus was more on the magical and imaginative aspects. Yes. I would recommend your workshop to other schools.'
[Carnock Primary School, Fife]
Imagination is the superpower that makes everything possible.
Teacher Resources
These classroom-ready resources are designed to support the Curriculum for Excellence Health & Wellbeing outcomes by making resilience, confidence, and emotional literacy part of daily learning.
The S.E.C.R.E.T. Classroom Collection is designed to bring wellbeing, confidence, and creativity into everyday learning. From printable activities like the Bravery Shield and Dream Map, to reflective tools such as the Confidence & Wellbeing Journal and Encouragement packs, each resource helps children explore self-belief, resilience, empathy, and trust through play and discussion. Rooted in the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Health and Wellbeing outcomes, these materials make it simple for teachers to link literacy, emotional awareness, and personal development across the curriculum. Every pack offers practical, inspiring ways to nurture thriving, connected learners — one gentle, meaningful step at a time.
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Confidence & Wellbeing Journal for the Classroom
A guided journal to help pupils build self-belief, emotional awareness, and everyday resilience.
The Confidence & Wellbeing Journal (Class Edition) is a practical, curriculum-aligned resource designed to nurture confident, reflective learners. Through simple prompts, positive affirmations, and creative activities, pupils are encouraged to notice their strengths, explore emotions, and celebrate small wins. Ideal for whole-class wellbeing, circle time, or quiet reflection moments, this journal supports Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Health and Wellbeing outcomes by helping children grow in self-awareness, empathy, and optimism — one page at a time.
"This is a wonderful resource that educators will find really useful. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought and care into it. Your resource is going to be invaluable for a) helping kids first become aware of what’s happening in their life and how they feel about it, and then b) supporting them to figure out how they can help themselves (and identify and ask others for help) when they find things tough or tricky. That is SO important."
(HJ. Retired Teacher)
"The format which is simple and clear.
Child friendly, very clear and easy to use for teachers."
(J.C. Teacher)
Helping children stand taller, dream bigger,
and believe in their own magic.
Award-Winning Children’s Books for Schools
Stories that nurture wellbeing, confidence, and positive relationships — perfect for classroom learning.
My three award-winning picture books — Mousey Mornings, Felix’s Favourite Day, and Franco and the Green Light Fairy — are available for schools to purchase and use in the classroom. Each story encourages children to explore themes of teamwork, friendship, resilience, imagination, and positive thinking. With gentle lessons woven through engaging tales, these books provide a meaningful way for teachers to spark discussion, build self-belief, and nurture emotional literacy in pupils.