For the last few weeks Richard III has been escorting me into local schools. I've been mainly talking to Year 4 and 5 classes (ages 9 to 11). My publisher, Lynn Moore from The Reading Shop has been coming with me too. We have an excellent partnership. I talk about The Children's Book of Richard III and she sells it.
Every school is different. Some have the children waiting in rows with pre-prepared questions. Others just slot me into their busy schedule.
Every class of children is different too. They each want to know about different aspects of the book. Today's children were really fascinated by the Princes in the Tower. Last week the children were more interested in the fact that Richard's body had been found beneath a Leicester City car park. The week before, I was quizzed about how I'd written the book and how it had been produced.
The children's questions are fascinating and funny in equal measure. Last week I was asked if I remember when Richard III was alive! The teacher assured me she would do some more work on maths awareness. This week I was asked if I personally believed Richard III to be a good or a bad King. Good question. I sat on the fence, as I have done in the book, but then admitted that, because I'd spent so much time writing about him, I had become really fond of him and was prepared to believe that all the bad press had come from Henry VII and the Tudors.
This was me this afternoon at a small village school just outside Leicester:
I'm pleased to say that the children do have one thing in common, they all want to buy a book.
If you'd like to buy a copy then please visit The Reading Shop website or if you're in the Leicester area then why not pop into the shop and support a local children's independent bookshop. It's on The Parade in Oadby.
excellent picture and I"m sure your enthusiasm for your subject shines through to the kids. That's a great age and you never know what will stick with them. Some may pursue history, others may write their own books, etc. Very fun and I"m sure it makes for good conversation later over tea with Mr. A.
ReplyDeleteIt would be good to think that my visit makes them think about becoming a writer... or even a historian!
DeleteI just loved working with children! They always come out with the unexpected and funny. (It's the one thing I miss about working - spending loads of time with children. Grandchildren are fab, of course, but have busy lives.)
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Jo, but grandchildren are even more special and very precious.
DeleteHello Rosalind! That is great that you are getting into schools and presenting some interesting history to these young children. Found under a car park - now that will get attention!
ReplyDeleteDuncan In Kuantan
It is quite an amazing thing to have happened and Leicester is buzzing with it but then I bet your parents have told you all about it!
DeleteI just love talking to children! I was a youth worker for many years with kids aged 12 to 20 and also ran a fortnight's play club for 5-12s so I got lots of practice! Lovely photo of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lizy, it is very special talking with children.
DeleteAren't children a great audience? I'm sure they will always remember this piece of history from your talk. My granddaughter recently offered my services to teach a lesson and the interest, enthusiasm and questions were amazing.
ReplyDeleteFascinating. What was the subject of your lesson?
DeleteNature - seeds and how they are sown/dispersed with visuals of seeds and what they turn into. Bit of a change from my usual subjects and age range; French and Business Studies to high school!
DeleteThe play they were doing at this primary school was Richard III and my nephew took the role.
Hi Ros - so pleased your visits are giving you so much pleasure. I'm delighted to have your book down here and have read it through once - but need to repeat the read .. and educate myself. Having said that I do hope at some stage to get to Leicester to see the Exhibition and Museum ... I imagine next year at the Service for his re-burial .. will be an incredible event.
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary