Author Visits
If you would like to invite me to your school or college for a day of workshops that will inspire children to read, write, draw, act and talk about their own stories, please write to me here.
My visits are fun, inclusive, engaging and educational. I have many years experience of working with all age groups and abilities. I'm also happy to deliver virtual workshops and visits if required.
Inspiring a love of reading, writing and storytelling
As someone who struggled at school with reading and spelling (I later found out that I am dyslexic), it was picture books and comics that helped inspire me to read for pleasure. I would like to think that my visits encourage children to find their own way into the wonderful world of books and stories.
Not a typical school day...
I like to start my visits with an assembly where I perform my stories using live drawing and audience participation. I find that It's a great way to introduce myself and my work to the children and get them excited about develping their own stories later in the day. This would take the form of any number of writing, illustration or multidisciplinary workshops in the classroom, combining writing, drawing and discussion. Both the assemblies and workshops can be tailored for different key stages and year groups.
What teachers say about my visits
“The children were enthralled right from the start. Thomas read his books with engaging props and brought them alive to the children. The workshops enabled every child to get involved and understand the creative process of story writing. We will definitely have him back!”
Colin Thompson, Head Teacher, Broomhill Junior School, Bristol.
“The whole school benefitted from the visit. The presentations were very entertaining and interactive and the workshops were fun and inspiring. For days after the visit the library was full of children drawing their own pictures. The visit also encouraged children in the junior school to look again at the picture books and graphic novels in the library.”
Hannah Sackett, School Librarian, St Martin's Garden Primary School, Bath.
"Thomas’s input was fantastic and he had an impact over pupil's enthusiasm and learning across the whole school. Both his Key Stage One and Two assemblies were dynamic with excellent use of resources and pupil participation. He also did two workshops for our Year Six classes on writing. The class teachers were impressed by his energy and passion for inspiring young writers. We would recommend Thomas Docherty to other schools and would definitely invite him back ourselves."
Teresa Fuller, Reading Coordinator, Cheddar Grove Primary School, Bristol.
