By Bruce Van Patter

FAQ about my brainstorming workshops

The workshop videos!

I know it's hard to book a presentation you haven't seen. That's why I have added video clips of me in action. Below, you'll find short videos that will give a taste of what goes on in my sessions. As you can understand, I can't show kids in any of these clips, but you can hear them interacting with me.

In this first clip, I explain what goes on in the workshop.

Following the first explanation, this is the drawing I did of ths story we invented. I love how the kids interact with the drawing in process. (You can also hear the squeaky swivel chairs the kids were in!)

Finally, as I finish up the drawing, I explain a little of my reasoning behind what goes on in the workshop. Then you can see what the final illustration looks like.
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Frequently asked questions about my story-brainstorming workshops:
What's the focus? We concentrate on creating a story together which I then illustrate.
Featuring:
The Wheel of FictionTM
A fun, random way to get our stories started!
How small are the groups? I have found the best size is 50-60 kids. Some schools put in more kids. The key is that you have enough floor space for the group.
How long are the sessions? 45 minutes works well.
Where do you hold them? Most schools hold the assembly in the cafeteria/multi-purpose room, so the workshops need to be in a secondary location to allow for lunches. Libraries usually have enough floor space, but I leave this up to the school.
How many can you do? I will do up to three workshops plus a short session with kindergarteners if you have morning/afternoon K. (See sample schedules.)
Do the students need to bring anything? No need for pencils and paper. We'll be verbally brainstorming a story.
How much does the day cost?

Find out here.

See some sample schedules of how schools have organized a day of assemblies and workshops. Or go back to my assemblies page.

These are some of the illustrations I've made in workshops. They're all student stories! The class got to keep the drawing to hang up to remind them of their cool ideas. Move your mouse over the drawings to see them bigger. See all my recent school drawings.
A dog who's afraid of cats has to come to Super Cat's rescue!
A passing elephant decides he can be the new rooster on a farm!
Evil rabbits want to stop this snowman from getting an iron carrot for a nose!
A detective has to find the missing carrot. Too bad he's afraid of them!
A girl can get magic paint if she can only paint a tricky wizard's portrait!