Schools/Family/Children
Eels and Ladders Educational Packs
This fabulous game is a free printed out illustrated game suitable for old and young to explore the migratory journey of the European eel. Created with funding from Love the Broads and Broads Trust, commissioned by the Broads Authority. Comes with accompanying colouring in sheets, a phonics friendly version of The Last Eel on Earth, my Arts Council England supported poem. Suitable for all the year round exploration of the European eel, plus also for any World Eel Day celebrations (happening on the third Friday of May each year). Contact me on ruthie@ruthiecollins.co.uk to discuss how best to receive a copy.
Natural Wonder Character Trail
Commissioned by the Broads Authority, this is an outdoor trail that is suitable for nature reserves, school grounds, parks and natural spaces featuring twenty characters in my Natural Wonder poetry series (funded by Arts Council England). The trail best suits giving readings from the book with children either at home, outside or in class and have been designed to inspire passion and excitement for nature and language! Each wooden disc is beautifully illustrated and comes with a word to identify biodiversity you will find in the natural world, with a sprinkling of heritage – from Boudica, to bat, stars, wildflower, owl, tree and many more!
The trail is free to groups and schools, but some travel costs may be needed to cover delivery. Please email ruthie@ruthiecollins.co.uk if you would like to use the trail.
RAIN Umbrella Restorative Ecology Resources for Secondary Schools
In 2021/2022 I was commissioned to co-author with a London based Secondary School teacher, cross curricula educational resources to support RAIN Umbrella, who work to restore degraded land in the Amazon.
They include a mix of science, arts and literacy resources with curriculum links, along with lesson plans exploring water, trees, pollinators and soil, with plenty of case studies and links to RAIN Umbrella’s work in the Amazon.
Access the resources through RAIN’s work here.
Podcast on Inspiring Children to Write
This podcast was recorded by National Centre for Writing to capture Yarmouth Mysteries a residency funded by Arts Council England in 2018 which helped me pilot ways to make literature accessible in communities using museum collections, heritage, objects, participatory arts and socially engaged methods. Listen here.
Story Writing Resources
Use these free resources to get you writing your own stories! Note that Yarmouth Mysteries, a book full of stories written by children, is now available to borrow in Great Yarmouth Library. These resources helped the children and families get writing – thanks to Arts Council England.
When you have produced a story – you can download the certificate below! Families feel free to make your own mini awards ceremony!
500 printed copies of a fabulous writing poster for children, featuring tips by children to help them write, are available at the National Centre for Writing, too.
Detective Character SheetBritish Library Activity Pack
The British Library’s Learning Department have donated these fantastic packs to share with families. If you’d like a fun mini book literacy project to try, with plenty of play-based activities to inspire story writing – then check these out below.
Mini Book https://www.bl.uk/childrens-books/activities/make-a-miniature-book
Activity Pack https://www.bl.uk/childrens-books/activities/activity-pack