Satoshi Kitamura Workshop
The Children’s Bookshow allocates four free workshops for schools who attend a related theatre performance.
In this lively and interactive workshop Satoshi Kitamura will use kamishibai storytelling using a wooden toy theatre to tell the children a story through pictures. With lots of interaction and playful games this is a really fun and effective way of drawing the children into the session. Following this the class will look at one of Satoshi’s stories What’s Wrong with my Hair the story of a lion who pays a visit to the barber and has a series of increasingly wild and funny hairstyles. The children will then have the chance to be creative themselves and create their own crazy hairstyles on individual paper masks.
- Suitable for:
- Years 2, 3 and 4
‘The children were all engaged. When they were making the cut-out hair styles they were talking about Lionel the rock star. They thought it was fun and cool, having ‘crazy’ hair. It gave them licence. They love the surreal – they don’t see a difference between fantasy and reality and the idea that you can move into that surreal territory is exciting and enabling – there was no sense of failure for anybody.’
What you need to know
- Length of workshop:
- Approx. 1 hour
- Location of workshop:
- We will come to your school
- Number of children:
- Workshops are for a class of 30 children
- Suitable for:
- Years 2, 3 and 4
Please note, a teacher must be present throughout the workshop
Materials needed
- Flipchart or whiteboard
- Pens and paper for the children
- Coloured pens, crayons and pencils for the children
- Curtains in the room where the workshop is to take place as it is important that the room can be quite dark for the kamishibai theatre.
Book a related theatre performance to be eligible for one of four free workshops
This workshop is allocated to a school attending a specific theatre performance with 30 or more children; visit the performance page to find out more and book:
Are these performances not in your area? See a list of all our events
About Satoshi Kitamura
Born in Tokyo in 1956, from a young age Satoshi Kitamura enjoyed reading comics and illustrated novels. He started his career working in advertising as an artist, and soon made his way to London where he lived for around 30 years. His work includes over 20 of his own books, including the wonderfully imaginative Millie’s Marvellous Hat, and he has contributed as an illustrator to countless more; he often collaborates with the legendary poet John Agard. He translates all of his own work into Japanese and has also translated other authors’ books including the well-known Elmer the Elephant series by David McKee.
Previous workshops with Satoshi Kitamura
On the day
- Please inform your school receptionist that our artist will be arriving so they can be welcomed warmly.
- A teacher must be present throughout the workshop.
- Make sure that all the materials that our artist has requested are ready and available.
- Please let us know if any of the children have particular requirements, and ensure that their normal carer is present.
- The offer of a cup of tea is often greatly appreciated!
Have any questions? Get in touch
Your contact for this performance is Jo Daley, she will be happy to answer any queries you have:
- jodaley@thechildrensbookshow.com
- Phone
- 07769 216493