LET'S HAVE FUN WITH A SCHOOL VISIT!
Book an enriching, author-led school visit tailored for children aged 3 to 12. Each session blends storytelling, nature, and creativity to spark curiosity and confidence in young readers and writers.
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE!
BASED ON BOOKS 1, 2 AND 3 OF BEEHIVE SECRETS SERIES
THE POLLINATION GAME
Children become active participants in this interactive learning experience about pollination and the challenges facing bees. Using a captivating 3m x 3m game board, pupils (represented by pins) navigate through questions and engaging challenges.
- Perfect for: Reception to Year 6
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
BASED ON BOOK 4 OF THE BEEHIVE SECRETS SERIES
BREATHE AND WALK
Young readers embark on a thrilling adventure as Kaida learns to harness her fiery breath and emotions through the enchanting practice of box breathing. An engaging introduction to mindfulness and emotional regulation.
- Perfect for: Key Stage 1 & 2
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
NEW!
AUTHOR VISIT & BOOK READING
Xanda shares one of her enchanting books from the Beehive Secrets series (chosen by your school). Children will discover Xanda's creative journey from inspiration to publication, participate in a collaborative poetry-writing activity, and enter a contest to win a handcrafted Kaida Brightscales crochet figure.
Xanda brings her collection of crochet bees and book banners to inspire young writers and nature lovers.
- Perfect for: All ages
- Duration: 1–2 hours (flexible based on class size)
Materials needed:
- Copies of the chosen book (see ordering information below)
- Paper and pencils
- Optional: whiteboard or chart paper
NEW!
POETRY SESSION
Children connect with nature and unleash their creativity! Starting with a nature walk (or bringing objects from home if a school garden isn't available), pupils collect flowers, twigs, leaves, or other natural treasures. They'll arrange these items on paper plates for inspiration, generate word lists, and then craft their own unique poems.
This session encourages sharing (if they wish) and fosters a love for language and the outdoors.
- Perfect for: All ages
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour (1.5–2 hours for classes of 25+)
Materials needed:
- Paper plates (1 per child)
- Pencils and paper
- Collection bags or baskets
- Optional: clipboards, magnifying glasses
NEW!
VIRTUAL SESSION
Can't host an in-person visit? Bring Xanda into your classroom virtually! In this engaging 45-minute online session, children will enjoy a lively reading from the Beehive Secrets series whilst discovering fascinating facts about bees and their vital role in our world.
Through storytelling and conversation, pupils will explore themes of nature, friendship, and problem-solving, all from the comfort of their classroom. It's a wonderful way to spark imagination, encourage curiosity about the natural world, and connect with a real author—no matter where you're located.
- Perfect for: All ages
- Duration: 45 minutes
Technical requirements:
- Reliable internet connection
- Screen and speakers (or interactive whiteboard)
- Video conferencing platform
WHAT TO EXPECT?
For Preschoolers (Ages 3–5):
Witness the magic unfold as Xanda dons a delightful bee costume during a captivating reading of Kaida Brightscales and the Magical Meadows. The youngest learners will be enchanted by this whimsical, age-appropriate experience.
For Primary School Students (Ages 5–12):
Older pupils enjoy readings from across the series, hands-on activities, and deeper discussions about creativity, nature, and storytelling.
All sessions are flexible and can accommodate single or multiple classes. Rain or shine, a fun learning day is guaranteed!
School visits will be available from September!
To book a school visit and discuss the tailored format that best suits your class, please contact me at xandaone@icloud.com.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to a report from the Literacy Trust, meeting a ‘real-life’ author can spark an interest in books and reading, and boost the confidence of even the most reluctant readers and writers!
Pupils who’d recently had a visit from an author were:
- Twice as likely to read above the expected level for their age (31% vs 17%)
- More likely to enjoy reading (68% vs 47%) and writing (44% vs 32%)
- More likely to be highly confident in their reading (37% vs 25%) and writing (22% vs 17%)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do we order books?
Giving children the chance to buy their own copy of the book encourages them to read and enjoy the story again later.
There are two ways this can work, depending on your preference:
Make books available to parents from my online Store and parents can order directly however, it is more cost effective if teachers can collect the money from parents, and then place the order on everyone’s behalf. This is particularly efficient if more than one class groups together as it is impossible for me to do away with postage charges. The more books per order the less the postal cost for everyone. Or, I can place the order on the school behalf and deliver the books during the visit.
It takes two weeks for an order to reach Ireland.
For in person visits, in addition to either one of the above, I can be available for an after-school book signing sessions. Children can bring along their pre-ordered copies to be signed and I will also have extra copies available to buy.
What should we do to prepare for the visit?
I will send you all the information you'll need ahead of the visit to ensure everything goes smoothly - including a parent communication template and an agenda for the session.
For virtual visits, it is advised that we do a quick 'systems check' ahead of the session.
What age children are your visits appropriate for?
As a teacher and someone who has spent the last twenty years in classrooms from Montessori, primary and and post primary; I am very comfortable in children’s company. The Board Game is still on its testing phase and it has age specific groups from 5/6 to 12 so help from classroom teachers would be helpful. For readings and signings it is easier to accommodate much younger children.
Sessions for younger children will focus more on the joy of reading and writing, and the fun of using their imaginations to create stories. Sessions for older children can also focus on structure, and processes for creating picture books, as well as the career of being an author.
Do you charge a fee for your visits?
Yes. Just like everyone else, authors have bills to pay too. Every school visit requires several hours of preparation, as well as the time on the day. Not only is the school paying for my time, but also my experience and expertise as a professional author-publisher. Whilst sharing my experience and inspiring a love for reading and writing is a passion,
In reality I can't afford to do visits for free, so please don't ask me to - unless there is a very special purpose to your request.
Workshop Registration
Fill out the form below to register your school for workshops.