Chris Thompson - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson
Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:
Story (History), Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Myself and my Family (History), Human environments (Geography)
Counties catered for:
Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow
Classes catered for:
All Classes

Book virtual / in-person visit


Chris is a registered teacher with a specialization in educational drama and has designed and delivered a range of local history, intergenerational and environmental projects. She has a strong interest in Irish mythology being the co-presenter of the Story Archaeology podcast for many years. As a story teller, her puppet friends are great favorites featuring prominently in Infant workshops.

Virtual school visits

Choose from one of two virtual topics which offer a mix of pre-recorded and live interactive sessions.

Classes: infants to 4th

Materials: Paper, pencils, crayons, printed worksheets from the programme packs.

Session 1 (pre-recorded, 15 mins)

Junior

Video film exploring Mr Bear’s woodland home and his reasons for promoting the importance of trees and wood as a material. The film will include pause points for class discussion and guided ‘teacher led’ activities.

Senior

The introductory film involves a woodland walk to encounter the diversity of even familiar trees. It will also explore the place of these trees in our environment. There will be regular pause points to encourage teacher led guided discussion and suggestions for further activities. Some traditional tree-lore will also be included. The pre-recorded material will then introduce some extremely unusual tree seeds which should allow for lively and imaginative class discussion and creative activities.

Session 2 (live, up to 1 hour)

Junior

Zoom session where the children get to meet Mr Bear, show him their stories, designs or art work, tell him about their favourite tree and share, and even act out, a new interactive live story.

Senior

Zoom session where the class can share their stories, or tell the story of their chosen tree. We will also ‘grow an unusual tree poem together

Worksheets & teacher's notes:

A full set illustrated teachers notes and README guide document with active links

Classes: Infants to 6th class

Materials: Senior classes will need A4 plain sheet of paper and something to write with is needed for the poem making activity in the pre-recorded session. No materials needed for junior classes.

Session 1 (pre-recorded, 15 mins)

Junior

The programme consists of two videos of around 15 mins. Each They can be played in either order.

Video 1: involves a ‘hide and seek’ series of video clips and images discovering which creatures may be hiding in the garden and woodland. There are guides for pausing the video.

Video 2: allows Chubbi the dragon to tell his story and offers ideas for extra (and outdoor) activities.

Senior

The programme is delivered as a Power Point presentation with linked video segments. Pause guides allow interaction and teacher-led discussion. Average time for first part of the presentation may be around 30 minutes, including class discussion.

Session 2 (live, approximately 1 hour)

Junior

This can be up to an hour, divided into short segments to suit your class. This will allow small groups of supervised juniors to feel personally involved These sessions (with Chubbi) will give children opportunity to meet the dragon and show what they have found and show pictures and designs they have made for him. A very easy piece of unusual story making is available for senior infants and 1st class.

Senior

This can be up to an hour, divided into short segments to allow for small groups. Time can be used for a variety of experiences including, story making, researching local stories and discovering more about the old Irish story characters with some of my special ‘props'.

Worksheets & teacher's notes:

A full set of teachers’ notes and printable PDF worksheets form part of the package.

Testimonials

  • "Chris was absolutely fantastic. So engaging. The content of the programme had so much in it and so much room for development. We all (teacher included) loved the entire experience." - St Laurences NS, Dublin
  • "The children completely enjoyed their day with Chris who totally held their interest and have been talking about it since."
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  • "Chris gave this group of children a fantastic insight into Irish mythology. They were enthralled in her story telling ability, and so was I! The resources provided will be used in further study."
  • "The children and teachers thoroughly enjoyed Christine's visit. We got lots of ideas to extend the work she did on her visit. We would recommend her visit to other schools."
  • "Children really enjoyed the visit with Chris."
  • "Very energetic and engaging with the children. They all got involved in the storytelling which really brought it alive for them!" - Powerstown ETNS
  • "The workshops with Chris were fantastic. The children were mesmerized by her. They were firstly in awe of her mode of transport. They were fascinated by the horn. They had no inhibitions or problems getting into role/character & composing brilliant poetry, etc with her afterwards. The workshops integrated perfectly with English, Drama & SESE. We will definitely invite Chris to visit again and have absolutely no qualms about recommending her to anyone." - Mount Talbot NS
  • "We had a great day and loved Chris's enthusiasm about the historical context of the stories. The children helped act some of the story out. She will send us art ideas for the Táin march in May." - Tibohine NS
  • "Chris was amazing. The children were enthralled and enthused. She was very structured and realistic. The work produced with her was of a high standard. We couldn't have been happier. Chris is passionate about her subject and ignites this in the kids. A Wonderful day. W'ed love to have her again. An amazing story teller." - Corrigeenroe NS
  • "Very enjoyable!" - Ballyfarnon NS, Roscommon
  • "The children thoroughly enjoyed Christine’s workshop . They were at all time’s engaged and thoroughly enthralled." - St.Colmcilles JNS, Dublin
  • "Christine was energetic and engaging throughout the whole day. The Junior classes enjoyed the storytelling and use of puppetry. The senior classes enjoyed the interactive storytelling with use of props and the creative writing element. All in all it was a great day!" - St. John of God GNS, Dublin
  • "Chris is an amazing storyteller and we look forward to meeting her again. Thank you Chris!" - Murroe NS
  • "The children really enjoyed the online session with Chris" - Feevagh NS, Roscommon
  • "Very worthwhile learning experience" - Hunt NS, Leitrim
  • "Children really enjoyed the virtual visit especially seeing Chubbi. Chris had great enthusiasm and patience with the children." - Brownknowe N.S, Donegal

Additional Information

  • Provides in-person visits
  • Provides virtual visits
  • Caters for special needs
  • Provides practical/hands-on activities

Contact Details

Mobile:
086 261 3955
Email:
chris.sinann@gmail.com
Website:
www.christhompson.info