Last Autumn the inspiring literacy coordaintor in my daughter's primary school introduced me to teacher, lecturer and writer Nikki Gamble, proprietor of the new Just Imagine Story Centre in Chelmsford.  Nikki has helped our writer Craig Christie to select appropriate books for all our 2011/12 musicals, and I'm thrilled that she has agreed to write a regular "book of the month" column on this blog.

Just Imagine was set up by  Nikki Gamble with the aim to inspire, motivate and enable creative and well-informed approaches to literacy teaching and children’s literature for all education professionals.  I should add that they are a fantasticly well informed children's  and education book shop, and can deliver nationwide!

Although the centre is located in Chelmsford, Just Imagine works with schools and teachers all over the country through outreach activities and CPD. Current courses on offer cover areas such as inspiring independent readers; using talk for learning, creative approaches to non-fiction writing, developing effective group and guided reading, teaching through story; raising aspirations and achievement through creative approaches to teaching and learning.

Just imagine... a physical centre dedicated to informing and inspiring the teaching of language, literacy and literature...a place to discover more about books, talking, reading and writing... a centre where leading writers, storytellers, researchers and practitioners share their expertise to enthuse and enlighten teachers, parents and  children ... a bookshop with expert staff, dedicated to offering the best in children’s literature alongside selected professional titles, a relaxed environment where you can meet with your own staff over a coffee, to learn together or maybe to choose books, an organisation  that can arrange author visits to your school. This is Just Imagine.

Just imagine... a virtual space at www.justimaginestorycentre.co.uk where you can access information about the best children's books,  selected by a review panel of teachers, subject experts and leaders in education. Where you can find themed reading lists, book guides and in-depth author interviews to support your teaching.

Nikki says; 'Just Imagine is excited to be developing a working relationship with West End in Schools. We have shared aims and vision for children's learning and enagement with and through the arts and a strong commitment to 'delight' in learning. We also believe that children deserve the very best of what we have to offer and this is very much the approach to theatre that West End in Schools provides. We look forward to seeing where this journey takes us.'

You can contact Nikki on nikki@justimaginestorycentre.co.uk or telephone 01245 267748.
 

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