Following the success of the year-long Big Readers programme, a bespoke project consisting of monthly drama sessions, each exploring a new book and its author, Bigfoot have just received the news that they have been granted  funding from Awards for All to continue their work in partnership with local libraries.

‘Interesting and fun, exciting, creative and brilliant!’ Parent of child who attended Big Readers

The original format invited Key Stage 2 children to attend 3 North Tyneside libraries, taking part in 2 hour sessions where they played games and took part in drama tasks where they learnt about exciting stories, the authors behind the work, and enthused about reading. The participants and their families were hugely disappointed when funding ran out in May 2013. So, based on a wealth of feedback calling out for more uniquely fun and interactive literacy sessions, Rachel, Director of Bigfoot Arts Education North East, conceived a new idea; ‘The Bigfoot Big Book Project.’ Like Big Readers this would take place out of school time, but rather than Saturdays the provision would be during school holidays, giving the children longer spells to work imaginatively with their Bigfooter. Taking the form of three holiday clubs these will be held during October half term 2013, and Easter and May half term 2014. Rather than looking at existing literature, children will create their own stories, thinking about location, characters and plot. Over the four and five day programmes, participants will improvise, devise and in addition to the Bigfoot drama facilitators, they will work with specialist practitioners such as a break dancer, song writer and costume maker. On the final day of each of the three projects, children will show back the work they have created for friends and family and each will receive a certificate and prize to congratulate them on their achievement.