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Polly Howat
The Travelling Storyteller
International Performance Storyteller
Published Author of Six Folklore & Legend Books
Radio Broadcaster with Occasional TV Work |
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Copyright - 2006 38tivity |
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I am a international performance storyteller, based in North Cambridgeshire, the author of six folklore and legend books, a radio broadcaster and facilitate oral storytelling skills and creative writing workshops, working with adults and children including special needs.
Commissioners include: Education - nursery, primary, special needs, secondary and higher. Cambridge University, Adoption UK, BBC Radio and Television, Channel Four TV, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust, English Heritage, the British Council, senior citizens, local authorities, charities, commerce, voluntary organisations, Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, and Peterborough, folk and arts festivals, arts centres, craft groups, museums, libraries, play schemes, parent and children groups, hospices and village halls.
I travel within the UK and beyond. My surrounding counties are Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. I have shared stories in many countries including Peru, Cuba, North America, India, Nepal and most recently Vietnam where I told traditional British tales in Hanoi to English speaking school children and with the help of an interpreter, Bui Thi Nhung, to the Lat Minority (indigenous) People of Dalat.
Early Years–KS1 children enjoy my large hand puppets and interactive stories.
Criminal Record Disclosure is available |
Artist in residence and commissions welcomed.
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| Here is a taste of what is on offer:– |
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Performance Storytelling
Early Years Foundation Stage
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Interactive tales with exciting puppets to help boost communication and language skills. |
Praise:
‘We were looking to boost communication, language and literacy in Norfolk. Over a series of days in March Polly told stories to 20 pre–school settings including playgroups, nurseries and a children’s centre. The children were immediately engaged by her and one of her puppets ‘bad dog Pete’ has become quite a legend! Her time with us has inspired children and adults alike and the children 2 months on are still talking about her visit. We completely recommend her to you, a wonderful experience for all and we can’t wait for her to return.’ Clare Scott and Catherine Sutton, Early Years Support Teachers, Breckland Resource Base.
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Inset training for practitioners, parents and carers |
Praise:
'On behalf of the Early Years Services staff at New College Nottingham I would like to extend my sincere thanks for presenting three storytelling workshops. The eary years practitioners found the workshops to be informative, extremely useful and fun. Feedback includes 'the storytelling was really enjoyable and Polly was fantastic.' Di Sparkes, Head of Early Years Services, New College Nottingham.
Reception – Yr 1
Tales from the Magic Story Bag
Interactive stories, some with puppets, to delight and stimulate young imaginations.
Yr 2 – Adult as Appropriate
Programmes include:– |
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Performance stories to fire the imagination and creativity of all ages: |
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Enchantment and Wonder: stories to stimulate imagination and creativity of all ages |
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From the Magic Story Bag; interactive stories with puppets for nursery - KS1 |
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Traditional Fairy Tales |
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The Tree, the Pea and the Donkey Skin |
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Suitable for KS2 – adult
Take one ambitious Christmas Tree, a fussy prince and a princess in disguise. Stir well for an exciting festive brew! Performance time approximately 45 minutes. |
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Once Upon a Christmas Time |
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Interactive and suitable for reception and KS1
Three Christmas wishes change forever the life of a woodcutter, his wife and a sad king who is in search of happiness. Performance time approximately 30 minutes. |
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By Starlight and Snowdrift |
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Suitable for years 1, 2, 3 and 4
Grandmother Babushka, the traditional Russian 'Grandmother Christmas,'walks the earth with a bag of toys. On Christmas Eve Clara and the Nutcracker (immortalised by Tchaikovsky's ballet music) fly away to visit the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Snow Girl and her brother Fire Boy find happiness in the depth of winter.& Their collective adventures are a delight.
Performance time approximately 40 minutes. |
| My performance storytelling offers follow up work for teachers |
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Oral Storytelling Workshops
For KS2–adult |
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Basic Skills: exploring the key points of storytelling, bringing stories to life and gaining confidence
to tell a good tale. |
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Spontaneous Storytelling: seeking ways of producing stories told directly from the imagination and personal experience. |
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These tailor made sessions promote confidence and creative, listening and verbal skills. No reading or writing is involved which benefits all literacy abilities.
Praises:
‘We were delighted to welcome Polly Howat back to lead yet another creative writing workshop for us. Our high–ability KS3 students were captivated by her dynamic story–telling which stimulated them to produce original and impressive Fen–based stories of their own. The quality of their writing is itself a testimonial to the success of Polly’s craft.
Students said:
‘Thank you Polly! You’re a great story–teller and you inspired me!’
‘I thought Polly was great!’
‘I wrote a good story all about the Fen Horrors, all because of listening to Polly.’
‘Polly tells extravagant stories and therefore they were interesting.’
‘It was a brilliant morning.’
We look forward to our next Polly Howat workshop! Sue Hartropp, Assistant Headteacher and G&T Coordinator, Kings School, Peterborough.
‘A big thank you from all pupils at Walpole Highway Primary School. We thoroughly enjoyed the 4 sessions you did for us over the course of a half term. It was brilliant for the children to have a focus to write for an objective to work towards. We hope to see you again. Feel free to drop in anytime.’ Lottie Maltby, Leading Teacher, Walpole Highway Primary School, Norfolk |
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Creative Writing Workshops
Adapted for KS2–adult |
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Using oral stories, ethnic weavings, art, role play and musical instruments as a spring board to creative writing. This approach encourages students to unleash their imaginations and write from a different perspective. |
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‘I am, you are!’ Writing our memoirs and expanding oral skills. Memories are an excellent starting point for spontaneous creative writing. |
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Weaving Memories into Stories Workshops
Adult |
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Using a simple loom constructed from a willow stick and string, we weave our memories from cloth, leaves etc and tell stories.
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‘I think the proof of how much members enjoyed your workshop was the jolly laughter, which was much more than I have ever heard. As well as ‘Weaving Memories,’ we have the memory of a memorable evening.’ Lorna Redington. Fenland Lacemakers. |
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Very 'hands on' drawing on spontaneous storytelling and team challenges. Great fun, very productive |
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Storytelling and Simple Craft for KS2 |
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Interpreting part of a story using wonderful beads, threads, dyed feathers, ribbons and nature. I can provide all the materials for this simple, long lasting craftwork.
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Storytelling Skills Workshops For Teachers, Child–Carers and Parents |
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This is a ‘hands on’ workshop exploring the key points of storytelling, bringing stories to life and gaining the confidence to tell a good tale. We shall look at ways of making stories interactive for younger children, try out new skills and leave with a story to share. Plenty of questions and answers.
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Fed up with rabbits coming out of hats, balloon dogs and red noses. How about some storytelling to calm and enthral partygoers aged 4 years onwards. Teenagers having 'sleep–over' parties love my candle lit stories. |
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Dinner parties, weddings, outside gatherings, red letter days in the calendar – wonderful stories to make a special time even more memorable. |
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FURTHER EDUCATION, ARTS CENTRES, HERITAGE SITES, COMMUNITY, DRAMA AND MUSIC GROUPS, SPECIAL NEEDS ETC.
Many schools programmes can be amended for adult audiences
RESIDENCIES AND COMMISSIONS WELCOMED |
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Talks to Community Groups and Adult Education Include: |
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Sunrise at the Summer Solstice |
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Food in Folklore |
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Folklore of the Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Fens |
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Tales of East Anglia |
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Wise and Unwise Women of the Fens |
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Old Wives Wisdom |
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The Lore of the Countryside |
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Touch wood – Safekeeps and Talismans |
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Tales of the Fens, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk |
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Storytelling Workshops For Beginners – Moderate |
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Storytellers bring people, families and communities together and give them a sense of identity. They are teachers, healers, entertainers and soul soothers. These two interactive and enjoyable workshops will enable participants to leave with at least one story to tell. |
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Basic Skills |
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How to find the right story, how to remember it and bring it to life using your own imagination. |
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Spontaneous Storytelling |
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Starting from scratch using memory and imagination to create a good story well told. |
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Creative Writing Workshops for Beginners – Moderate |
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Oral stories, textiles, artefacts and discussion help to empower confidence and the imagination. |
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Folklore and Reminiscence Workshops |
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See Working with Adults section |
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With the aid of my general guide and interpreter, Bui Thi Nhung, storytelling, in 2010 to Minority (indigenous) People of Lat Village, Dalat, Vietnam.
Praise from Truong Mai Anh, my inspirnational local guide who made arrangements and wrote: 'That is the first time the children have ever experience with a foreign storyteller. Polly's stories made them feel very interesting and impressing. Thanks very much.' |
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Working With the Elderly – Groups, Residences, Education |
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Storytelling |
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Storymaking |
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Creative Writing |
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Reminiscence |
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Folklore |
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A new experience – hands on fun with my unusual musical instruments |
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Special Needs of All Ages |
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STORIES – see programmes for schools and adults which can be modified according to need. The Magic Storybag can also be adapted to accommodate various age groups. I have worked with signers. |
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STORYMAKING AND CREATIVE WRITING – see programmes for adults and children |
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Stories for all the family at Heritage Sites, Art Centres and Local Authority venues.
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Storytelling:
COMMISSIONS WELCOMED |
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General Storytelling
titles are adapted from the schools programme. |
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Dramatic Adult Performances
lasting 90 minutes with an interval (or adapted to requirements) include: |
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JOURNIES TO REALMS UNKNOWN
a potent brew of mainly Celtic and English traditional
folktales. |
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OUT OF THE MIST
a collection of traditional legends from the Lincolnshire,
Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Fens. The deep water holes and quaking bogs
yield stories as magnificent as the flat landscape. |
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MR. FOX AND THE LAIDLY WORM
explores the dark side of the mind in amazing stories
fashioned from jealous step mothers, devious suitors, transformed maidens
and a glut of bride pies. |
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MYTHS FROM THE WILDWOOD
King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table
lie at the heart of British and Celtic Mythology. Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight are two of the loveliest stories to be told. Herne the Hunter
is a fine complement, with maybe Tam Linn if there is time |
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THE SINGER OF THE ACHE
Stories from many cultures present difficult choices,
leading to strange pathways, Shamanic journeys and vision quests. |
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OVER THE MOON
Celestial myths and legends gathered from many cultures, including Native
American, Siberian, African and English.
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Addtional material or adaptations are available – please contact me for more information |
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AUDIO TAPE:
THE APPLE TREE MAN – Celtic and English folktales for
general family listening. It contains some lovely fiddle music. Playing
time 57’30” available from me £7.00 plus £1.50 pp in UK.
BOOKS.All published by Countryside
Books, Newbury, Berks U.K.
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Tales of Old Cambridgeshire |
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Tales of Old Norfolk |
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Tales of Old Nottinghamshire |
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Ghosts & Legends of Lincolnshire
& the Fens |
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Norfolk Ghosts & Legends |
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Ghosts & Legends of Cambridgeshire |
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'We were delighted to welcome Polly Howat back to lead yet another creative writing workshop for us. Our high-ability KS3 students were captivated by her dynamic story-telling which stimulated them to produce original and impressive Fen-based stories of their own. The quality of their writing is itself a testimonial to teh success of Polly's craft.
Student said:
'Thank you Polly! You're a great story-teller and you inspired me!'
'I thought Polly was great!'
'I wrote a good story about the Fen Horrors, all because of listening to Polly'
'Polly tells extravagant stories and therefore they were interesting'
‘It was a brilliant morning.’
'We look forward to our next Polly Howat workshop!' ' Sue Hartropp, Assistant Headteacher and G & T Coordinator, Kings School Peterborough.'
Polly came into our workroom and immediately
captivated the group. They were enthralled and inspired.
She did two very different sessions and delivered exactly what our
writing group required, an intensive hands on writing experience.
Thoroughly recommended.' Roger Symonds. The Fenland Project,
Peterborough and Fenland Mind.
“I cannot describe to you the reaction of the children as they enjoyed it so much. The session let us see the children in a different situation. I refer back to the little boy, who twelve weeks ago, would have found it incredibly difficult as he has problems with concentration, sitting still, listening and memory. However, for two hours he succeeded with all these. Please pass on my huge thanks to Polly Howat.” Lisa Edwards, Teacher–in–Charge, Language Centre, Mynydd Isa Junior School, Mold, Flintshire
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| Copyright – 2006 38tivity |
'Polly spent time with each year group. Each child remembered
something from the stories, especially those where props were used.;
It was a great way to begin Book Week, injecting enthusiasm into
every child and adult.' Ceri Braybrook,
St. Mary's R.C. Primary School, Boston.
“We loved your stories! Everyone I have spoken to say how wonderfully well you reached out to our children. You have enriched our lives and inspired us to tell more stories to each other.” Sue Goodwin, Park Lane, School, Whittlesey, Peterborough
'There was once a wonderful lady who told the most wonderful stories ever to
be told...' Josephine, St. Nicholas School, Boston.
'Polly Howat returns both children and
adults to a world outside our own by providing engaging, intriguing,
unique, relevant and healing
stories, delivered in the manner of a tradition long past.' Vicki
Johnson, English Department, Cottingham High School, East Riding of
Yorkshire.
'I have had nothing but positive feedback about how much both
the children and staff enjoyed your storytelling. All the staff are
using your storytelling as a stimulus for a whole variety of written
work and all have commented on the high quality of the writing..... We
feel particularly that your visit benefited those children with learning
or behavioural needs..... and they are producing some very pleasing
work.' Elaine Ford, Literacy Co–ordinator, Park Junior School,
Wellingborough, Northants.
“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the students, who attended the study support centre at Onside@Boston United, all the staff and myself, to say thank you for a very enjoyable week of storytelling and associated drama activities. The response from the children has been very positive and many have been telling your stories to children at school and at home." Oonagh M. Quinn, Assistant Study Support Manager, Onside@Boston United.
'I can't be bothered with stories,
but I really liked yours. They were really good.' Pupil
Yr. 7 Walton Secondary School, Peterborough.
'Just wanted to say a big thank you for visiting our school during book week. We all thoroughly enjoyed your stories and it was lovely to see the children captivated by something that wasn’t flashing or beeping! You were able to reach both the youngest children in Reception and the rather more ‘grown–up’ minds of children in Year 6 with great control. Thank you for coming and making our book week special.' Vanessa Richards, Literacy Co–ordinator, Hardwick Community Primary School, Hardwick, Cambridge
'Thank you so much for a wonderful day. It was amazing to see you capture the complete attention not only of the children but their parents too, who were spellbound by the stories. The parents admitted they had forgotten the joy of listening to a good story and I hope they will take that thought away and remember to share stories with their children more often. Anyone who can capture the attention of such a ‘cool’ young man as the one who joined our session has obviously got a great talent!' Jane Humm, Principal Librarian, Children, Young People and School’s Library Service, Luton Central Library
.....Every member of staff that I spoke
to was so enthusiastic in their praise for your sessions and I think
the smiles from the children
spoke for themselves.... Even my statemented child commented loudly
on his favourite story and said he would share it with his parents –
that is a huge step for him!' Josie Heald,
Literacy Co–ordinator, Rothwell School, Northants.
'Original, stimulating fun! Everyone at
St. Francis has remembered your stories. Thank you for your versatile
presentations which appealed
to all ages and abilities. You really did bring Beowulf to life. We
will certainly invite you back.' Maxine Greville, Head of
English, St. Francis Special School, Lincoln.
'Polly Howat's storytelling weaves
magic through the air waves.' Steve Sommers BBC Radio
Producer.
“Thank you for a lovely morning on Spine Tingling tales with Year 8. We were all entranced, including the staff, who had forgotten how great it is to listen to a well–told story.” Shirley Hicks, Librarian, Deben High School, Felixstowe, Ipswich
'I know that the children who had the good
fortune to listen to your stories enjoyed the occasion and the staff
were envious
of your
energies!' Mary Tebay, Head of English,
King Edward V11 School, King's
Lynn.
' ... the children thoroughly enjoyed your stories and were inspired to write some good ones themselves. I'm sure they will be talking about them for a long time to come....' Nicola Pierce, St. Augustines CE Junior School, Peterborough
“Just to say thank you once again for helping to make our family day such a success. I think the nicest thing about your activity was the sense of ‘family’ learning rather than ‘child’ learning.” Daniel Ferguson, Learning Officer, The National Trust, Sutton House, Hackney
“Just to say a huge thank you on behalf of the staff and children at Grange for such a wonderful day of storytelling. Both children and staff were mesmerised by your magical tales.” Jane Arthur, Literacy Co–ordinator, Grange Community School, Kettering, Northants.
‘A big thank you from all pupils at Walpole Highway Primary School. We thoroughly enjoyed the 4 sessions you did for us over the course of a half term. It was brilliant for the children to have a focus to write for an objective to work towards. We hope to see you again. Feel free to drop in anytime.’ Lottie Maltby, Leading Teacher, Walpole Highway Primary School, Norfolk
'You chose stories perfectly suited to each age group and kept all the children spellbound throughout with nothing more than your voice. It was great to hear British folktales being kept alive in this way.....' Margaret Gibbs, Assistant Headteacher, Aston St. Mary's C of E Primary School, Hertfordshire |
| CONTACT ME |
POLLY HOWAT
THE TRAVELLING STORYTELLER
Based in North Cambridgeshire
Telephone: 01354 696638
e-mail:
Hare Logo designed by Carry Ackroyd |
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