Croxteth Hall & Country Park Web site

Mischief Fair

Mischief Fair is a literacy based visit which makes cross-curricular links exploring stories, storytelling and the handing on of myths, legends and fables, word puzzles, poetry, playful puns and riddles, (incorporating tales and poetry from various cultures). The theme for this education programme is Work - linking to the theme for National Poetry day on October 9 2008.

This lively and innovative programme which has been acclaimed by schools as 'an atmospheric and inspirational approach to literacy' uses the theme of a trading fair to collect and swap stories in order to make up a new version (similar to how a story or tale evolves over a period of time by different 'tellers' adding to, or subtracting elements of a story). The mischief alludes to the fact that new versions of stories can so easily become the new 'facts' and the process also highlights the spin (or mischief) evident to-day in so many of the communication processes we encounter through such means as newspaper, the media and marketing.

Each group will be divided into four teams, whose mission is to produce a new story from the collected excerpts experienced in and around the 'Fair'. Each team will have the opportunity to barter or exchange material to fit into their own storyline, which will have the theme of work (links to National Poetry day theme) which they will create with the help of costumed professional storytellers and attending teachers. The costumed storytellers will each tell a story or spin a dream-like tale in the atmospheric lamp-lit Wine Cellar or the distinctly dusty Attics.

Each team will have ample help to select material to produce their own team 'story' which they will all have to retell at the end of each session.

We provide: 3 professional storytellers experienced in working with young people, costumed guides and some old, atmospheric rooms. There is a free teachers briefing session on Tuesday 23 September 2008
You provide: Up to 60 children (must be in 4 teams) and at least 2 teachers to accompany the teams.

Mischief Fair teachers notes and Croxteth risk assessment available.

Available: 6 to 10 October 2008 (Free teachers session September 23, 2.00pm)
Duration:  approx 2 hrs 15 mins per session
Timing:  Sessions are from 10.00am to 12.15 noon and 12.45 to 2.45pm 
Charge: £4.80 per child. Minimum charge: £120.00 per group (each session can take up to 60 children). NB Liverpool schools 10% discount does not apply to this visit.

Schools in Liverpool Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) areas may apply for free transportation from the Culture Bus - please contact Catherine Murphy on 233 8147 for information.

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