During the summer holidays, there are so many events that I have to keep a close eye on my diary to make sure that I don't get confused!

In fact, I have a calendar stuck to the fridge AND one on my table as well as having the diary with reminders in my phone!  I double and triple check all bookings that have been made, the week before they're due to happen.  Then, each day, I cross out the events that have actually happened.

July and August 2019 have been as busy as ever.
​I’ve been storytelling, entertaining toddlers and facilitating book-themed workshops in schools, libraries and festivals in Dublin, Kildare and Kilkenny.

There was storytelling in various libraries to celebrate the start of the Summer Stars reading challenge, for the libraries in Dublin, Kildare and Tipperary.  
There were Sarah Sparkles Toddler Time events in various libraries too.

Newbridge library had a Toddler Time that was a little different, as it was Peter Rabbit themed Toddler Time! 
We had Peter Rabbit stories, bunny themed songs and rhymes and a Peter Rabbit challenge, which took some teamwork.  And we made some cute Peter Rabbit themed cards:

The authors of my book-themed workshops were Roald Dahl and David Walliams.
We looked at David Walliams' brand new book "The World's Worst Teachers" and used our imaginations to create our very own worst teachers as pencil toppers to take to school in September.
I met so many fans that were so knowledgeable about the great author, who I am loving more, with each book he presents to the world.  Here is Mr. Too-Greedy and Foolish Frederick (who wears swimming shorts to school, odd socks and an upside-down hat!)

Kids in some Ballyroan, Naas and Athy libraries learned how to be Magicians and make balloon dogs and swords.
And in Celbridge and Athy, other kids learned how to become storytellers.

​I love the word “empower”.  I like to feel that every time I facilitate a workshop or hold a storytelling session, that I’m in a position to empower kids, in a positive way.
Having imagination and knowing our own minds, what we like and don’t like, seeing that we are all different, but really the same.
And in this workshop about Upcycling, to teach kids that we really do have the power to change things. 

I’ve been holding weekly workshops in Athy library this summer and I’ve been loving every one of them.

Last Friday, I had the chance to empower these children by teaching them the value of Upcycling. Which also turned into the importance of planting and the value of sharing with one another.
I wanted to teach them how, by taking small steps, by making our own decisions, that we can help the planet in whatever way we  possibly can. The media floods us with images, frightening news stories and everything that can cause despair and anxiety about this earth right now. Plastic, climate change, pollution....but I wanted to show the kids what they CAN do to help the planet.

I was delighted to find this amazing book in the library:

So I started the workshop off with this and we continued to chat throughout the making process too.
In simple terms, when we create, we calm the part of our brain that lights up when we are under stress. So, chatting to children while they create is so relaxing. They let their guards down, share information, recall and remember what they’ve been taught or heard before.

We started off with the humble egg box....

​And, with the help of reused coloured paper and stickers, they turned them into treasure chests....I don’t need to tell you how all of the creations blew my mind, yet again! Take a look for yourself:

Our next part involved the bottoms of large bottles and milk cartons. We glued a lid on to be a nose, drew on eyes and a mouth and made plant pots. ​

​I think it’s highly important to teach children of the importance of trees and plants. Nature will be the savior of us in the future and we need to teach children how to benefit from this.

As a little treat, I filled the treasure boxes with some smarties for the kids to enjoy when they went home.

And hopefully, this will help them remember their day of learning about upcycling and helping our earth as a fun and happy experience.

As one thing usually leads to another in creativity, the egg carton craft gave me a great idea for making a magical storytelling treasure box! I will reveal all in an upcoming blog soon.....!

Go dtí sin, slán is beannacht....