Literacy School Workshops

As an educational team, our goal is to inspire and engage young writers. Our approach follows the Talk for Writing process, where we immerse children in the story context, breathing life into characters and settings. Leveraging our unique position as a museum dedicated to rescuing historic buildings, we excel at recreating story settings. We've observed the enchantment that unfolds when children step into homes and buildings, encountering costumed characters from familiar stories. We aim to capture that magic, fueling their imaginations and providing a rich bank of experiences to empower them in crafting their own stories.

  • Children looking at WW2 objects

    Goodnight Mr Tom

    Chiltern Open Air Museum’s Goodnight Mister Tom workshop is a creative writing, literacy theme day based on the story of Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian. It is aimed at Key Stage 2.

  • Man in prehistoric clothes talking to school children

    Wolf Brother Literacy Theme Day

    This immersive literacy theme day on Michelle Paver’s Wolf Brother story aims to enrich children’s imaginations as they meet characters inferred and discover elements of prehistoric life.

  • Children cooking in an 18th century cottage

    The Little Red Hen

    This KS1 theme day is based upon The Little Red Hen. Starting with an interactive re-telling of this popular story. Children then move around the Museum and interact with inferred characters from within the book.

  • School children playing at Chiltern Open Air Museum

    Goldilocks and the Three Bears

    This two hour KS1 workshop is based on the traditional story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Children will visit the cottage of the three bears and listen to an interactive re-telling of the story.

Theme Workshop Prices

If you are a special needs school or have several SEND children in your class please call the Learning Team on 01494 875 542 we may be able to access funding to help with your school visit

Booking a School Visit

For all enquiries and to book a visit to the Museum, please contact a member of our Learning Team at 01494 875 542 or email us at learningteam@coam.org.uk

Alternatively, you can complete the education contact form below

What Our Schools Say

  • ‘The day after the trip the kids were amazing, retelling the story of Little Red Hen, even children who normally say nothing were talking and adding their own bits. Having the characters on site e.g. farmer and his wife really brought it to life for the kids plus getting to see the animals… We are expecting great work from them in the coming weeks.’