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Caitlin Kennedy is currently running a project called Beyond the Book at the Clevedon Village Library.
Advertised as playful and imaginative, Beyond the Book is designed to spark children’s creativity through teamwork, drama and movement.
“We do a 30-minute session where we use a picture book and then we use moments from the story to inspire drama and art activities,” she says. “So, it might be making a drawing together, doing some still images and talking about them, that sort of thing.”
Kennedy has a background in applied theatre, which includes drama and theatre techniques, and she has worked for several years in education, teaching young children.
Her love of books inspired her to start Beyond the Book and she has always been passionate about making learning fun and accessible for every child, regardless of their learning style.
“I wanted to make sure that it was something community-oriented, so it’s free and accessible for all and it’s grounded in a community space.
Most of the children are aged 3–10. While the sessions are free, a gold coin donation is welcome as all funds go towards purchasing materials.
“Children will come in with their families, we introduce a book and I’ll do a gentle warm-up in the space. I’ll read a bit of the story and whenever we get to a pivotal moment in the book, I’ll use that as an opportunity for us to create something together.”
Beyond the Book’s next session is on May 30 at the Clevedon Village Library, but it will likely return to this and other local libraries in future.
