For Schools
Themes Aligned to PSHE & Literacy
Dotty’s story supports key learning outcomes:
• Self-confidence & self-expression
• What makes a family
• Celebrating differences
• Kindness & friendship
• Emotional development through movement
• Early literacy and vocabulary building
Inspire creativity, confidence, and a love of reading with Dotty the Dancing Dalmatian.
Dotty’s story celebrates self-expression, courage, belonging, and the meaning of family—making it an engaging springboard for EYFS, KS1, and early KS2 learning. Through movement, storytelling, and imagination, children explore what makes them unique and how kindness and community help everyone shine.
Author Visits & Workshops - a range of interactive, curriculum-aligned sessions designed to excite young readers and support literacy, wellbeing, and creative confidence
:1. Author Reading & Q&A (30–45 mins)A lively, energetic reading of Dotty the Dancing Dalmatian, followed by a child-friendly Q&A exploring:• Why stories matter• How books are made• What it means to find your voice• The theme of “What is a family?”
2. Dotty’s Dance & Creativity Workshop (45–60 mins)A movement-based session encouraging children to:• Create their own “Dotty dance”• Explore emotions through movement• Work collaboratively as a group• Celebrate individuality and teamwork
3. Story-Building Masterclass (60 mins)Ideal for developing early writing skills. Children work together to create:• Their own characters• A simple story structure (beginning, problem, solution)• A positive message linked to belonging or friendship
4. Art & Imagination Session (45 mins)Children illustrate their own versions of Dotty, explore patterns and colour, and create “My Family Is…” posters celebrating inclusivity and different types of families.
A gentle, inclusive, curriculum-linked exploration of family, belonging, and community.
Children today grow up with a wide range of family experiences, and this page helps teachers introduce the concept in a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate way.
Through discussion, storytelling, and creative thinking, pupils discover that families come in many forms—but they all share love, support, care, and connection.
This work aligns beautifully with PSHE, RSHE, and Early Years Understanding the World frameworks.
Workshops & Classroom Sessions
I offer child-centred, interactive sessions designed to help pupils explore the theme: What is a family?
Each workshop encourages empathy, understanding, and celebration of differences.
1. Story-Led Conversation (EYFS–KS1)
A warm, accessible introduction through storytelling and guided discussion.
Children explore:
• What the word “family” means
• The different ways families look
• What makes a family special
• How families support us
• How we show love to the people we care about
2. Belonging & Community Workshop (KS1–KS2)
Through activities, small-group reflection, and creative thinking, pupils discuss:
• How we feel safe and loved
• Belonging at home, school, and in our communities
• How to include others
• What kindness looks and feels like
3. “Every Family Is Different” Activity Session
Children create posters, drawings, and simple written pieces based on prompts such as:
• My Family Is…
• A Family Can Be…
• People Who Make Me Feel Safe Are…
This session supports emotional literacy, diversity awareness, and inclusive values.
Curriculum Links
Teaching What Is a Family? supports key learning objectives in:
PSHE / RSHE
• Caring friendships
• Families and people who care for me
• Respectful relationships
• Recognising difference and similarity
• Managing emotions
• Inclusion and empathy
Early Years Framework
• Understanding the World
• Personal, Social & Emotional Development
• Communication & Language
Literacy
• Speaking and listening
• Vocabulary development
• Early writing opportunities
• Narrative structure and comprehension
What’s Included in a School Booking
Each session includes:
• A simple teacher guide
• Printable worksheets and writing prompts
• “My Family Is…” creative templates
• Follow-on classroom activities
• Optional author Q&A
• Optional signed books
• Full safeguarding documentation
Why This Topic Matters
Children do not all experience family the same way.
This page and its workshops help teachers:
• Promote inclusion and empathy
• Challenge stereotypes
• Support children from diverse family backgrounds
• Provide safe language and frameworks for discussion
• Celebrate differences while focusing on shared human needs
Prices & Booking
Half-day and full-day school visits available.
For bookings, availability please contact:
Email: lucindayoungerwriter@gmail.com
Website: lucindayounger.com
Schools are encouraged to book early to secure preferred dates.