RaW is the BBC's biggest ever campaign to help adults to read and write better. There are 12 million adults in the UK who struggle with reading and writing.
 | | Reepham children at a circus workshop |
However, there is a special focus on families. If you have kids and you'd like to help them read better, or you'd like to read them better stories, RaW can help. A number of learning events are being held in the county as part of the nationwide series of RaW workshops. Animation workshop In Norfolk, a festival of family storytelling was launched at the Castle Mall, Norwich, on Saturday, 13 January, 2007 with a free animation and storytelling workshop. People made stories through the creation of moving pictures using craft materials and digital equipment. The animations were then brought to life as the children who were involved recorded a 'voice over' for their story. "We decided to use animation to launch the festival as pictures are a great way of making stories and moving pictures add an exciting extra dimension," said event orgniser Bev Bishop. "We wanted the workshop to be fun, informal, and an activity that families could drop-in and do while they were shopping," she added. More than 20 families got involved during the event, including the Fairweathers.
 | | Lion character from RaW animation |
"I made up the characters and voices and frames. It's something that anyone can do," said 11-year-old Sam. "We made up our own little story. I'd like to make up my own at home with my mum," added Jess. The workshop was run by animator Tim Edwards. "As a freelance filmmaker I was thrilled to see the participants direct the action and create the animation while describing their story in detail," he said. "Judging by the level of participation in the project I would say that we have a lot of imaginative storytellers here in Norwich," he added. Storytelling festival The animation event marked the first in a series of BBC Norfolk RaW workshops over the next couple of months. The events have been created in partnership with a number of organisation throughout the county including Norfolk Museums, Norfolk Family Learning, Surestart and the Norfolk Library Service. Families can get further help with a free RaW storytelling pack by calling 0800 150950. Workshops from Family Learning in Norfolk Books for Babies Open activity for any parents with pre-school children.
Sessions at Thetford and Yarmouth in January/ February
For further information contact Family Learning on: 01603 458754 Norfolk Museum Events
 | | RaW animation workshop |
Cromer Museum – Fisherman's Cottage What Would They Say?
A free event for families on Wednesday 14 February, 2007. Features two sessions for families at 10.30am – 1pm and 1.30 – 4.00pm Cromer Museum - Mannequins Valentine Martha and Kit have lived in the Fisherman's Cottage for many years without a story and have been silent too long! The whole family can join in a fun, creative workshop. What is Martha and Kit's story? Decide what they say to each other and even what they think about each other. For more details call: 01263 513 543
E-mail: cromer.museum@norfolk.gov.uk Norwich Castle Museum Heroes and Villains
On Saturday, 17 February, 2007 Hear a good yarn at Norwich Castle Museum when the interpretation team will be presenting a whole day of informal storytelling all over the site, covering some cracking tales of the Heroes and Villains who put Norwich on the map. For further information and prices call: 01603 495906 Town House Museum, King's Lynn Every Picture Tells a Story
Wednesday, 14 February, 2007 from 10am - 12 noon
£1.50 per child. Ages: 7+ What's the story with the man in the painting? Using your imagination create and perform a short play inspired by his portrait! To book, please call 01553 773450 Norwich Castle Museum - Meeting Family Portraits Norwich Castle Museum And Art Gallery and the Norwich School Of Art And Design are planning a day for families. Working with an artist and gallery educator, children and adults will explore some of the family portraits at Norwich Castle. Then they will look at the modern-day family and develop storyboards about themselves and their families - through a mixture of art and written work. Gaywood Library, King's Lynn Create a story workshop - Are you interested in learning about story telling and writing? If so book in for our workshop. Wednesday, 21 February 12.30 - 1.30pm
Wednesday, 7 March 12.30pm - 1.30pm This is a free workshop with all abilities welcome. Booking essential and refreshments will be provided. For further information contact Jenny Rouse on 01553 761144. | 
