Author Visits

The Magic of Story

Author Visits

Because I was a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and college instructor in Language Arts, coming back to school to share the delights and hard work of being an author is a pleasure!

Children are always surprised to find out that I don’t live in a mansion, or make a million dollars. They are shocked to learn how long it takes to write a book with only 19 words in it, how much research is involved to do a 32 page book for 6^th. graders on Ancient Egypt, or that ideas can be found in their back yard, in the cafeteria, or sitting right next to them on the bus.

Because I was a teacher, I know you can’t just talk at kids. They need to participate.

My basic program is an interactive assembly. Children form a poetry troupe on the spot and perform poems. Faculty, staff members, and the entire audience also join in with chorale speaking. Then I show a slide program which emphasizes the importance of reading, where ideas come from, the making of multiple rough drafts, the patience and persistence involved in being an author. Research strategies, involvement with illustrators, use of pertinent details, the importance of setting, development of character, point of view, and problems with plot are included.

Author Visit Scenes

I do three programs a day. Because of the interactive nature of the program, I find it works best to have mixed grade levels - for example, some of each grade in each of the three assemblies. I like to have older children work with younger ones. Students get the most out of the program when they have been introduced to my books in advance.

Fees: For the 2008 - 2009 school year, my fee is $1200 for a full day, $800 for a half day, plus mileage. If overnight, my fee is $1500 plus transportation. Contact me at authorK@aol.com if you are interested in discussing a visit to your school.

Recent Author Visits

TYPICAL AUTHOR VISIT SCHEDULE

ARRIVE AT 8:30

First Assembly: 9:15-10:05.

(15 minute break - essential)

Second Assembly: 10: 20- 11:10.

Lunch: In some schools the PTA organizes a covered dish for the faculty, and we have an opportunity to get acquainted. In some schools, we go out. In other schools I eat in the library with the librarian or the reading specialist. Whatever works best for you. Book signing should be done in a quiet place without the children.

Third Assembly: 1:40-2:30

Finish book signing.

Assembly Needs

Room which can be darkened

Cart for my projector

Screen or white wall

Three-pronged extension cord

Table for props

Portable microphone(s). Since I involve children and staff in my interactive programs, what works best for me is to have two available; one a clip-on and the other a hand-held (long cord or cordless).

Glass of water (not iced.)

At least 15 minutes between assemblies

Planning for the Visit

Often, the reading teacher, the librarian, and the classroom teachers will have prepared the children by introducing my books well before the visit. Many of the classes will have done projects related to the books. These youngsters get the most out of the experience.

A wonderful resource for schools planning author visits is a book called Terrific Connections with Authors, Illustrators, Storytellers: Real Space and Virtual Links by Toni Buzzeo and Jane Kurtz. This book can help you create a super author visit, one that teachers and children will long remember. This inspiring guide is available from Libraries Unlimited - 1-800-237-6124.

References

"Thank you so much for your excellent presentation to our students and staff. Your ability to work with a large group of students of all ages was very impressive and allowed a fun experience for the children to fully participate in sharing your ideas. Your friendly and supportive style, combined with impressive management skills and a fast-paced range of content and experiences kept even the youngest full engaged throughout each program. We'll be sending along some of the many examples of the ways you sparked creativity, word play and excitement about writing. We prepare many programs for our students, and we all agree this one, and YOU, rank at the top! Thank you for all you did to make your visit so successful." Sandy Brehl, Teacher, and the Artist/Author-in-Residence Committee, Hales Corner Elementary School, Hales Corners, Wisconsin.

"Thank you so much for visiting the Guth Elementary School. You are loved and appreciated by teachers and students alike.... Thank you for your enthusiasm and love of children, reading, and writing. From fiction and poetry to informational narrative, you seem to identify the interests of all readers. Thank you again for inspiring a wonderful Author's Visitation Day!" Melody Nichols, Principal, Guth Elementary School, Perkasie, PA.

"Your visit got rave reviews from everyone, the principal, kids, teachers, and even the custodian, who made his own teeny tiny ghost from a white mop and draped it in the rafters of the all purpose room! Your presentation was just right...the interaction, the slides, and the story sharing. It was truly a wonderful day!" Sue Mollineaux, Teacher, Kearns Primary School, Granby, Connecticut.

"The staff and students were so impressed with your writing background and knowledge. You made writing come alive. We learned how important it is to observe life and make connections. Your 'writing words of wisdom' crossed all age levels and especially captured my heart and soul." Bonnie Rosen, Principal, Bridle Path Elementary School, Lansdale, PA.

"You were awesome. Your friend, Melissa." Grade 2 - Clinton, NJ.

"Your energy level is amazing. You made each group feel they were special. From pre-kindergarten to fifth graders, you deftly adjusted each session to meet the interest and maturity level of the group. You are first and foremost a talented teacher!" Betty Grant, Reading/Learning Specialist, Germantown Academy, PA.

"You were so inspiring. As soon as I got home I wrote a poem." Arin Smith - Grade 4.

"You were such a hit! Everyone was impressed with your energy and enthusiasm. Many people commented on your ability to reach out and capture such a diverse audience." Nan Bryant, Reading Specialist, Winchester, VA.

"The children were captivated by your enthusiasm, personal slides and encouragement of audience participation." Deborah Weaver, Principal, Mill Road Elementary School, Elizabethtown, PA.

"Your creativity and passion for writing was highly inspirational not only to your young audiences but to the teaching staff as well. I had so many teachers tell me what a great experience this was for them as well as for their students. The students especially loved your honesty and the fact that you shared deep intimate memories of your childhood. You have planted the seed of hope that each child who experienced your talents now realizes they too have stories to tell born out of their own personal experience!" Donna Sanderson, Supervisor of Elementary Education, Upper Darby School District, PA.

"I have received a lot of positive feedback from the students and teachers about you and your presentation. Everyone agrees that you were our best author visit yet. Thank you!" Dana Mencel, Librarian, St. Catharine Catholic School, Spring Lake, NJ.