These additional author visits consist of short, affordable, topic-based presentations. Available separately or in conjunction with assembly programs, they are ideal for classrooms and libraries, and can supplement reading activities or reinforce writing lessons.
STORY TIME
Suggested audiences: Grades Pre-K – K
Program length: 30 – 45 minutes
Story time is a terrific way to get young children excited about reading. We begin by sitting “criss-cross applesauce” on the floor, but then add movement and song as we explore several picture books based on a theme. See more under School Visits: Let’s Share A Story Together!
STORY WALK
Suggested audiences: Grades K – 4
Program length: 30 – 45 minutes
For a story walk, the host displays pages from a picture book and places them along a path. As we pause at each spread, children are introduced to literary devices such as onomatopoeia and imagery. We chat about additional rhyming words and how the illustrations add to the story. As with story time, kids can ask questions, complete a simple craft, and enter a contest.
IGNITE AND WRITE
Suggested audiences: Grades 3 – 6
Program length: 30 – 45 minutes
The question most often asked during an author visit is: Where do you get your ideas? In this workshop, I talk about what I do to ignite my writing then offer tips to help young writers discover and save ideas. Ideas are everywhere, but writers need to be open to new experiences, learn how to engage the senses, and be ready to record even the craziest thoughts.
WRITE NOW!
Suggested audiences: Grades 3 – 6
Program length: 45 minutes – One hour
Need a fun, interactive way to jump-start the writing process and expand on the three basic elements of a story? Together we create characters, settings, and plots on the spot! Always unique, never boring, WRITE NOW! fires up the imagination, gets the creative juices flowing, and calls on writers to think “outside the box” when crafting stories.
REVISION PRECISION
Suggested audiences: Grades 3 – 6
Program length: 45 minutes – One hour
All writers revise, edit, and rewrite. But when young writers hear, “add more,” or “add detail” or “make this clearer,” it seems like a huge job to tackle. Using the five steps I always take when revising, the process is broken down into manageable segments. As each step is mastered, the writer understands how easy it is to improve a story.
TAKE THE PICTURE BOOK CHALLENGE
Suggested audiences: Grades 3 – Adult
Program length: One hour
Writing a 32-page picture book is not that hard, right? During this workshop, we brainstorm universal ideas and create a “dummy” (which is professional talk for a work-in-progress picture book). Paying attention to construction, word choice, length, page breaks, and the role illustrations play, aspiring writers of all ages are given the tools they need to create a picture book.
FREE-STYLE FIRST FRIDAYS
Suggested audiences: Grades 3 – Adult
Program length: 20 minutes
On the first Friday of each month I am available (virtually via ZOOM) for FREE Q and A sessions for those who have read one or more of my books. Please Contact me to reserve a spot.
~~For more information, please click on General Info and School Visits. For testimonials, click on What People Are Saying.