school visits
A former teacher with wide-ranging classroom experience, I would LOVE to visit your school or library. My mission as an author is much the same as when I was teaching: to help grow confident, curious, lifelong readers and thinkers.
I believe that:
Reading is magic.
Writing is fun.
Creativity is contagious.
And I want to help students believe that too.
See below for some sample offerings and a printable flyer. I am always happy to work together to create a visit that is specific to your needs. I am also available for literacy-based professional development, family literacy nights, library storytimes, and more. I offer a set number of free visits per year to Title One schools and to educator newsletter subscribers. Contact me to chat about rates, custom offerings, and how I can help spread some book magic to your readers!
SAMPLE OFFERINGS
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Crafting Poetry: Read, Write, Play
Grades K-1 (45 min)
In this classroom-based workshop (built for one or two classes at a time), we will read an assortment of poems, exploring how they came to be and noticing the special things poets/writers do as they work. Then we will “play with words” and craft some poems together.
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Making Poems Shine: Read, Write, Play, Polish
Grades 2-3 (60 min)
From first draft to polished poem, students will get a behind-the-scenes look at the writing process in this classroom-based workshop, with a particular focus on revision. After exploring some of the special things poets /writers do to make their words shine, we’ll dive into some poetry of our own.
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Idea Catchers: Observe, Explore, Wonder, Repeat
Grades K-1 (30 min) or Grades 2-3 (50 min)
In this classroom-based, grade-level, or virtual workshop, we will focus on “catching ideas” - the very first step in the writing process. I’ll share examples of how many of my books and poems began in my own backyard, simply by paying attention. We’ll look at different methods for collecting ideas, and then take some time to begin that work together.
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Making Magic: Journey of a Book
Grades K-5 (45 min)
In this presentation/assembly , I’ll walk students through the various stages of the writing & publishing process (using a true/false format and digital slideshow). We’ll talk about idea notebooks, first drafts, critique groups, book designers, and more. I’ll share about life as a writer, and how creativity, collaboration, patience and perseverance play a major role in this work…and in many kinds of work! Read aloud and/or Q + A at the end.
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Read Aloud with Activity and Q + A
Grades K-3 (20 -30 min)
Reading aloud is one of my all-time favorite things to do! And there are heaps of benefits for students. I can visit with classes in this format, engaging in an interactive reading from one of my books (your choice). Afterwards I’ll take questions, and then offer up a fun, connected hands-on activity that we can do/start together. This can be in-person or virtual.
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Educator Workshops
60 min with handouts/resources
POETRY IN THE PRIMARY CLASSROOM is all about the power and the possibility of poetry. We’ll look at poetry as a teaching tool that can be embedded into the curriculum all across the day.
THE SECRET MAGIC OF PICTURE BOOKS examines the many layers to be found in picture books and the countless profound ways they can impact classrooms and students…of all ages.