I have been doing author visits to schools for nearly thirty years now. All have been interesting and enjoyable. Some have been memorable. My latest visit: Santiam Elementary School in Mill City, Oregon was one of them. Here’s why:
SET-UP
Great open space for large group (80) sessions. Lights were able to be dimmed when viewing images on the screen. Chairs for all. A microphone was an essential tool.
Small group sessions were used for follow-ups as well as for kindergarten and Life Skills classes.
PREPARATION
Teachers made sure students were familiar with the work I have done. Some prepared with activities.
An art project: draw the author
Ahh…gum art!
PARTICIPATION
Students were enthusiastic participants in asking questions, sharing insights, and accepting the “Chicken Challenge” (create a better name for non-fiction).
Lots of great questions!
“Lighting the ball” with cooperation. Writers help each other.
6th grader Jillian wins the “Chicken Challenge.” Winning entry: Fic-fac. Much better than non-fiction!
Many thanks to the students and staff at Santiam Elementary. Special kudos to Cindy McMahan, who coordinated the visit. Hope it was worth the effort!
Santiam Elementary sure enjoyed your Author Visit! You had lots of great ideas for writing that will make a difference for our students!
Teachers gave feedback that: you took time to speak to our students and make connections with them, a real published author. Students learned that writing can become a career or a hobby.
Thanks again for visiting our school!
You are very welcome Cindy! It was an enjoyable day.