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 6th. 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.
Having been 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 PowerPoint 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. Go to Author Visit Scenes to see some other examples of how the program involves children, faculty, and staff.
I do three programs a day. Because of the interactive nature of the program, I find it works best to have some children who can read in each assembly. 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 |
| Because of the economic downturn, I have lowered my fees for 2010. For visits not requiring an overnight stay, my fee is $1000 for a full day, $700 for a half day, with no mileage charges. If overnight, my fee is $1200 plus transportation. Fees for visits outside the US will be negotiated. Contact me at authorK@aol.com if you are interested in discussing a visit to your school. |
|
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 and laptop 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 Youngsters get the most out of the author visit when they have been prepared. The process is similar to preparing children for a field trip. When they are familiar with my books, they become really engaged. It is important for the visit organizer/coordinator, whether PTA or school staff member, to work with the librarian, reading teacher, and class room teachers to introduce the children to my books well before the visit. Sometimes,, classes will have done projects related to the books. 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 very much for coming to our school! Your
presentation was fabulous and your delivery was so appropriate for all age
groups! I hope your ears are still ringing from all the nice things everyone
has been saying about you." Trudi Rosencrans, Librarian, Cold Spring
Elementary School, Central Bucks School District, PA.
"It was such a pleasure to meet you. As far as the students were concerned, you're the best. They so enjoyed your presentation and loved interacting with you in front of their peers. We're always looking for new ways to promote public speaking and the courage it takes to stand in the spotlight, and they were able to shine with you. The teachers were so impressed with your speaking style, your ability to relate to the students by keeping them on task, and the skill of organizing volunteers without chaos. Thank you so much for spending the entire day with us and igniting a flicker of love for writing." Dawn Cicco, Librarian, Ranney School, Tinton Falls, NJ.
"I wanted to write and tell you how much everyone
enjoyed your visit with us. You were wonderful! You are such a
gifted teacher, writer and presenter. I appreciated watching the
three come together as you interacted so beautifully with the
students and teachers. The students and faculty are still talking
about what a wonderful experience it was. I would have loved to have
seen you in a classroom. I can tell your students were blessed to
have you." Sherri Hunkins, Teacher, Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Parish, Maple Shade, NJ.
"...This past Monday, we enjoyed presentations by Kay Winters, author of numerous works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, and whose books have been translated into Arabic, French, Italian, Korean and Spanish. Mrs. Winters proved to be a delightful and engaging presenter. Mrs. Winters' presentation, The Magic of Story, was both personal and educational. She shared with the children experiences throughout her life that led to her becoming a teacher and eventually a children's author. As she shared excerpts of her books with us, children and adult volunteers joined her up front at times, and at other times the entire assembled group participated through call and response. Her teaching background clearly came through in her presentation." Kevin Dorken, Principal, Lyon School, Glenview, IL. "I'm so excited! In your assembly program you hit on exactly the things we teach about the writing process and being a writer." Ann Gross, 3rd grade teacher, Mary E. Roberts Elementary School, Moorestown, NJ. "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. "As I read through our conference evaluations, the participants loved
the
idea that you were a former teacher who really understood not only what
was
best for children and reading, but who understood teachers and their
perspectives for what was right and true for children and literacy ! So
thank you
for being who you are and keep on writing the wonderful books you
write." Alice F. Snyder, Associate Professor of Language and Literacy; "I am a second grade teacher at Selinsgrove Intermediate School. We loved your program! It was informational, educational, and just plain fun. I have never seen the kids applaud for books the way they did for yours. You were magical. And you are inspirational as well." Edna Cravitz, Selinsgrove Intermediate School, Selinsgrove, PA. "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. "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. "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. "Thank you so much for your visits last week. I've heard nothing but great reviews from teachers and students alike. You do such a wonderful job of sharing your experiences as an author. Everyone really enjoyed your books and presentations." Lacie Wert, Tuscarora Unit Intermediate Union 11, Non-Public Schools, Mcveytown, PA. "You were awesome. Your friend, Melissa." Grade 2 - Clinton, NJ. "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. "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. "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. "The children were captivated by your enthusiasm, personal slides and encouragement of audience participation." Deborah Weaver, Principal, Mill Road Elementary School, Elizabethtown, 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. |