Young readers are my inspiration!
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It is a privilege to interact with young readers face-to-face at an Author Visit. I enjoy speaking to students of all ages, and I offer several different types of programs. I am happy to customize my program to fit the needs of your school and the age of a particular audience. The sale of my books in conjunction with my visit is strongly encouraged.
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| "Cooking a Book" |
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FEES
Fees are based on the number of presentations per day. Ordinarily, my full-day visit consists of four 45-minute programs and my half-day visit is two 45-minute programs. I do give a slight discount for a full-day visit. Lunch can be with staff, a small group of interested students, or on my own in the library, etc.
For current information regarding fees, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at sklanskys@att.net.
If significant travel is required, the fee will also include travel and lodging expenses.
PROGRAMS
Large Group Program
150 students max. All grades. 45 minutes.
Using examples from all five of my books, I speak on the topic "Where Does An
Author Get Her Ideas and How Do They Become a Book?" Using PowerPoint
slides, original artwork, and other props, I touch on many aspects of the
creative process -- generating ideas, structuring a story, revising, and the roles
of the artist, the publisher, and others. I conclude with Q&A.
"How I Cooked My Book" Program
150 students max. Pre-K through 3rd. 45 minutes.
Wearing a chef's coat and hat, I explain how an author's idea can be cooked
into a book using The Duck Who Played the Kazoo as my example. I use
a cooking pot and ladle, in addition to several other visuals, to explain the
many ingredients that go into making a book -- such as inspiration, rough
draft, pencil sketches, press sheets, etc. I conclude with Q&A.
Poetry Writing Workshop
30 students max. 3rd grade and up. One-time 60 minute session OR
Two 45-minute sessions over two different days.
Using Powerpoint slides, I read several of my poems. Then, as a group we
model how to write a poem. Next students work on their own to write a rough
draft of a poem. Meanwhile, I circulate, offering support and comments.
Finally, I introduce the revision process. I love to teach this workshop over
two different days as this gives students more time to write and revise during
workshop time, but I can do a version of this program in one hour.
Where Do Chicks Come From? Program and "Eggs-periments"
40 students max. K - 3. 45 minutes.
Using PowerPoint slides, I discuss the process of researching and writing
Where Do Chicks Come From?, highlighting the difference between writing
fiction and nonfiction. The second part of the program consists of several
hands-on egg experiments (identifying the inside parts of an egg, testing
the strength of the shell, and more). Scientific method terms and processes
are introduced.
This program is also offered via videoconference, visit
http://csdtechpd.wordpress.com/.
"We actually performed some of the other experiments that you showed us
and the kids went wild for them. We had a contest between the three
kindergarten classrooms here and our class was able to stack 13 picture books
and one full lunchbox on top our eggs. Thank you for the opportunity and we
would definitely recommend you to other districts."
-- post video-conference comment from a Kindergarten teacher
PROPS
I will bring my laptop (and PowerPoint slides) with me. What I will need from the school/library are the following:
projector (and a bit of help connecting my laptop)
large screen or wall
semi-darkened room
microphone (of any sort) for large group programs
bottle of water
lunch (for full-day visits)
BOOK ORDERS
There are two options for pre-ordering my books. The easiest is going through a local bookstore. I would be happy to help you find one in your area if you do not already have a favorite. The other option is ordering directly from my four publishers. The publishers give schools about a 40% discount off list price in conjunction with an Author Visit. Some schools choose to pass the full discount on to students while others use part or all of the difference as a fundraiser. I will happily provide you with the contact information for my publishers. For either option, I have created a book order form that you are welcome to customize and send home to parents.
I will always autograph books. A private place is best for signing, e.g., a corner of the library, the teacher's lounge. I am happy to personalize my autograph if notes are affixed to books; otherwise, I will sign them with a general autograph.
References are provided, upon request.
If you'd like to schedule a school visit, please e-mail me at sklanskys@att.net.
I am committed to making each Author Visit a success!
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