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School Visit Information:
My presentations are suitable for any age level, grownups
included. I've talked to students from K through
8 in my school visits, and I have a special program
that I use for pre-school children.
I also do a two or three hour Poetry Workshop,
and at the conclusion, time permitting, we write a "class poem". The
Workshop is geared for 5th and 6th graders but can be modified
for any grade you have in mind.
I am extremely flexible and easy-going when it comes to
where I will perform: music room, auditorium, cafeteria, gymnasium,
library (my favorite), lobby, classroom, open
classroom, loading dock ... if you can get the children in the
room, I can make it work.
School libraries are especially nice. Children love
being surrounded by books while listening to an author talk
about writing. I've been known to sit right down on the floor
with them. I love talking to children and I love talking
about poetry.
I use a lot of audience participation in my presentations.
I read poetry from Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff
and from the sequel which is finished but not published
yet. I love discussing individual poems with the children,
answering their questions, and at every chance, urging them to
write one of their own.
I will promise you this, if I visit your school, I'll give it
my very best. Please feel free to contact any schools I've had
the privilege of visiting (on the "References" page).
How to Get the Most Out of My Visit to Your School
(To plan a really great school visit, read
"How to Ensure
a Terrific Visit" by Toni Buzzeo and
Jane Kurtz.)
- Ideally, I like to keep the school day to 4 or 5
presentations -- I could probably do 6 if I had to, but I
use a lot of energy in my performance and I can't
really guarantee my voice will last much longer than that.
- My school presentations last an hour each (preschool-K 1/2
hour, if you would rather). I've done them in 45 minutes,
but I cover a lot of ground and 45 minutes is very tight.
- I also have several different types of presentations.
I can modify them to suit your particular school or group.
- If there are special requests, please notify me ahead of
time, i.e., I have worn a personal microphone for hearing impaired
children.
- Have the school librarian and teachers read my book to
the students before my visit.
- Please announce my upcoming school visit in the local
paper. I can set aside some time while I'm there for photos and
an interview.
- Send home the introduction page and the title/sale price page
(samples in packet) with your instructions as to how to pay
for them in advance of the day I will be there. Be sure to ask who I
should autograph the book to.
- Give children some fun assignments relating to the
poetry in my book to display in their rooms or in hallways
on the day of my visit. Schools often have children read a poem
over the P.A. system from Barking Spiders each day of
the week preceding my visit.
- Plan my visit for a time when writing is a major curriculum
focus, i.e., during a Young Authors' Fair, April (National
Poetry Month), Literacy Week, or during preparations for a
school writing contest.
If there is a special evening awards ceremony and I'm
still in town, I'll be glad to pop in. I love reading work by
aspiring young writers. I'll even donate a book or two
as prizes or for a raffle.
- I always bring along extra books at the time of my school
visit and I will be happy to sign them during a prearranged
time, i.e., during lunch hour, after school, or at any other
special time.
- Use the book sales as a fundraiser for your school.
- And please, I do not allow my presentations to be
videotaped, but you may take all the photos you want while I'm
there.
Equipment Needed
My equipment needs are simple: a small table nearby so I can
set up my material, a chair, and a bottle or glass of water.
For the Poetry Workshop, a chalkboard, chalk and an eraser.
The students should bring a pencil and pad of paper.
Ordering Books for a School Visit:
- I offer a generous book discount to schools and students.
Please contact me at 814-618-5035, or by email the Friday
before my visit to let me know how many books are ordered and
I will autograph and bring them with me the day of my school visit.
Order Books
Fees
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