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Visits
SCHOOL/LIBRARY VISITS
IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT LOWER RATES!!!
I have heard from schools recently that funds for author visits have been reduced and sometimes cut entirely in this recession. I hate to see cuts like this and if I could afford to visit for free, I would. Since I can’t, however, I have decided to cut my rates and policies for the next school year in the hopes it will make my programs a bit more accessible to those whose budgets are tight.
FOR THE 2012-2013, SCHOOL YEAR, I WILL WAIVE MY 2-PROGRAM MINIMUM FOR ANY SCHOOL IN THE DC METROPOLITAN AREA AND WILL VISIT FOR $250 TO PRESENT THE PROGRAM OF YOUR CHOICE. You can add a second program for $150 ($400 total) which will include an optional lunch with the author.
FOR SCHOOLS OUTSIDE MY IMMEDIATE AREA, I WILL MAINTAIN MY MINIMUM REQUIREMENT OF 2 PRESENTATIONS (OF THE SAME OR TWO DIFFERENT PROGRAMS) BUT WILL REDUCE THE 2012-2013 PRICE TO $400, LUNCH WITH THE AUTHOR INCLUDED. And as always I will not charge transportation expenses, even if I have to stay overnight, for any school in Virginia, the NY/NJ metropolitan area or Florida.
Find punctuation and grammar boring? Need a little extra reinforcement for the 4th grade Virginia SOL’s? Let me show your students how much fun both can be. My programs are described below and include a grammar review for middle- and high scholars.
MY PROGRAMS:
Civil Rights in Virginia
This program for 4th graders traces the development of civil rights in Virginia during the 1900's by focusing on key facts about the six personalities (Maggie Walker, Harry Byrd, Sr., Oliver Hill, Linwood Holton, Doug Wilder, and Arthur Ashe) that are required learning for the 4th grade Virginia Studies SOL. I developed this program after penning biographies of all six for State Standards Publishing to show how each played a part in the evolution of equal rights for African Americans.
Final Marks Count!
An introduction to the final punctuation marks–the period, the question mark, and the exclamation point–through a reading of PENNY AND THE PUNCTUATION BEE. Af terwards, we talk about punctuation, writing and have a mini punctuation bee of our own. Running time is 45 – 50 minutes; works best for 2nd through 4th grade. This presentation can also be done as a Readers' Theater workshop that has the students performing like pros by the end of the program!
Punctuation's Magic!
Students are treated to a visit by Alfie, my hand puppet, a reading of ALFIE THE APOSTROPHE and an interactive talk about punctuation. The finale? A couple of amazing punc tuation magic tricks that involve volunteers from the audience. Running time is 45 – 50 minutes; best for 2nd and 3rd grade.
The Alphabet Story
A 25-30 minute pro gram for pre-K, kindergarten and 1st grade in which The Alphabet Lady (me!) does a dramatic reading of my play, “An Alphabet Story,” with help from the audience. It’s a fun and different approach to learning the alphabet and letter sounds.
Brush Up Your Grammar!
In today's world of abbreviated written communication, correct punctuation and grammar are more important than ever. And they are still covered on state standardized tests and the SAT. But both can be intimidating. So I use a "tolerant" approach to the most common errors that even the best writers make. I also discuss the underlying grammatical principles in the hope that understanding "why" will help the writer remember the "how." And did I mention I do a song-and-dance? This program works for middle school and high school.
Tapping Into Your Creativity
An interactive presentation about creative writing that lasts 45- 50 minutes and can be modified for any age group from elementary through adult. Great for "career days"!
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