headers and text go here

Visits

SCHOOL/LIBRARY VISITS

Find punctuation and grammar boring?  Dread teaching it?  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 schoolers.

Beginning in March, 2012, I will also offer a civil rights program for fourth graders.  It will focus on the six personalities covered on the 4th grade Virginia SOL and also addressed in my 6-book biography series that will be released by State Standards Publishing in the spring of 2012.  My 2012 fee for this program is $400.  I can do one presentation for the entire 4th grade class or do it twice for two groups for the same fee if that works better for your school's schedule.

My 2011-2012 fees for the literacy programs are $500 for two presentations (your choice of programs) and Lunch with the Author; $100 for additional programs.  I do not charge travel expenses for VA, MD, DC, the NY/NJ area or Florida (in the winter); expenses for all other areas are negotiable.

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 addressed on the 4th grade SOL in Virginia Studies.  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 my lat­est book, PENNY AND THE PUNCTUATION BEE. Af­terwards, 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!

Moira with Alphie

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 punc­tuation 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 pro­gram 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"!

 

question