In-Person presentations are usually 45-60 minutes long, including activities.

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For PK-3, I will explain what authors and illustrators do and how they work together to create a book. I will then read a book, followed by your choice of activity. There will be time for questions.

(If the students purchased books prior to the visit, I can sign their copies).

 

Activities:

-Quick drawing lesson! I draw a character from the story. I will show how important it is for characters to show emotion, how easy it is to change their expressions, and how, using simple shapes, you can draw anything!  This is always a fun activity, and depending on time, I create a character with student input.

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-Make your own book cover!  I discuss the elements of a book cover, and the students can design their own cover for the story we read in class, or redesign a cover for their favorite book.

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-Make a mask of the main character! After reading the story, I can assist with this handcraft. (printable design, easy to color and cut, you can print it from the teacher resources link below) 

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-Popsicle stick puppets! After reading the story, I can assist with this handcraft. (Printable characters, color cut, and glue or tape to popsicle sticks. see teacher resources below)

 

For older elementary school-age students, I explain the physical characteristics of a book: The front cover, endpapers, the spine of the book, etc., and what it takes to write and illustrate a picture book. 

We will discuss the plot elements that make up a picture book (or fiction short story) and brainstorm with the class to develop a story and design the main character of the story we create. This activity can go well with a lesson plan on creative writing.

 

*Since I am also an illustrator, I can accommodate requests for an art lesson focused on picture books and some of the basics of drawing (composition and character design). 

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