Presentations for all ages . . .
Would you like your students to experience writing, research, and history from a new and exciting perspective? Would you also like your students to see how an author uses primary sources as part of the creative process?
I'd love the opportunity to work with your students at your school or library. In fact, working with kids (and adults!) is one of my favorite parts about being an author.
During a typical one-day school visit, I'm able to give four presentations. (Scroll down for options.)
OR . . . If I'm visiting your school for a week as an artist-in-residence, I can give up to 20 presentations during the week. (Yep, 20!) I offer several writing workshops in additional to the ones I've listed below. And wow, do the students create!
If you have questions about anything (including scheduling or rates), please contact me.
Note: If your school or organization is located in South Dakota, my visit may be subsidized by the SD Arts Council or the SD Humanities Council.
Long-armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics
I'd love the opportunity to work with your students at your school or library. In fact, working with kids (and adults!) is one of my favorite parts about being an author.
During a typical one-day school visit, I'm able to give four presentations. (Scroll down for options.)
OR . . . If I'm visiting your school for a week as an artist-in-residence, I can give up to 20 presentations during the week. (Yep, 20!) I offer several writing workshops in additional to the ones I've listed below. And wow, do the students create!
If you have questions about anything (including scheduling or rates), please contact me.
Note: If your school or organization is located in South Dakota, my visit may be subsidized by the SD Arts Council or the SD Humanities Council.
Long-armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics
Ludy Godbold was a shot-putter who competed in the first Women's Olympics in Paris, France, in 1922. Not only was she an athlete, but she had an incredible sense of humor and a heart of gold.
During this presentation, I provide a marvelous mix of storytelling, archival photographs, and hands-on writing tips. (And if your kids would also like to learn how to "throw" a shot put . . . I can teach that, too!)
Your students will also learn about primary source research, the skill of observation, and the importance of writing for oneself and others.
I can also adapt this presentation to meet the needs of adult audiences, including educators and writers.
All ages. 45-60 minutes. Group size: Unlimited
During this presentation, I provide a marvelous mix of storytelling, archival photographs, and hands-on writing tips. (And if your kids would also like to learn how to "throw" a shot put . . . I can teach that, too!)
Your students will also learn about primary source research, the skill of observation, and the importance of writing for oneself and others.
I can also adapt this presentation to meet the needs of adult audiences, including educators and writers.
All ages. 45-60 minutes. Group size: Unlimited
The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth
After dramatizing the true story of Jackie Mitchell, I “personalize” the writing process by showing students my mounds of research and stacks of drafts. As I reveal this research, I show actual footage of Jackie’s strikeout. (This video turns skeptics into believers!)
Although this presentation focuses on baseball, it also inspires young people to read, write, and answer their dreams.
All ages. Length: 60 minutes. Group size: Unlimited.
Although this presentation focuses on baseball, it also inspires young people to read, write, and answer their dreams.
All ages. Length: 60 minutes. Group size: Unlimited.
The Story of Mount Rushmore
During this visual and interactive presentation, I introduce students to my kitchen table (where I write), my routines, and the challenges I face as an author. Next, I give students an inside look at my books about Mount Rushmore, including Who Carved the Mountain? The Story of Mount Rushmore.
During the presentation, I show students my quest for primary sources and discuss how Mount Rushmore was carved. I also show students old photos and actual tools that workers used during the carving process. (I let students touch these artifacts, too!)
Meanwhile, I help students understand why sculptor Gutzon Borglum chose George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt to symbolize the history and ideals of the United States.
Throughout the presentation, I emphasize the power of teamwork and the value of unique talents.
All ages. Length: 45-60 minutes. Group size: Unlimited.
This presentation is a great supplement to any United States or South Dakota history unit.
During the presentation, I show students my quest for primary sources and discuss how Mount Rushmore was carved. I also show students old photos and actual tools that workers used during the carving process. (I let students touch these artifacts, too!)
Meanwhile, I help students understand why sculptor Gutzon Borglum chose George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt to symbolize the history and ideals of the United States.
Throughout the presentation, I emphasize the power of teamwork and the value of unique talents.
All ages. Length: 45-60 minutes. Group size: Unlimited.
This presentation is a great supplement to any United States or South Dakota history unit.
Snowplows and Poetry
In this presentation, I read to students from If I Had a Snowplow, a month-by-month picture book about a young boy who uses machines to help his mother. Using small replicas of trucks and heavy machinery, I lead students in a group writing activity and talk about the extraordinary power of words. (This presentation also includes the fundamentals of the writing process.)
Preschool - Grade 1. Length: 40 minutes. Group size: 50 students maximum. (If your group will be larger, please let me know in advance.)
Preschool - Grade 1. Length: 40 minutes. Group size: 50 students maximum. (If your group will be larger, please let me know in advance.)
Great Places, Great (Animal) Faces
Attention animal lovers! This presentation is based on Four Famous Faces, an original folktale that features the wildlife of the Badlands and Black Hills.
Besides learning about animals, your students will have the opportunity to experiment with similes, sounds, and rhythm as they mix nonfiction with poetry.
Grades K-up. Length: 45-60 minutes. Group size: One classroom (approx. 30 students). Can be adapted for an assembly. Please ask for details.
Besides learning about animals, your students will have the opportunity to experiment with similes, sounds, and rhythm as they mix nonfiction with poetry.
Grades K-up. Length: 45-60 minutes. Group size: One classroom (approx. 30 students). Can be adapted for an assembly. Please ask for details.
Author in the Classroom
In this informal presentation, I meet with students in their classroom. Students prepare their questions ahead of time, asking me anything they'd like to know about my books, my writing process, and my life. This approach allows plenty of time for me to interact with your students & to inspire them as individuals.
All ages. Length: 45-60 minutes. Group size: One classroom (approx. 30 students).
All ages. Length: 45-60 minutes. Group size: One classroom (approx. 30 students).
More . . .
If your school or organization is located within South Dakota, my presentations may be subsidized by the South Dakota Arts Council or the South Dakota Humanities Council. Please contact me for details.
(South Dakota Arts Council support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.)
(South Dakota Arts Council support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.)