Teachers, parents, and kids agree that author visits enhance the educational experience. When children meet authors in person they are inspired to read and write more. Even in times of economic downturn, author visits are a worthwhile investment.
“It was a pleasure to have Sandra Smith visit our classroom this year. My sixth grade students were given insider information on what it is like to write a book. She shared the process she used while focusing on revising and editing. My students learned that the process takes time and effort and that the first write is not what gets published … Ms. Smith’s presentation allowed my students to see the writer in themselves. I am certain that many of my students are writing their own novels this summer. They have been inspired by Sandra Smith’s visit to our classroom.” —6th grade language arts teacher
Presentations
I can tailor my presentation to the needs of your students. The focus can be on the writing process, the importance of reading for writing, gardening, or publishing. I will also tailor specifically to the age group. My books fit best with grades 3-8.
“Dear Sandra Smith, I loved your visit to our school. Guess what? The day after your visit my class had an auction and I used all my points to buy your book!” –an excited 6th grader
More about me
I am a licensed teacher and have taught all ages ranging from kindergarten to adults. My specialty area is English as a Second Language. I grew up on a farm and attended a small country school. My teaching experiences have been in large public schools, small private schools, and overseas, so I am at home in all situations. I LOVE VISITING CLASSROOMS !!!
Ideas for Funding
If your school library budget is bare, don’t worry. There are many ways schools can find money to fund author visits!
- PTAs
- Book Fair Funds
- Grants — Find out what is available in your local area (Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, for example) or look online (such as Adopt a classroom, Donors Choose, TARGET educational grants, Barnes and Noble, ala grant, ING)
- Partnerships in the community (for example, service clubs in the community committed to literacy such as Rotary, Lions, Friends of the Library, etc.)
- Do something within your school that gets everyone involved like a coin drive, dunk tank, sale, or raffle
If you, busy teacher that you are, do not have time to apply for grants or organize events, find an enthusiastic parent to help out. 🙂 And remember, the more the kids are involved to begin with, the better the event will be in the end.
Please email me at authorssmith [at] gmail.com with any questions or to book a visit. You may also use the contact page on this website. Thanks! I look forward to hearing from you.
