To “make” more time for academics, many school districts across the country have chopped recess and axed assemblies. To make sure that you don’t fall victim to the “Dulling of American Students,” make your author visit program irresistible to administrators. When you describe your assemblies, show administrators how your presentation links directly to the curriculum and educational standards. If you’re willing (and able) to do large group assemblies, this also makes your program more attractive to schools who want to be totally democratic and reach all children.
School Visit Experts
Creating Programs That Kids, Teachers & Librarians Love
Great new blog, Alexis.
Alexis,
It was great to learn about your blog from a fellow SCBWI member. School visits are my mission, but at the school organizer end of things. What great ideas and super tips for presenters. Providing a link to standards is a great help when trying for grants and financial support, too!
Thanks for the great tips! I’ve been doing school visits for years, but I learn something new every time I visit your site!
Judy
Thank you for starting this blog. What an excellent resource it promises to be! As an author who just recently started to do school visits, I need all the help I can get.
Alexis. I’m so thrilled to find your blog. My middle-grade book came out in April and I had my first four visits in May and June. I LOVED it and I’m going to use you blog as my most trusted resource.
Thanks for the link to the state educational standards. I’m planning my first school visit, and the librarian mentioned the state-wide writing exam her 4th graders have to take this year — I was able to see exactly what that exam includes, so I can better tailor my presentation! So much great information here — again, thanks!
Glad to know the post was useful, M.G.! The more we know about what teachers have to accomplish with kids in class, the better prepared authors can be to support teachers’ efforts and make an impact.