SCHOOL VISITS
A former teacher with wide-ranging classroom experience, I would LOVE to visit your school or library. My mission as an author is much the same as when I was teaching: to help grow confident, curious, lifelong readers and thinkers.
I believe that:
reading is magic.
writing is fun.
creativity is contagious.
And I want to help students believe that too.
See below for sample offerings and a printable flyer with all the details. I am available for assemblies, classroom workshops, week-long author-in-residence programs, professional development, family literacy nights, library storytimes, museum programs, and more. From single sessions to half or full days, I can customize a visit to fit your unique and important audience.
Contact me to chat about how I can help spread some book magic to your readers!
CRAFTING POETRY: READ, WRITE, PLAY
Grades K-2, Classroom Workshop, 45-60 minutes
In this classroom-based workshop (built for one or two classes at a time), we will read an assortment of poems, exploring how they came to be and noticing the special things poets/writers do as they work. Then we will “play with words” and craft some seasonal (K) or insect (1 + 2) poems together.
FINDING POETRY: GATHER, PLAY, MAKE
Grades 3-5, Classroom Workshop, 60 minutes
In this classroom-based workshop, we will look at how poetry can hide in all kinds of places. After taking apart some picture books to find the poetry within, we’ll work on a hands-on, engaging poem-building activity that promises to have students seeing (and using) words in a thoughtful new way.
IDEA CATCHERS: LOOK, LISTEN, WONDER, REPEAT
Grades 1-3, Workshop or Assembly, 45 minutes
In this classroom-based workshop (which can be modified to an assembly), we will focus on “catching ideas” - the very first step in the writing process. I’ll share examples of how many of my books and poems began in my own backyard, simply by paying attention. We’ll look at different methods for collecting ideas, and then take some time to begin that work together.
MAKING MAGIC: JOURNEY OF A BOOK
Grades K-5, Large-Group Assembly, 45-50 minute
In this presentation/assembly , I’ll walk students through the various stages of the writing & publishing process (using a true/false game and digital slideshow). We’ll talk about idea notebooks, first drafts, writing buddies, book designers, and more. I’ll share about life as a writer, and how creativity, collaboration, patience and perseverance play a major role in this work…and in many kinds of work! Read aloud and/or Q + A at the end.
READ ALOUD WITH ACTIVITY AND Q + A
Preschool and up, 30 minutes
Reading aloud is one of my all-time favorite things to do! And there are heaps of benefits for students. I can visit with classes in this format, engaging in an interactive reading from one of my books (your choice). Afterwards I’ll take questions, and then offer up a fun, connected hands-on activity that we can do/start together. This can be in-person or virtual, and also works at library and museums as well!
Contact me to chat about those options.
EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS
PD workshop, 60-75 minutes, with handouts/resources
POETRY IN THE PRIMARY CLASSROOM is all about the power and the possibility of poetry. We’ll look at poetry as a teaching tool that can be embedded into the curriculum all across the day.
THE SECRET MAGIC OF PICTURE BOOKS examines the many layers to be found in picture books and the countless profound ways they can impact classrooms and students…of all ages.
-
![]()
Crafting poetry workshop
-
![]()
Poems for pockets!
-
![]()
making poems shine
-
![]()
catching ideas - even on zoom!
-
![]()
family literacy night fun
-
![]()
Making Magic Assembly
-
![]()
Preschool Build-a-Bug
-
![]()
Happy poets...
