For Teachers
I believe the two most important components of a school visit are humor and active participation. I will have your students laughing and chomping at the bit to create their own stories.
As a teacher, my school programs are meant to inspire students and help them refine specific writing skills.
Programs
STANDARD PRESENTATION FOR GRADES PK-3:
Students enjoy all of the following:
- True or False? ⎯ Guess which wild facts I uncovered while researching.
- Sara’s Dirty Laundry ⎯ Learn about my writing process. (Even professionals make mistakes!)
- Toilet Paper Brainstorming ⎯ Help me generate similes…and I may or may not wear a TP wedding dress.
- How a Book Is Made ⎯ Get the inside scoop on Just So Willow’s winding road to publication.
- The Art of the Illustration ⎯ Discover how my illustrator’s art evolved.
- Q&A
STANDARD PRESENTATION FOR GRADES 3-6:
Students enjoy all of the following:
- Breaking the Rules ⎯ Find out why I almost didn’t become a writer and why you should believe in yourself!
- Nonfiction Fun ⎯ Discover how searching for facts can change your life and the world.
- We’re All Connected ⎯ Play a game inspired by Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign.
- What’s a gene? ⎯ Explore the science of heredity.
- Sara’s Dirty Laundry ⎯ Learn about my writing process. (Even professionals make mistakes!)
- Q&A
WORKSHOPS FOR GRADES 4 and UP:
I am happy to tailor a workshop to meet your needs.
VIRTUAL VISITS:
I offer 30 minute virtual visits, focusing on the writing process and student Q&A. I highlight either Just So Willow or Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign, depending on the age of the audience.
Fee Schedules
FOR PRESENTATIONS:
- First 30-45 minute presentation: $300 (I recommend group sizes be kept to 150 students or fewer)
- Each additional 30-45 minute presentation: $150
- Travel fee if location is more than 25 miles from my home: 65.5 cents/mile
- Schools agree to have a book sale; I am happy to help organize.
FOR VIRTUAL VISITS:
- $150
- I ask that schools provide families with information about ordering my books.
FOR WORKSHOPS:
- One 45-60 minute workshop for a single classroom: $300 (base fee)
- Workshops can take any form: multiple class periods, multiple days, multiple grades. I will work with you to settle on a fee that fits your program.
- I ask that schools provide families with information about ordering my books.
Teacher’s Guides:
From teachers:
“You were a very enthusiastic and kid-friendly speaker.”
“Time frame was great, delivery was great, examples were great.”
“Enough variation in presentation to keep students’ interest. They remembered what was said!”
“What a great message⎯writing is fun, hard, and definitely worthwhile. Hard work pays off!”
“Your presentation was age, interest, and time appropriate for your audience.”
From students:
“Thank you for coming to our class. Your Ferris wheel story was hilarious. You are a great writer. YOU ROCK.”
“I like when she dressed up in toilet paper. That was funny.”
“One thing you taught me is to never give up. Like when you kept doing your drafts over and over again. You didn’t give up.”
