School Visits

“The best author we have had.”
—Barbara Merritt, librarian, Wentworth Intermediate School, Scarborough, ME

“A highlight of our year.”
—Jennifer Antonson, 2nd grade teacher, Dooley Elementary School, Schaumburg, IL

“I thought your presentation today—visual, interactive, well-paced, student-friendly, and extremely interesting for all—was fantastic!”
—Jane McNeely, 4th grade teacher, Brown Elementary School, South Portland, ME

Around the Neighborhood
Fun with Story and Song for Preschool and Kindergarten

The students join in singing Around the Neighborhood, a re-imagined version of the classic folksong “Over in the Meadow.” Then we talk about the animals children might see in their own neighborhoods and create a very simple book that can be left in the classroom. A handout to take home encourages parents and children to take a walk together and count, draw, and write about the animals they see. (30 minutes)

Gorillas and Tigers and Sharks…Oh My!
A Nonfiction Workshop for Grades K-2

After reading my I-Can-Read title Amazing Snakes, I discuss how I write nonfiction and describe the basic steps of research, selections, and organization. Students work together to organize 4-6 facts into a “mini-book.” Great for units on animals, the environment, or conservation. (30-45 minutes)

Brown Is Warm, Black Is Bright
A Poetry Workshop for Grades 2-4

After reading my picture book, Brown Is Warm, Black Is Bright, we talk about using metaphors and inventive description as ways to open up how we see the world. A passage like “Brown is safe / a ship to hold me / high in leafy seas” describes a child in a treehouse but also evokes a sense of both adventure and security. Children then work on their own brief poems describing the beauty of the colors brown and black. (30-45 minutes)

Save the Endangered Species
A Nonfiction Workshop for Grades 3-5

After reading a selection from one of my nonfiction books about endangered species, I discuss how I write nonfiction and describe the basic steps of research, selections, and organization. Students work together to organize facts about animals to create a smooth, interesting piece of nonfiction writing. Great for units on the environment or conservation. (30-45 minutes)

Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week
A Fiction Workshop for Grades 3-5

After reading a selection from my chapter book, Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week, the students and I talk about the writing process and about ways to create characters who are so different that they provide a story with humor, conflict, and action. Students then try a short brainstorming exercise to come up with two very different characters and imagine ways that they might interact. (40-50 minutes)

Mercy
A Fiction Workshop (with a little bit of history) for Grades 5-12

After reading from my YA fantasy, Mercy: The Last New England Vampire, I talk about New England folklore and the true story of Mercy Brown, whose tragic death at the age of 19 led to the writing of Mercy. The students and I talk about ghost stories and frightening folktales, why they have such influence over us, and how writers can use them to create stories that connect with readers on many levels. Then the students brainstorm ideas for their own ghost story. Perfect for creative writing classes, history projects, and Halloween. (45 minutes-1 hour)

Deadly Flowers
A Historical Fiction Workshop (with ninjas) for Grades 5-12 

After reading from my novel, Deadly Flowers: A Ninja’s Tale, I discuss the process of writing historical fiction. Showing the stages of my work, I demonstrate how a writer can use historical incidents (such as the existence of an all-girls ninja school in 16th-century Japan) to inspire memorable storylines, and how research can help develop character and advance a plot. Then the students try a quick writing exercise, using historical facts to create an introductory paragraph for their own story. Perfect for creative writing and English classes, history projects, and anyone who loves ninjas! (45 minutes-1 hour)

All presentations allow time for Q&A.

Fees
In Portland, Maine: $225 per presentation
Outside of Portland, Maine: $900 for 4 presentations a day, $1125 for 5 presentations, plus travel expenses

Contact Information
To set up a school vist, ask for more information, or discuss possible options, please contact Sarah at: slthomsonbooks@gmail.com.