Presented by Erin Fitzpatrick-Bjorn K-8 District Media Coordinator Gresham-Barlow School District Be a School Library Visit Ninja

Author Visits Why do them? –Author’s perspective –Teacher’s perspective –Student’s perspective

Author Visits Some ways to connect with schools. Is there any money?

Author Visit Checklist The keys to planning a successful author visit Before the visit: logistics Before the visit: engaging students The day of the visit Book sales After the visit

During the Visit - for authors Introduce yourself to the teacher(s) when they come in and be your most outgoing self with the adults, even if you’re faking it. Ask an adult if there’s a school signal for quiet and use it (or teach them your own signal) - don’t talk over students Ask them some “raise your hands” questions, or, if it’s appropriate and you’re very brave, you might have them stand up for something Bring props if you can and a plan for whether they get to touch them - maybe ask just a few students to come up and “model” the props. Read some of your book, but not more than 5-7 minutes. Ask them to think about something particular as you read. If it’s a picture book, ask the school to use a document camera (most schools have them). Encourage call and echo or something similar if it fits your book. Plan time in your presentation for questions. If your publisher has swag to offer, use it for bribery. Have a plan about autographs (one option: make up a simple bookmark w/ your signature that the school can print and hand out).

The Ideal Author Website from a Librarian’s POV Direct contact info Description of your presentation(s) COST Video related to the book(s) and/or author Curriculum connections

The Standards Common Core English Language Arts Standards K-12 in Reading, Writing, Speaking/Listening, Language (conventions and vocabulary) - Focus on the reading anchors Next Generation Science Standards Oregon Social Science Standards encesstandards pdf

Writing Lesson Plans What will skill or ability the learner be able to demonstrate with the activity? What standard(s) does it address? I am willing to do free 15 minute phone consults on lesson plans if you me the lesson (or longer consults if you buy me an adult beverage).

Value Adds Do you have any extra offerings, such as a teacher or family workshop or a classroom Skype visit you might add?

Contact information Check out my library website resources. resources. Contact me via Find me on Twitter Read our blog aweekoraweekend.comaweekoraweekend.com Look at my photography kiddingaroundphotography.com kiddingaroundphotography.com