The Importance of Author School Visits

This excellent post from Nerdy Book Club reminds me once again of the importance of author school visits. The post is written by a teacher, describing the enormous impact an author can have on a school – teachers discussing the presentation, students lining up to read, and students determined to write and illustrate their own work.

As a children’s author, I see this from the other side. I can attest to the rapt joy on a child’s face when they are given a glimpse into the world of story. I’ve exchanged correspondence with more than one reader fan after a school visit, and have watched from afar as that child matures into a serious writer. I know that by bringing my love of story-telling into a classroom I’m having a profound impact that will ripple for a long time.

One of the messages I bring to kids is that we each have our own unique story to tell. At a recent school visit, as I said this and pointed to kids, telling them that, yes, “You and you and you each have your own story to give to the world,” one boy shook his head, no. How will he learn to believe in himself without examples? I hope that by the end of my talk, as I gave him tools by which to find his voice, he felt differently. I know that just by being there, as a published writer with a love of expression (and as a former teacher), I offered a very different way of seeing reading and writing than what can be delivered through lessons and homework.

There are so many ways for teachers and librarians to raise funds for author school visits. Here are just a few links:

Funding for school visits

21 ways to fund school visits

If you are a teacher or librarian, please contact me with questions.

 

2 Responses to “The Importance of Author School Visits”

  1. Linda W.

    The kids I know always get excited about author visits. These visits have inspired them to be avid readers.

    • Janet

      I know, right? I hope the links help teachers and librarians find funding because I know that can be a sticking point! Thanks, Linda!