School Visits/Events
AUTHOR VISITS--POETRY POWER!
Discover the poetry that is all around you! Splish Splash with words and let ideas Flicker Flash through your imagination as we explore The Poem That Will Not End, Awesome Earth, and the amazing array of shapes water, light, landforms, and poetry can take--from waves and waterfalls to the sun and a camera, from a skateboard poem to a sonnet, and a hoodoo to a volcano. During my presentation, we do poems interactively, I discuss poetic forms and voices and explain how poems and books take shape, including displaying press sheets--the whole book on one big page. I bring rain sticks, an ocean drum, and a thunder stick for our "environmental symphony" and do a poem in sign language.
My program is for grades K-6 (I've also worked with 7th & 8th graders.), and I vary it depending on the age level. Possible formats include two or three 45-minute assemblies in which I can speak to the entire school with children grouped by age--i.e. K&1, 2&3, 4&5,(6). In the afternoon I can visit classrooms to answer any further questions; a poetry writing workshop is another option. Think of it as an extra hour to divide however you wish. I enjoy having lunch with the teachers. A former teacher myself with experience in K-8 and gifted, I share Teacher Idea Sheets for ways to use Splish Splash, Flicker Flash, and The Poem That Will Not End across the curriculum, poetry writing ideas, a master for "Popsicle" bookmarks, and much more at www.joangraham.com. On the left, click on "Classroom Resources" and scroll down to my name.
If you choose to sell books, I'm happy to autograph them and can supply you with a pre-sale flyer to duplicate and send home. Books can be ordered through a local children's Indie bookstore or through my publishers, HarperCollins (1-800-242-7737, then press #2 for Author Visits) and Amazon/Two Lions (POEM--distributed by Brilliance: 1-800-648-2312). Please contact me for my current fee schedule--a "virtual visit" could be another option. I am very flexible and happy to discuss what your particular needs are so that we can plan the perfect day for your school. I love to inspire students to be creative, to take a different perspective, to see things in a new way! Hope I have a chance to work with you!
ACCOLADES:
"Phenomenal . . . an enriching experience!"
"Best assembly we've ever had--and I've been here 28 years!"
"Compelling presentation . . . the audience was dazzled . . . this group will never forget you."
"Everything I'd ever hoped for in bringing an author to interact with the children. You really touched a lot of lives in a positive way."
"I've been teaching for 36 years, and this is the most inspiring day I have experienced!"
"Wonderful presentations . . . and the Writer's Workshop was fabulous."
"What a gift you have for inspiring people--young and old!"
"Thank you--for making a difference in our lives."
I've been invited to speak at the Casablanca American School, ALA, IRA (ILA), CATE, CRA, CSLA, CAG, NCTE, TLA and many more conferences and events.