motivate young authors  °  improve student writing skills  °  promote arts & academics  °  raise funding for your school  °  promote self-confidence young authors school publications student publishing childrens' art & writing make-a-book
 

CLASS ACT CREATIVE

PUBLISHING PROGRAMS
FOR SCHOOLS, CLASSROOMS & KIDS


PUBLISHING  °   PRODUCT  DETAILS   °   FUND  RAISING   °   SCHOOL VISITS   °   FAQ'S   °   BOOKSTORE   °   ABOUT CLASS ACT   °   HOME

 

Class Act Creative Publisher BARBARA JEAN HICKS is the award-winning author of five children's picture books. She has worked as a copywriter, editor and teacher and holds a current California credential in Language Arts.

www.barbarajeanhicks.com
 

BARBARA'S BOOKS

Image from I LIKE BLACK & WHITE
Illustrated by Lila Prap

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CLASS ACT

NOTES
FROM THE TRENCHES

  "Thank you, Barbara!
   Your presentation was
   dynamic and clearly from
   your heart."
    Holly Kunkle
    Flory Academy
 

   “My children were thrilled
   with your presentation.
   Thanks for getting them
   all excited about writing!"
     Suzanne Arrache
     Virginia Ave. Elementary School
 

  "Your read-alouds were
   amazing, and my students
   learned so much about
   picture books. The
   highlight of the semester
   for my Children's
   Literature classes!"
    Claudia Reder
    Cal State University

young authors school publications student publishing childrens' art & writing make-a-book young authors school publications student publishing childrens' art & writing make-a-book young authors school publications student publishing childrens' art & writing make-a-book young authors school publications student publishing childrens' art & writing make-a-book young authors school publications student publishing childrens' art & writing make-a-book young authors school publications student publishing childrens' art & writing make-a-book young authors school publications student publishing childrens' art

PROGRAM DETAILS:

ASSEMBLIES

I Like Black & White: From Pictures to Words & Back Again (Primary)

This program, perfect for primary grades, focuses on a process for writing concept books that even a kindergartner can follow. Includes a fun group writing exercise with a follow-up activity for the classroom. Writing Trait Spotlight: Ideas and Organization.

The Secret Life of Walter Kitty: Dream Big! (Primary and Intermediate)

In this interactive program, observation and imagination get equal billing in the creative process. Students will be inspired to write and illustrate a picture book of their own based on their imagination and personal observation. Writing Trait Spotlight: Ideas and Voice.

How To Write A Picture Book (Intermediate)

This program provides an overview of the kinds of picture books older students might write and illustrate: concept books, “true” picture books, and picture storybooks. Excellent opportunity for differentiated instruction in follow-up writing projects. Includes either a dramatic reading or a Readers’ Theatre production. Writing Trait Spotlight: Ideas, Voice and Organization.

WRITING WORKSHOPS

Follow-up classroom workshops use one of the books introduced in the assemblies as a springboard for writing a collaborative poem, to which each child contributes. Students then have an opportunity to expand on their contribution either in words or drawings. Ideas, organization, voice, and word choice may all be addressed.

FAMILY LITERACY PROGRAM

This evening or weekend event for students, parents and staff consists of a slide show focusing on the traditions in the author’s family that made her a reader and writer for life. Parents are encouraged to create their own family traditions around reading and writing. Literacy home activity guides (English and Spanish) included.

"INTERVIEW THE AUTHOR"

These short classroom sessions give students an opportunity to practice interviewing skills and get answers to the questions they would most like to have the author answer at their grade level. We recommend preparing students by having them identify what is most difficulty for them in the writing process and asking how the author deals with the same issues.

LUNCH WITH THE AUTHOR

Sharing lunch and conversation with an author can create lifelong memories for students and motivation for pursuing their own writing goals. We recommend using this part of the day as a reward for a student writing contest or to honor students who show a particular interest in writing or have shown the most improvement in their writing skills.

STUDENT PUBLICATION PROGRAM

See the All-School Literary/Arts Yearbook™ Program and the Project Arts RESPECT™ Program for information.

Fund Raising Option: Your school may offset the Visiting Author Program fees by ordering books of student work at a discounted rate and reselling them to students, parents and staff at retail price.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

VISITING AUTHOR SERVICES ° TOP OF PAGE

PUBLISHING SERVICES ° PRODUCT DETAILS

BARBARA'S BOOKS ° ABOUT CLASS ACT ° FAQ'S

FUND RAISING ° BOOKSTORE ° HOME

All text and images on this website © Barbara Jean Hicks 2005-2009 unless otherwise identified. Text and images may be used for educational and other non-commercial purposes if copyright and website information are clearly stated. Commercial use of all text and images is strictly prohibited.