SCHOOL VISITS
CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR
BARBARA JEAN HICKS
SCHOOL VISITS
"Cats sleep
anywhere,
any table,
any chair.
Top of piano,
window-ledge,
in the middle,
on the edge..."Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965),"Cats"
I speak anywhere!
Schools. Libraries. Community events. Book festivals. Conferences. University classrooms. Fund raisers.
Any gathering of people who love books!I especially love to talk with elementary and middle school kids about reading and writing. I also like to help parents learn how to grow readers and writers at home!
FULL-DAY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Full-day school programs consist of 270 minutes of student contact time, which may include any combination of the following:
45 minute primary assemblies
60 minute intermediate or middle school assemblies
30 minute classroom Q&A sessions (up to 60 students)
60 minute writing workshops (up to 60 students)
30-45 minute "Lunch with the Author" (6-12 students)ASSEMBLIES:
I Like Black & White: From Pictures to Words & Back Again (grades K-2)
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! (grades 2-5)
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.A Monster Menu in the Making: Jitterbug Jam & More (grades 3-5)
This program focuses on the oral tradition (dialect and dialogue) and the use of rhythm, pattern and “color” in storytelling (alliteration, onomatopoeia, simile, etc.). Includes a dramatic reading and a group writing activity that can be extended to the classroom.
Writing Trait Spotlight: Ideas, Voice and Word Choice.You Can Do It! Writing and Illustrating Picture Books (grades 4-8)
The focus of this program is the differences between concept books, “true” picture books, and picture storybooks and how they are written and illustrated. Excellent opportunity for differentiated instruction in follow-up writing projects. Includes a Readers’ Theatre production.
Writing Trait Spotlight: Ideas, Voice and Organization.WRITING WORKSHOPS:
Follow-up classroom workshops focus on one or more of the writing traits introduced in the assemblies: ideas, organization, voice, or word choice. Students will learn techniques used by working writers to jump-start the creative process and improve their work through thoughtful revisions.
FAMILY LITERACY PROGRAMS
After a full-day program, many schools choose to book an additional evening event for families. I've put together a slide show that details the traditions in my family that made me a reader and writer for life. Parents are encouraged to create their own family traditions around reading and writing and are given easy, hands-on ideas to help their children become more proficient readers and writers.
TEACHER PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
These programs encourage teachers and teachers-in-training to think about the many kinds of standards-based lessons they might pull from a single picture book for use in the classroom. One-hour presentation, two-hour workshop or four-hour workshop. Includes audience participation and hands-on learning.
AUTHOR-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAMS
For intensive work on student writing, nothing beats having an author in the classroom on a recurring basis. Residencies may be constructed on a consecutive-day model or a weekly or monthly model. They are flexible in duration and geared to each school's needs, culminating in classroom projects that may include visual art, music and/or drama as well as creative writing.
For more information, including references and a fee schedule, please e-mail Barbara with "Program Query" in the Subject Line. I look forward to speaking at your school or event!
HERE'S WHAT EDUCATORS HAVE TO SAY:
"Barbara Jean Hicks delivers a dynamic presentation...giving the audience a peek into the influences on an author who writes from her heart and her life experience."
Holly Kunkle, Library Media/Technician
Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology, Moorpark CA"My children were thrilled with your presentation. Thanks for getting them all excited about writing!"
Suzanne Arrache, 1st grade Teacher
Virginia Ave. Elementary School, Bakersfield CA"Your program was a hit—thank you!"
Merle Green, Children's Liaison, Darrington Library
Darrington Elementary School, Darrington WA"Your stories captivated our imagination, young and old."
Malee Her, Kindergarten Teacher
Harvest Elementary School, Delano CA"Thanks for the wonderful program. The children and grownups both really loved it."
Ian Rosen, Children's Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library
Westchester-Loyola Village Branch, Los Angeles CA"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, Lecturer, English and Literature
Cal State University at Channel Islands, Camarillo CA"The kids were interested and involved. Thank you!"
Lily Carbajal, 1st grade Teacher
Virginia Ave. Elementary School, Bakersfield CA"It was wonderful to have a real author at our school! All of us have used you in our writing lessons this week."
Patti Holland, 1st grade Teacher
Red Oak Elementary School, Oak Park CA
HOME ABOUT THE AUTHOR ABOUT THE CAT BOOKS FOR KIDS BOOKS FOR GROWNUPS EVENTS SCHOOL VISITS TEACHER/PARENT PAGE STORE ART SAMPLES All text and images on this website © Barbara Jean Hicks 2005-2007 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.
