"I
love visiting schools! When I come to a school it is my goal
to be of benefit to the students. Here are a few handouts,
Website links, ideas, and suggestions. But for the full benefit..."
A
Successful (and Easy) School Visit
A school visit should be of benefit to the
student and not a pain for the coordinator. Here are
a few suggestions for making this a good
experience
for everyone (including the author).
- Book
an author 3 to 12 months in advance. This way
you usually have your pick of the dates.
- Choose
an author who has been recommended for their
presentations and books.
-
See if a local bookseller will provide the author’s
books for sale at the school. This makes it easier
on the author, keeps business connections
with
the community, and takes that task off your brain.
- If
the author doesn’t provide one, have a written agreement that both
the author and you sign, date, and get a copy; even a simple letter with
the date and expectations will do. This keeps everyone “on the same page.”
- Familiarize
the students with the author’s books
before the author visit.
- A table, a chair, some water, a microphone, and
a waiting parking space are five things that
put a smile on a visiting author’s face.
- Relax
and enjoy the visit yourself.
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Some of My Favorite Schools
2007 Frank Macias Elementary (Clint ISD) El Paso, TX
Ann Sawyer, librarian
2006 South Columbus Elementary (Muscogee Co. SD) Columbus, GA
Mary Fisher, librarian
2005 North
Oaks/Caraway Elementary (Round Rock ISD) Austin,
TX
Yvonne Fuller, librarian
2004 Grace
Hill Elementary (Rogers Schools) Rogers, AR
Jennie
Brook Rehl, principal
2003
Chamberlain Elementary (Chamberlain Schools) Chamberlain,
SD
Jeff Tveit, 3rd grade teacher
2002
Bang Elementary (Cypress-Fairbanks ISD) Houston, TX
Ruth Weismann, librarian
2001 Patterson
Elementary (Houston ISD) Houston, TX
Mindy Armstrong,
assistant principal,
"Reading and writing go together like ice cream and chocolate—they are fine by themselves but even better together!"
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