Hello again, Brianna –

Let’s pick up where we left off last month. You’ve booked your author visit, and now you’re getting ready to spend your time with the class. Remember, each school visit will be unique.

Some teachers will have read your book to the class. If the teacher hasn’t read the book yet or if they want you to read it again, consider whether you want to do so via a printed copy or if it’s easier for the class to see the book on an overhead. To make that experience interesting and fun, begin with the cover, pointing out things like the title, author and illustrator names, and details throughout the book. Add anecdotes like sharing your favorite pictures, giving background on a certain scene (how you came up with it), or talking about what the illustrator added that maybe was unexpected.

Arrive on time. Have a backup plan in case there’s technical difficulty. I like to bring a printed copy of slides in case I need to switch last-minute to doing the presentation without tech.

Consider having the kids participate, but clear this with the teacher beforehand. If your book has an interactive element or a refrain, involve the kids. I have a simple song I teach to kids, showing the words on the overhead, providing a movement activity.

A craft may be possible if prearranged with the teacher, though, in my experience, the school wants to leave crafts to the teacher and have the author they’re paying for a school visit to do things beyond what the teacher would do with them.

If presenting to multiple grades, your presentation will need to be adapted to be age-appropriate.

IN CONCLUSION

If possible, go on school visits with an author friend to see one firsthand.

Start small—some authors do their first school visit at low cost (just enough to cover their time) to get a feel for it and work out the kinks. If you have a teacher friend, that’s an ideal way to start.

Initially, visits take a lot of prep time. Once you have prepared a few presentations and done them each several times, the process is much faster and smoother.

Prepare as much as you can. Expect something to not go as planned. Be flexible and kind. Enjoy yourself! Afterward, follow up with a thank-you email or card.

—Christine

HAVE QUESTIONS?

To ask a question that may be answered in an upcoming Kite Tales, please follow this link and fill in the form. Answers by Christine Van Zandt, children’s book author and owner of Write for Success Editing & Coaching Services.

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