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My school visits are tailored to the age of the group and the time of year (eg, book week). A 45 minute visit comprises: me reading my books and lots of audience participation.
For each of my books, I share my first draft (handwritten drafts in my notebook), story boards which demonstrate the publishing process (kids love these because they are in A3 size and look pretty cool), any associated artefacts (eg, awards) and we talk about each book’s themes.
I tell the younger kids (grades prep to two) that I wear a crazy hat for each book I read, that I am very forgetful and that they have to remind me to put my hat on. I have a special hat for each of my books.
I also share a book that I wrote and illustrated when I was in grade 4, because it was all handwritten and kids are usually surprised it wasn’t done on a computer.
An hour long visit includes the above, but also involves me helping the kids, as a group, write a short story (or the start of a story) using story cubes and other props.
I like to really read the room and tailor my visits for the kids. I like to get kids involved and I often incorporate a mindfulness exercise into my visits.
I will provide each classroom with a print out of my 12 traits of kindness from my book Twelve Days of Kindness. These often mesh well with school values and I like to incorporate a school’s values into my visits (I request that you provide me with them in advance so that I can understand them).
Topics covered (12 Days of Kindness)
– Kindness
– Working Together
– Bullying
– Friendship
Topics covered (All I Want For Christmas Is Rain)
– Drought
– Farmers
– Environment
– Climate Change
– Gratitude
– Family
– Positivity
Topics covered (Fearless with Dad)
– Family
– Father’s Day
– Dads
– Carers
– Creative activities
– Outdoor activities
Topics covered (Max & George)
– Starting school
– Friendship
– Anxiety
– Positivity