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I am flexible to your library or classroom needs,
but here is a sampling of my programs.
Did That Really Happen To
You?
(PreSchool - 3rd Grade)
Through lively storytelling (including a flannel
board story), overheads and props, I will show young children
how an author's life experiences sneak their way into the
writing of fiction. (25 - 45 minutes)
How Characters Are Revealed
(Grades 2 - 3)
How does an author show us what a character
is like? How do we come to love and care about some characters
and despise others? In this interactive workshop, I will present
techniques I used when writing Winnie
Dancing On Her Own to help readers come
to know my characters. The presentation of these strategies
will not only help students to become better writers, but
will improve their reading comprehension as well. (45 minutes)
Try, Try Again
(Grades 3 - 6)
Using picture books and an old-fashion melodrama,
I'll demonstrate the way in which authors use "a rule
of three" when plotting successful stories. Students
will gain practice in creating stories that contain obstacles
characters must overcome. If time allows, I will also share
the ways in which writers who want to become published authors,
must persist in order to succeed. (45 minutes - 1 hour)
What Makes A Good Story?
(Grades 4 - 12)
In this workshop I share what I've discovered
as a writer of fiction. We discuss plot structure (including
successful beginnings and endings), foreshadowing, voice,
and characterization. Particular emphasis is placed on the
importance of revision. (45 minutes - 1 hour)
(I am happy to tie information to the six traits of writing
if you wish.)
An author residency can be tremendously rewarding
for both students and teachers. These are customized to fit
a school's particular needs. In some instances, I work as
a writing colleague with several classrooms for a full week.
I teach daily mini-lessons and then the students and I write
together. By week's end we've all learned exciting things
about writing and produced work we can genuinely be proud
of.
Other residencies combine staff development
with modeling in the classroom. One highly successful model
begins with a full day of training in Six Trait Writing and/or
Writer's Workshop. This day is followed by days of modeling
lessons and student conferences in the classroom. Debriefing
sessions for staff end each day. The final day of the residency
often includes another inservice allowing teachers to process,
raise questions, and build upon the teaching we've shared.
I can do up to 4 presentations during a school
day and enjoy combined classes, but I suggest that you limit
the number of children for a session to 60. I am happy to
sign books during the day or after school.
I'm also available for virtual visits (through
instant messaging) with your class or library group.
For suggestions in planning real or virtual
school events, I recommend exploring Toni Buzzeo's site at
http://www.tonibuzzeo.com/visits.html.
She offers a wealth of information on how to ensure a successful
author visit.
You may wish to combine an author visit with
an in-service session
for teachers or an evening with parents.
Jennifer Richard Jacobson
PO Box 677
Yarmouth, Maine 04096
jennifer@jenniferjacobson.com
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