Learn By Doing
This is a hands-on workshop for groups of 50 or fewer. I will provide a notebook and pencil for each participant and we will spend about 45 minutes (this can be flexible based on your scheduling needs) writing and sketching based on unique prompts that will be catered to the needs and ages of your students. We will practice revising and editing our work and allow time for questions and answers.
love to read
This presentation can be done for groups up to 100 students. The aim of this presentation is to help students to see the joy of reading. I will read my latest picture book, Oggie the Otter, and show how I came up with the idea, show examples of my rough drafts and how I revised them. We will talk about some of the lessons that can be learned from Oggie, encouraging comprehension and focusing on age-appropriate lessons that can vary from themes and a plot map to rhyme and meter.
Virtual Visit
Virtual visits are the most flexible presentation option as I will cater each presentation to meet your needs. These could be live, interactive Skype sessions, or pre-recorded sessions you could play for your classes throughout a school day or week. I have taught online classes for years and know how to utilize technology and screen-sharing to keep my presentation engaging to students of varying ages.
Curriculum
Academic Benefits
My presentations provide a multitude of academic benefits for students.
Reading
Students will be exposed to at least 10 minutes of reading. Studies show that students of all ages benefit from at least 10 minute of read-aloud time daily. Based on the ages and needs of students, additional reading skills will be demonstrated.
Writing
No matter which presentation you choose, I will always emphasize the importance of revision and consistency. I have personal examples to share of my own revisions to help students see that everyone needs to revise–even professional writers.
Social Sciences
Oggie the Otter learns that it’s all about perspective. My upcoming middle grade novel addresses racism. There are life lessons in everything we read. If you have a particular value or school motto you would like me to emphasize, I will be happy to incorporate it into my presentation.
History
I incorporate some historical facts in the sample sentences I use in my presentation. This helps students build connections between things they are learning and things they have already learned. Additionally, my upcoming middle grade novel addresses an interesting event in Houston history: Camp Logan.
Extra Curricular Programs
If your school or district is interested in creating a program to help foster student writing, here are some ideas to help you get started.
Young Authors Club
A regularly scheduled club where students can meet together to learn more about writing and be provided a quiet space to write. Students could practice critiquing each other’s work and learn how to give and receive constructive feedback.
Writing Contest
Sponsor a school-wide or district-wide writing contest. You could offer to publish the winning stories in an anthology or only the winning story if it can stand alone. You choose the theme and the rules and encourage your students to write. Additional prizes optional.
Young Authors Conference
Create an in-school writing conference. All students must submit a story. The students can write drafts during ELA time, type them during Computer time, and eventually print and bind them. Each student will have his/her own book.
Authors & Illustrators
An art class could combine efforts with an ELA class to produce author-illustrator teams to create finished projects. An excellent way to practice collaboration and creativity among students.
books
presentations
author
Years Teaching Experience
Get In Touch
Location: 6037 Fry Rd. Ste. 126-89
Katy, TX 77449
Email: events@alissamcclure.com
Non-Discrimination Policy
Please know that I believe all children are created equal. I will not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or class. I welcome all opportunities to bring the joy of reading and writing to students. Please note that because of my beliefs, I will not participate in discrimination imposed by a school or district. I will not present to a group of all-female or all-male students in a co-ed school.