Subject 2

Writers are like detectives, practicing the art of observation. As students learn to jot down their own “treasures,” they’ll become better writers. Ling will share how a simple visit with friends became the spark for her own book, My Sister, Alicia May. Then we’ll do some observation exercises that relate to writing.

Do your students dream of becoming authors? Join Ling on an excellent adventure. Grab some walking sticks and boots, we're off on a journey. Full of props, this fun-filled presentation explores three keys to publication: passion, patience and persistence. After all kids can be authors, too.

Based on the lives of two real sisters, My Sister, Alicia May touches on the joys and challenges of growing up with a sibling who has special needs. Every child is special in her own way, as Alicia’s older sister, Rachel, discovers by the end of this book. This story time opens up conversations with children about their differences and similarities, and how to appreciate both.

Think of J. K. Rowling, Dr. Seuss, Margaret Wise Brown. Do children treasure these authors' stories because of their voice? When writing, an author needs to capture this. Every student has a unique voice, too. During this class, students will study the voice of several authors so they can develop their own.

From list poems to haiku, autobiographical to silly poems, Ling will read poetry and write poetry with your class. Poetry really can be fun!

Endorsements

From Fisher School:

We loved how the author dressed up like Sherlock Holmes. -Isabel T.

The pictures were beautiful, and the author wrote a lot of similies. The presentation was excellent. -Rylee A.

I loved it so much. it was so touching. My teacher cried when she read the book. -Dena O.

I loved it so much!! it was so fun reading it. You should write more and more books. - Rachel

Everything was perfect. -Emily D.

This book was one of the best E-V-E-R! -Emily B.

"Nancy coming to Boyden Elementary was one of the greatest experiences for the entire school community. Aside from being the creator of the beautiful story which she read to each class, she took the time to gear her presentation to each grade, she brought treasures so each child would always have a connection to “My Sister, Alicia May,” and she set a consciousness that will impact the school children for years to come. "

-Aicha Kelley

(3^rd & 5^th Grade Mom and Parent Advisory Member)

“What an informative session we had with Nancy! With poise and humor she told us of the ups and many downs that are involved in the rollercoaster ride to getting published. In our class we spent the entire year learning about how to use children’s books in our future classrooms, but it was such a treat to hear how those very books come about—from inspiration, to rough draft, to final copy. It was so fascinating to get a candid, inside look into the world of books and publishing, and I so appreciated it. Thanks so much Nancy!”