Attention principals, teachers, and school librarians!

I am available for school visits for Summer and Fall 2011. I love coming in to talk to students about:

*the writing process and revision
*getting published
*the life of an entrepreneur

My visits can take several forms
                   1. Large format. I meet with several grades in the school library or auditorium and present a power point show. It features some great behind-the-scenes photos from my publishing journey and explores the dozens of different jobs involved in book publishing. We also talk about the creative process, including revision.

                  2. Writing workshop. I read aloud from the book for a few minutes and talk about literary elements: flashback, foreshadowing, simile. Then I have the kids complete one of two different writing activities and we have a discussion.
                   3. Small classroom discussion. This works well for a reading class or book club. One Madison middle school I visited, Whitehorse, organized this type of visit as a tea party. This can be done in person or via Skype. I ask that all students have read the book in advance.
 
Students come away energized about writing, reading, and the possibilities in the publishing world. I like to communicate to them--in a fun and entertaining way--how many different people go into making a book, from the author to the illustrator, the editor to the cover designer. I also like to emphasize the role of revision...even the pros have to do it many times. Finally, I love taking questions and getting the kids thinking about ideas for their own books. Please e-mail me at teashopgirls@gmail.com for more information.
  
         Laura was the keynote speaker for 120 middle school students at the 2009 Yahara River Writer's Award Ceremony. Her message was  
             entertaining and informative and really connected with the interests of that age group. One of the best speakers we've ever had!
                           Sharon Daly Cambridge School District TAG Coordinator
 
    I highly recommend Laura Schaefer's presentation.  She inspires the students as a small-town author who has successfully had her work 
      published. Both elementary and middle school students were highly engaged throughout the presentation and walked out excited to write 
        stories of their own.          Nan Cottrell 7th and 8th grade literacy, Perry Tipler Middle School, Oshkosh WI

We really enjoyed your presentations today.  I heard the 7th graders--usually our hardest audience--was the most engaged. Congratuations on that championship feat!        Lisa Finnegan Principal, Platteville Middle School

Laura’s visits address the following College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing: 5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. 6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others. 

CCR Anchor Standards for Speaking and Listening addressed: 2. Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.  3. Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.

FEE INFORMATION:

Multi-session visit (2+) hours: $550*, Single-session visit (1 hour): $300, Skype chat (at least 5 students have read the book): Free

*Two nearby schools can split this fee if they'd both like a visit.