| Program Descriptions: |
Programs for Schools & Libraries
Revolution!
(Grades 4-8, 45-60 minutes)
Join Kate Messner for a trip back in time to the American Revolution on Lake Champlain. Kate will read from her middle grade novel Spitfire, set during the Battle of Valcour Island in 1776, sign books, and present an interactive, multimedia slide show about the real 12-year-old who fought in the battle. Kids will be invited to ask questions, handle artifact replicas, taste the food, and try on the clothes of an 18th century sailor.
Encounters of 1609
(Grades 4-8, 45-60 minutes)
Native Americans had lived along the waterways of the Northeast for generations when French explorers and fur traders began arriving in the late 16th century. What must the two groups have thought of one another? In this interactive presentation, Kate shares images, artifacts, quotes from Samuel de Champlain’s journals, and excerpts from her historical novel Champlain and the Silent One, challenging students to consider point of view and the impact that different cultures can have on one another.
Historical Fiction: Small Group Writing Workshop
For groups of up to 20 students in grades 4 and up
(60-80 minutes)
In this writing intensive, Kate works with students to research their own short pieces of historical fiction. Students will begin with a scenario, take notes from a primary source document, and then conduct experimental research with 18th century toys, foods, and tools to write descriptive passages that are historically accurate and include rich sensory details. During the one-hour workshop, students will complete a graphic organizer to guide their writing. Stories may be written, revised, and polished as a follow-up activity after the author visit.
Are We There Yet?
A Chapter Book’s Journey (30-40 minute presentation for Grades 1-3)
A Novel’s Journey (45-60-minute presentation for Grades 4 and up)
Sometimes, when you’re a kid, writing assignments seem to go on forever, like a long, long car ride. This interactive workshop takes kids along on the journey a book makes on its way to publication. Kate shares the story of one of her books – brainstorming, writing a first draft, revising, getting feedback from friends, revising, finding a publisher, revising again, sending a new draft, revising again (are you noticing a trend?), copy editing, book and cover design, and finally publishing. Kate will share early drafts, photographs of her (sometimes crazy) writing process, and actual revision letters from her editors. Students will read some text excerpts and have a chance to practice their editing skills, too.
Programs For educators:
Historical Fiction as a Bridge to Content Area Literacy
How can historical fiction engage students in content area reading? Join Kate Messner, National Board Certified Teacher and author of two middle grade historical novels, for a showcase of books and a toolbox of strategies.
Walking the Walk: How Teacher-Writers Encourage Student Revision
As teachers, we encourage our students to revise their writing. How can our own writing strengthen our teaching of this important step in the writing process? Kate Messner, National Board Certified Teacher and author, will share her own revision process as well as strategies, activities, and technology tips to make students excited about revision.
Laughing All the Way to the Test: Using Humorous Books to Meet the Standards
Kate Messner, National Board Certified English teacher and author takes a look at laughter in literature and how we can use kids’ love of humor to meet standards in ELA and other subject areas. Kate will read from her middle grade novel THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z, as well as other humorous texts that can be used for up-and-out-of-your-seat activities to help kids learn.
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| Program Pricing: |
Please email kmessner@katemessner.com to inquire about current rates and availability. |
| Audience Levels: |
Lower Elementary; Upper Elementary; Middle School |
All Speakers 