Programs Available

Andi is available to speak to kids from grades 1-5, whether at schools, homeschool groups, or libraries. The program runs from 45-60 minutes and can be adapted to your specific needs and the ages of your students. Both listening and hands-on activities are included.

Using the chapter book QUEEN BEA as the text, we will read selections from the book, highlighting these concepts:

Why do we write? Why do we read?
Finding great story ideas
Show; don’t tell
Using “wow” words
Using complete sentences (or not!)
Dialogue tags vs. action beats
Revising and editing
Becoming an author

Queen Bea

Little Roo

Andi is available to speak to kids from preK-2nd grade, whether at schools, homeschool groups, or libraries. The program runs from 45-60 minutes and can be adapted to your specific needs and the ages of your students.

Using Little Roo as the text:

Examine the cover to get some clues about the story.
Read Little Roo aloud.
Big words: protagonist (main character), antagonist, and agency.
Who is the protagonist in this story? Who or what is the antagonist? Does the protagonist have agency?
Picture books must have a problem! PROBLEM + 3 TRIES = REACHING GOAL
What is Little Roo’s big problem?
What is his goal?
Name at least three ways he tried to solve his problem.
Does he succeed?
What are page turns and how do they move the story forward? Describe techniques the author used to amp up those page turns!
If time allows, assist class in beginning to write their own story. Choose protagonist and problem; brainstorm ways protagonist might attempt to solve the problem.