 f your students like characters who can fly, build a ladder to the clouds or become friends with the world's most famous scientist, then consider a visit from Mark Karlins to your school or library. Mark shows students how to bring their writing to life, from finding ideas for a story to creating their own book with illustrations. He also shows drafts, dummy books and notes for his own books, to let students see the process of writing and to let them know that it usually takes many revisions before a book is finished. He likes working closely with students and enjoys answering their questions. Your strongest writers will go beyond themselves, and your less skilled students will surprise you (and perhaps themselves) with what they will accomplish.
A FEW COMMENTS FROM TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
"Great presentation! Your tone and delivery were perfect. Activities were simple and interesting. Children remained engaged throughout. Your respect for your young audience was evident. Thank you for sharing with our children."
—
Teacher, Newbury Elementary School
"The interaction with the students was amazing! Your book also had a great message for our students: You can do anything you set your mind to. The book is inspirational. Well done!"
— Teacher, Danville Elementary School
"What a clever story! Kids fully connect with it. And we loved that you encouraged thinking and the use of imagination."
—
Teacher, Betsy Buker Elementary School
"On a scale of from one to ten, I would give your book a 10,000."
—
Kyle, age seven
WHAT TO EXPECT
Presentations generally last from 45-50 minutes. Ten minutes are needed between sessions. Mark can do up to five presentations per school day. Larger schools can schedule more than one day, or two smaller schools in the same area can split the day between them. The school library or a large classroom serves as the best setting rather than an auditorium or gymnasium.
SPECIAL WORKSHOPS
In addition to his popular basic writing workshop, Mark offers the following special workshops:
The Poetry Circus — fun exploration of writing poetry through a variety of innovative games.
The Wondrous Journey of Odysseus — using characters and stories from myth, students go on their own mythic journeys, learning both about myth and how their own lives can take on a heroic cast.
Native American Voices — As a teacher of Native American literature for six years at Tufts University and as author of a book of interviews with a young Navajo girl, Mark is well versed in Native American literature and culture. In this program he will share a story from the Navajo people, give some background on the Navajo and their neighbors, the Hopi, and lead students in writing their own story based on the native material. Several Native American physical objects are brought in as part of the program.
Albert Einstein Goes Wild — Based on his most recent book, Starring Lorenzo — And Einstein Too, this workshop turns each of your students into an inventive, crazy haired scientist. We will explore elementary science, do a brief, fun (and safe!) experiment and write a story which uses science and scientists. Einstein, Galileo, DaVinci and his wacky flying machine, and others may become part of your student's story.
Of course, Mark is always available simply to read his work and answer questions. |
Fees are available upon request. Please email Mark at mark@markkarlins.com with questions about availability and fees.
Illustrations by Sandy Nichols
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