Michelle Markel: School Visits, Programs, Classes

School Visits My visits are highly visual and interactive. Using slides, props and exhibits, I share my books and experiences about writing and publication. Students learn that published authors brainstorm, research, draft, revise and get input from editors. The programs last one hour for grades 3 and up. For kindergarten through grades 1-2, a short, informal Q and A in a small setting (library or multipurpose room) works best. I typically present up to 3 assemblies along with these casual visits. I can offer a teacher in-service or a parent talk in the place of one of the assemblies. And of course I'm available to sign books! Inspiring. My students are still talking about her visit. She knew how to talk to them on their level. – Teacher, grade 1 I want her back at the beginning of the year, when I start teaching my students to write! – Teacher, grade 2 Speaking Because I’ve taught in elementary schools, I know first-hand the challenges teachers face, and I know they’re always looking for fun new reading and writing activities. I’m happy to share my success stories and ideas for lessons. I have given presentations for the California Reading Association, the California School Librarian's Association, the California Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (CATESOL), the West Coast Literacy Conference, and the Society For Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. I’ve also given presentations to other literacy organizations, and to many branches of the Los Angeles Public Library. “I loved her presentation. I’m going to use some of her ideas in the classroom, and I’m inspired to do some writing too!”- Staff development student. Click here to see a picture of a cool project I do with kids. Click here to read about one of my school visits. Teaching Michelle has taught extension classes in writing for children at UCLA, California State University, Northridge; California State University, San Bernardino, and for mediabistro. Click here to find out the latest. “I’ve taken a lot of writing classes, and Michelle’s has been the best. You can tell she has a passion for what she’s teaching." – Adult writing student. If you have any questions or comments about this site, please contact me directly at MarkelWrites@earthlink.net © 2008, Michelle Markel. All rights reserved.