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Glen Russell
Pasadena ISD
University of Houston
www.slideshare.net/gcrussell4
Face-to-Face: Inspiring Student's Reading
Through Author Visits on Skype
Consider what kids you want to work with – this may affect your budget
One hot spot for authors is your state’s children’s choice lists. For example, in Texas we have the Bluebonnet List (elementary), the Lone Star List (middle), and the Tayshas List (high school)
Technology needs are low, but nice speakers and a good camera can be helpful
Before You Get Started
I have found that the most tech savvy teachers (best websites) are also often the most likely to be comfortable with a Skype
Some will even tell you what their Skype procedure is (i.e. Tim Green, Tom Angleberger)
Dream big!
Research and Contact
Dear ________,My name is Glen Russell and I am a 7th grade teacher
at Thompson Intermediate School in Houston, TX. My students and I have a book club where we Skype several authors a year after reading their book together. This gives the kids the chance to ask their questions directly to the source of the books they love so much.
We were wondering if you had any interest in being a part of our group this year? We would love to set up a Skype date with you this school year, and we have plenty of flexibility if you think you could work us in for a 30-45 minute Q & A session. Thanks so much for your consideration, and we look forward to hearing back from you.Gratefully,
My Template This Year
There have been a few occasions where I have not been prepared to respond quickly with date or budget information-work it out beforehand
Most important questions revolve around scheduling and if they have Skyped before/want to do things a certain way
Responding to the Author
Do a brief author study to give your students some background
I have my students write two types of questions: specific to the book and general life of an author
Recruit help to manage some of the more tedious elements
Test your Skype capability from the exact location/computer setup you plan to use
Getting Your Students Ready
Sometime about a week before the event, you need to reach back out to the author to touch base
Mostly to confirm, but also offer a Skype test run
The best Skypes are when the authors show the kids stuff (their workspace, journals, edited manuscripts, rejection letters, stacks of research, bookshelves, etc.)
Checking in Before the Event
Make sure that your equipment and kids are prepared and ready to go
I organize questions and kids beforehand
Talk about Skype etiquette (introduce self, face the camera, thank them for their answer, active listening, no background noise, etc.)
Help kids modify their questions as needed
Have a few questions to ask at the end if you still have time
The Main Event!
Get back to the author sooner rather than later to thank them
Give them some specific positive feedback from the kids
Check on payment status
Thanks and Feedback
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