School Presentations

Students in a Seattle school garden 1905.

I have two presentations that are appropriate for either small or large groups. Idea to Book: The joy of researching, writing, rewriting, and rewriting Our School Garden! relates research to the writing process. It is appropriate for all elementary school students. School Gardens: Benefits, History and How-to has several permutations so that it can be presented to any age group from elementary aged students to adult groups such as parent and teacher groups interested in starting a school garden. Either presentation can be followed up with classroom activities upon request.

I also have two hands-on presentations that are appropriate for a classroom or small group of kids: Research into Poetry: how to take something you know really well and turn it into a poem or series of poems; and Poetry Animation, where we use a poem for the soundtrack of a stop motion animation that kids create (within driving distance for me because of equipment involved). I also do gardening related activities, and book-making projects related to gardening.

Having been responsible for bringing authors to the schools I worked at as a librarian for many years, I’m aware of the need for affordability and keep my rates low (as low as $250 for a half day visit). I will reduce payment even further if books are purchased along with the visit. I live in Seattle, but travel to New England on a regular basis. If you are interested in having me visit,  please contact me: rickswann[at]me.com.