| Parent & Teacher Page See info on "fund raisers" below |
| My Goals and Message I have made "The Secret Cave" more than just an entertaining book. Children need to read and write, but I believe that most of all they need to be inspired and have self-esteem. The "Stop and Think" section that ends each chapter can do just that. Whether you're a parent, reading to your child, or a teacher, the questions will help young ones to use their imaginations and think of how THEY would write the next chapter, or how THEY would react if they were the characters in the book. All children will have to write during their school years, but it doesn't come easy to everyone. When they see how simple it is to imagine, the writing process is made easier. It just needs to be put into words. The vocabulary section is also a wonderful tool. For young readers: Learn the meaning of new words For mid-level readers: Learn the meaning and spelling of new words For advanced readers: Learn the meaning, spelling, and use the new word in a sentence |
| My Lectures, Talks & Workshops I call it "Imagination Station" Where anything is possible and no one is every wrong! I use "The Secret Cave" to conduct all types of talks & workshops for children & adults (see brochure for more info) Here are examples: *School Visits *After School Programs *Summer Programs *Library Visits & Programs *Organizations *Bookstores *Student Seminars *Teacher Seminars The general grade levels I work with are 3 - 6. However, the novel is well suited for older students who have delayed reading skills, special needs or are learning English. Another exception would be younger students who are advanced readers. Here is a brief summary of a first time talk: I prefer to speak to each grade level separately, beginning the talk with the usual introduction of myself and the book. The first chapter "The Strange White Rocks" is read by me, and the "Stop and Think" questions are asked. The students are encouraged to give their ideas about what the white rocks could mean. When I have a number of different ideas, I'll reveal what I wrote about. Now for the inspiration... I'll turn the "author lecture" into an encouraging talk about the use of their imaginations, which is what they've just done. Faces begin to light up with enthusiasm! I'll then continue with a "pep talk" about having a positive attitude and good self-esteem. If children can use their minds to create their own "chapter", they can do anything, which is just what we want them to realize! My hope is that the kids will leave with a feeling of self worth, enthusiasm about reading, writing, "The Secret Cave", and about life itself. |
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| Fund Raisers Maybe your school needs a new computer Perhaps something in the playground needs repairing Maybe there are needy kids who can't afford the book, but would love one Schools & educational organizations qualify for a discount when ordered directly from the publisher (40% with author event!) Your school can use the remainder of the retail price as you wish!The "Stop & Think" questions can be used in so many ways, depending on the grade level. Here are a few fun examples: *For young readers - Choose one question and have the students answer in a written sentence or two. Grade them on: Spelling, grammar, punctuation or just creative writing (whatever you are working on at the time) *More advanced readers - Choose all the questions and have students answer, or choose only one for an essay. Once again, as for the "answers", there can be no "wrong" ones, as it is all up to their own imaginations. |
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