Talk Option #1: "Pennsylvania Proud"
A behind-the-scenes peek at Waldameer, David's journey to becoming an author, and how he writes his books.
Length: 30-45 minutes
Audience: 2nd-5th graders in Northwest PA, who are familiar with Waldameer
Size: No hard and fast rule, but best if no more than 100 students
Topics Covered: Waldameer history, David's writing process
Overview: Students will learn interesting facts about Waldameer's 128-year history. David will talk about growing up at Waldameer (his family's business), his writing process, and how his books get made, including the design and cover illustration. Students will play three games before Q&A.
Teacher Resource:
-
"Create Your Own Mystery" worksheet is provided, if students feel inspired to write.
Talk Option #2: "How to be an Author"
A guided tour to becoming an author, where students make decisions about how to write, publish, and market a book.
Length: 30-45 minutes
Audience: 3rd-5th graders, no knowledge of David or his books needed
Size: No hard and fast rule, but best if no more than 100 students
Topics Covered: Writing, revising, publishing, marketing
Overview: Through an interactive game (modeled on "The Game of Life"), students will learn the steps of becoming a successful author. Students will complete a series of real-world scenarios, helping David make decisions about how to publish and market a book. Afterwards, a Q&A.
Teacher Resource:
-
"What If" worksheets are provided, if students feel inspired to write.
Talk Option #3: "Language Arts Live!"
A Language Arts lesson with gameshow energy, culminating in a post-visit writing contest.
Length: 45 minutes
Audience: 3rd-5th graders, no knowledge of David or his books needed
Size: No hard and fast rule, but best if no more than 50 students
Topics Covered: Elements of Story (genre, setting, character, plot, conflict, mood)
Overview: David and students will create the building blocks of a story on the spot in a highly interactive experience, followed by a Q&A. Then, students will finish writing the story on their own in the days after David's visit. Each student's story will have the same elements, but it'll be entirely unique. David will choose the winning story, awarding the lucky student with a signed book!
Teacher Resource:
-
Elements of Story worksheets are provided, if teachers want to reinforce the lesson.