Presentations
Canopy Oaks Elementary School
kindergarten
[Kindergarteners Compare Books and Movies]
Kindergarteners took a shot at some trivia questions before looking at some popular movies. They engaged in conversations about whether the ideas for movies came from books, or was it the other way around?
W.T. Moore Elementary School
fifth graders
[Character Matters and Middle School Preparation]
Students were treated to Starbursts, if they got a few simple questions correct! They also learned about important character traits such as discipline, respect, and focus. The presentation ended with some tips as they prepare for middle school.
PK Yonge
Roundtable of Educators
[Educators' Forum]
In a round-table structure, educators were given the opportunity to see what was occurring in other classrooms. I shared some examples of mini-lessons used to broaden students’ knowledge of historical events in our country.
Bronson High School
English 1
[Representation Matters! Here's Why]
A rural school provided an opportunity for me to share why representation in literature matters. I discussed the importance of seeing diverse characters, not only by race and gender, benefits readers of all age groups.
The collection of freshmen and sophomores reflected on ideas that had whisked through their minds in youthful glee, but began to contemplate the importance of diversity.
Bronson Elementary School
fifth graders
[Multicultural Comparisons to The Odyssey]
I incorporated multicultural alternative options for fifth graders who recently finished reading The Odyssey. This was one presentation that took quite a bit of preparation! The students also participated in a thrilling contest of trivia questions with prizes!
Winthrop Charter School
kindergarten
[What is it like to be an author?]
Kindergarteners were learning about different jobs and careers. An educator requested me to share my experiences as an author- some tasks, projects, and interesting facts- to a very energetic class!
Alachua County Library
Cone Park
["Teen Tober"/ Creative Writing Workshop]
The public library invited me to discuss what creative writing is. During the Zoom presentation, the audience had an opportunity to create their own unique writings. We reflected on the experience and discussed how to continue writing.
Local News Interview
[CBS News]
When the public library extended hours, the local news sought an author to share their thoughts. I explained the benefits of longer hours at the library for children from the perspective as an author and educator.
SWAG Summer Camp
Primary Elementary Groups
[Activities and games like Charades!]
Activities such as Charades (children drew popular, diverse book covers), show-and-tell, and a chance to become young authors were part of the events on the visit! The children enjoyed a break from their regular summer camp day activities to dive into literacy. I loved the chance to help foster a love for reading with the young children of Levy County!
Black Wellness Day
[Black Refuge through Pen and Pad]
uploaded video presentation
In a failed attempt to serve as a presenter, I prepared a conversational piece about the benefits of writing. Although the Zoom link did not work, I created a YouTube video for your viewing pleasure. Learn how writing can be therapy!
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PK Yonge DRS
fourth and fifth graders
[Black History Month via Zoom]
While learning about adversity Black Americans such as Ruby Bridges and Henry Johnson, students also gained insight to key contributions. They learned the inventor of a popular card game, Phase 10, was a Black man named Ken Johnson. The mix of fourth and fifth grade children posed though-provoking questions as we wrapped up our virtual conversation!
City of Alachua Summer Camp- ages 7-13!
[Picture book reading and learning about Hard Facts, after Juneteenth]
The younger group read Lebron James' I Promise. They were captivated about the abilities they have and learned how to be the best they can be! The older group learned about the importance of Black and Brown writers and literature. They also learned the true, hard facts of Juneteenth and its two-year delay of the good news of Emancipation in Texas.
Southmoreland Elementary (PA) School
5th and 6th graders
[Zoom- Florida Facts related to Math and Science]
A handful of classes were excited to see if math and science lessons were applicable outside the classroom! I enjoyed the multiple presentations, sharing about life in Florida. Utilizing technology can be tricky, but the students enjoyed having a guest speaker and learning about notable Black mathematicians and scientists like Dr. Daniel Hale Williams and Elbert Frank Cox.
Glen Springs Elementary School
Ms. Hampton's fourth graders
[Book Reviews: A Taste of Colored Water and White Water]
Ms. Hampton's fourth grade class provided a special opportunity for me! Instead of typical boring presentations when authors only talk about their books, we collectively reviewed two stories. Both told from different children- a Black boy who is curious about tasting ice-cold water from the Whites-Only fountain, and two white boys who were told rumors about the crispness of water from the Colored water fountain in town.
PK Yonge DRS
6th grade ELA
[Black History Month/ "Hard History Lessons"]
My first opportunity in middle school included three Language Arts presentations in one day. This allowed me to share little-known facts of the sufferings and contributions of Black Americans throughout history!
PK Yonge DRS
kindergarten and 1st
[Reading Fundamentals and I Promise]
There's nothing more invigorating than seeing the passion of young children when talking about reading! I was thrilled to share about the writing process. We read Lebron James' powerful book, I Promise. Students loved "show and tell," which included various items that went with the book, Take the Shot.
Alachua Elementary School
fourth and fifth graders
[Black History Month via Zoom]
Rawlings Elementary School
third and fourth graders
[Black History Month/Motivational Speaking]
Thanks to Alachua Elementary School's wonderful Media Specialist, I was able to share my experiences as a Black writer during their Black History Month. I enjoyed reading excerpts of the youth fiction novel The Dirt Court with their fourth grade students. We talked about the importance of setting goals and being self-motivated and disciplined.
Great opportunity to share with third and fourth graders about the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans to society! Not only did we talk about the power of reading, but children were exposed to the power of positive thinking! Three important words were discussed: Focus, Responsibility, and Discipline. With these three things, anyone can accomplish anything!
"Soul Fest" Festival
[Newberry High School/Community-wide Festival]
Newberry High School students hosted a community fundraiser- with food trucks, information tents, and carnival-like activities for children of all ages. I enjoyed running a booth with my wife. It was a great opportunity to meet others in our community and City of Newberry Mayor, Jordan Marlowe!
Alachua Elementary School
fifth grade
[Take the Shot- Book Release]
I had a great time sharing facts about my first novel, Take the Shot with fifth graders! The students asked great questions about the plot and the main character, Zack. They hung onto every word as I shared two adventure-packed parts of the book.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Philippians 4:6