Bringing Words to Life: The Benefits of Author Visits in Elementary Schools
I’ve been getting questions lately about when to consider bringing an author into a classroom, and about whether I think author visits in elementary schools really matter for kids. I think in the abstract, the answers seem obvious, but I’ve been really thinking about my answer these days, especially when virtual author visits are becoming more and more common.
The Ice House, my middle grade novel, made its debut during the pandemic. This made connecting with readers tricky, as many traditionally in-person book sales events were either postponed, canceled, or made virtual. As a former teacher, I was expecting to be able to hear feedback (the good, and, if necessary, the bad) from real kids. I wanted to hear from teachers about how their class responded to the story of The Ice House and how in resonated with their students. Not having had as many opportunities to connect with many real middle grade readers of The Ice House initially has made a real impression on me, shaping the way I view school visits now.
As a writer, one of my favorite experiences is visiting schools to talk with students about storytelling, creativity, and the power of their words. There's something magical about walking into a classroom and seeing the spark of interest in students when they realize they're about to meet a "real author."
One of my top priorities during author visits is to help students understand that being a “real” author or writer is all about telling your own unique stories, and not about someone giving you permission to call yourself one. A writer is someone who writes. If my school visits make any impact at all, I hope it’s by encouraging kids to use their voice to tell their stories.
What is the real benefit of author visits to schools?
To be totally honest, I think a real benefit of an author visit to a school or a classroom depends on that specific group of students. For some kids, read alouds are their favorite part of the school day. They may or may not love reading, but they enjoy listening to stories, and regardless of their foundational writing skills, love playing with stories of their own. For these students, meeting someone who writes stories of their own professionally is usually pretty thrilling. They get to ask questions about the writing process, where authors come up with story ideas, and for thoughts about whether they themselves can have a career in writing one day. I’ve also noticed that kids in this group are eager to tell the visiting author their own book ideas, which is a very sweet (though sometimes time consuming) aspect of connecting with readers.
For students that don’t especially enjoy reading and who shy away from writing, the right author’s visit can have a really huge impact. When authors confess their own disinterest in certain school subjects, or their own struggles to figure out how to approach a story, or admit just how exhausting and annoying writing can sometimes be, they provide a different perspective to students. For these students, an author visit can be refreshing and inspiring, especially if they connect with the author on a personal level. Yes, reading and writing are mandatory parts of school, but shifting kids’ thought process away from required assignments to the freedom writing and reading skills afford you can make a big difference for reluctant readers and writers. Meeting someone who can embody the impact that freedom can have on someone's life can be a meaningful result of an author’s visit.
And, having been a teacher myself, I will be real with all of the teachers and librarians who struggle with behavior management issues in their classroom. Of course, an author’s visit is not going to captivate each and every student in your class. It should, at the very least, provide an enriching activity for the majority of your class. Novelty might benefit some of your students not in a space to fully benefit from an author’s visit now. For the others, I think it’s beneficial to give an author a head’s up to expect some light interruption if there are some behavior management plans that could impact the visit, but speaking from experience, authors who spend time visiting classrooms and schools will not be phased by interruptions.
Meeting and interacting with a real-life author who can share their passion, experience and knowledge will inspire some students to develop their own writing skills and potentially pursue a career in writing. They can also provide a unique insight into the writing process, which can help students understand the importance of research, planning, and editing.
When should teachers or librarians book an author visit?
Author visits can be beneficial at any time of the year. I’ve loved some October visits where school librarians have introduced me to students to get them excited about the school year ahead. It’s always nice if a class has read The Ice House and has specific questions for me about the book, so that can impact when a visit might be best as well.
I have found through conversations with my fellow authors as well as with teachers, that most author visits are a success as long as they provide the chance for students to connect with a writer and hear firsthand accounts from someone who writes for a living. Just make sure that students get to ask questions, hear advice, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating stories.
Teachers and librarians looking for ways to engage their students and promote literacy should consider booking an author visit any time they can fit one into their schedule. Many authors, including myself, are willing to work with schools to ensure these visits are accessible and affordable for all.
FAQs About Author Visits for Elementary School
Q: Why should my school consider having an author visit?
Author visits can enhance literacy skills, improve the reading culture in the school community, and promote creativity in students. It is also a great way to connect authors with readers, and students with real-world writing careers.
Q: How should I prepare my students for an author visit?
Before the visit, make sure to introduce the author and their work to your students. Read some of the author's books, watch videos of the author, and encourage discussion about their writing and the themes in their works. Additionally, remind students about appropriate behavior during the event.
Q: What will the author do during the visit?
During the visit, the author will share their writing and publishing journey, read from their books, answer questions, and participate in activities related to their books or writing in general. The author may also offer writing tips and advise students on how to become writers.
Q: How long does an author visit last?
The length of the visit can vary depending on the author's schedule and the school's preference. Some visits may last one hour, while others may go on for an entire day.
Q: Can my school afford an author visit?
Many authors offer different packages that cater to schools of different budgets. Additionally, some schools may combine resources with nearby schools to split costs and bring in an author they otherwise could not afford.
Q: How can I book an author to visit my school?
Most authors have booking information on their websites. If not, contact the author's representative, agency, or publisher. You should book an author well in advance of your desired visit date.
As an author, I come with a passion for storytelling and a wealth of knowledge about the publishing industry, and I can tailor my talks to fit the specific needs and interests of each group I work with. I can provide writing prompts and activities that will get students excited about putting their own stories on paper, or resources and tips for educators who want to encourage more reading and writing in their classrooms. If you’re interested in booking an author visit with me, please check out this link for more information!
All in all, author visits are one of my favorite parts of being a writer. Not only do I get to share my love for books and storytelling with young readers, but I get to see firsthand the impact that those visits can have on their lives. If you're a teacher or librarian looking to bring a little magic into your classroom, I encourage you to book an author visit. And if you're a writer yourself, I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to inspire the next generation of story creators. Together, we can help turn students into lifelong readers and writers who will continue to carry the magic of books with them throughout their lives.
