In the vibrant world of children's literature, few things are as joyful as sharing a story with a room full of eager young minds. As CM Harris, author of the popular book "What If We Were All The Same," I recently had the pleasure of visiting four elementary schools in April, conducting 18 presentations that focused on friendship, acceptance, and kindness. The experience was nothing short of magical, with each school welcoming us with open arms and bright smiles.
Why Reading Matters
Reading to children is more than just entertainment; it's a fundamental way to foster a lifelong love of learning and cultivate essential life skills. When I share stories with students, especially those from my beloved series, "Ms. Freckle," I'm not only opening the doors to imaginative worlds, but I'm also planting seeds of empathy, understanding, and self-esteem. The first book of the series, "Just Because...," explores the beauty of our unique qualities and helps children understand that it's okay to be different. These stories encourage them to embrace their own identities and celebrate the uniqueness in others.
Why Schools Should Schedule Author Visits
Scheduling author visits at schools brings a wealth of benefits that go beyond simple entertainment. Here are several compelling reasons why schools should consider author visits:
1. Inspiring a Love of Reading
Author visits can spark a lifelong passion for reading. When children meet the people behind their favorite books, they are often inspired to read more and explore the world of literature. An author can bring a book to life, making reading more engaging and enjoyable.
2. Encouraging Creativity and Imagination
Authors often share their creative processes, encouraging students to think creatively and embrace their imaginations. This can lead to a boost in student writing, art, and other creative pursuits as they feel empowered to express themselves.
3. Fostering a Connection with Literature
An author visit can create a tangible connection between students and literature. When students can ask questions and engage in discussions with an author, they see that books are more than just words on a page—they are stories crafted by real people with real experiences.
4. Promoting Diverse Perspectives and Themes
Author visits can introduce students to diverse perspectives and themes, promoting inclusion and empathy. By hearing from authors with different backgrounds, students are exposed to a variety of stories and ideas, fostering a more inclusive mindset.
5. Building Self-Esteem and Confidence
Many authors, especially those who write children's books, focus on themes of self-esteem and confidence. An author visit can reinforce these messages, encouraging students to embrace their unique qualities and be proud of who they are.
6. Providing Real-World Insights
Author visits can offer students a glimpse into the real-world process of writing, editing, and publishing. This can be particularly valuable for older students interested in writing careers or those curious about the world of publishing.
7. Strengthening School-Community Ties
When schools invite authors to visit, it often generates excitement within the broader school community. Parents, teachers, and students come together to celebrate literature and learning, strengthening school-community bonds.
8. Offering Memorable Experiences
An author visit is a unique and memorable experience that students are likely to remember for years to come. It can be a highlight of the school year and a positive memory that inspires continued learning and growth.
By scheduling author visits, schools can create meaningful experiences that support their educational goals and foster a positive learning environment. Whether for a single classroom or an entire school assembly, an author visit can make a lasting impact on students and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
A Warm Welcome from Schools and Students
During our visits, I witnessed firsthand the impact that reading can have on a classroom. The students' enthusiasm and engagement were palpable, and their creativity shone as they shared their own "just because" moments. The schools we visited showered us with warmth and gratitude, and we received countless thank-you letters from the children, expressing their joy and excitement. These heartwarming messages remind us why reading to students is so important: it creates connections, builds confidence, and inspires kindness.
As an author, my goal is to make an impact, not only for the students but for the teachers as well. After visiting the schools there is great reassurance that being a children's book author is my purpose. Receiving a thankful hug and kind words from the students after a presentation makes it all worth it.
An Invitation to Connect
As we continue our journey of spreading the love of reading, I'm inviting parents, teachers, and school administrators to reach out if you'd like me to visit your school. My presentations focus on themes that resonate with children and adults alike—friendship, acceptance, and self-esteem—and are designed to be interactive and engaging. Order forms are available to purchase from the collection of my books and students will receive an extra 10% off of each order and books will be delivered to the school within a week of the visit.
If you're interested in having me read to your students, please submit a form through my website, and let's work together to create an unforgettable experience for your school community. I visit local schools in California and will also travel out-of-state.
Reading is a powerful tool that can shape young minds and build a brighter future. Through storytelling, we can inspire the next generation to be kinder, more inclusive, and more confident in their own unique selves. I look forward to meeting more students and sharing the joy of reading with them. Let's continue to make a difference, one book at a time.
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