Glen Russell

Pasadena ISD

University of Houston

www.slideshare.net/gcrussell4

Face-to-Face: Inspiring Student's Reading

Through Author Visits on Skype

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3

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Authors That We’ve Skyped

Checklist/Timeline

Consider what kids you want to work with – this may affect your budget

One hot spot for authors is your state’s children’s choice lists. For example, in Texas we have the Bluebonnet List (elementary), the Lone Star List (middle), and the Tayshas List (high school)

Technology needs are low, but nice speakers and a good camera can be helpful

Before You Get Started

I have found that the most tech savvy teachers (best websites) are also often the most likely to be comfortable with a Skype

Some will even tell you what their Skype procedure is (i.e. Tim Green, Tom Angleberger)

Dream big!

Research and Contact

Dear ________,My name is Glen Russell and I am a 7th grade teacher

at Thompson Intermediate School in Houston, TX. My students and I have a book club where we Skype several authors a year after reading their book together. This gives the kids the chance to ask their questions directly to the source of the books they love so much.

We were wondering if you had any interest in being a part of our group this year? We would love to set up a Skype date with you this school year, and we have plenty of flexibility if you think you could work us in for a 30-45 minute Q & A session. Thanks so much for your consideration, and we look forward to hearing back from you.Gratefully,

My Template This Year

There have been a few occasions where I have not been prepared to respond quickly with date or budget information-work it out beforehand

Most important questions revolve around scheduling and if they have Skyped before/want to do things a certain way

Responding to the Author

Do a brief author study to give your students some background

I have my students write two types of questions: specific to the book and general life of an author

Recruit help to manage some of the more tedious elements

Test your Skype capability from the exact location/computer setup you plan to use

Getting Your Students Ready

Sometime about a week before the event, you need to reach back out to the author to touch base

Mostly to confirm, but also offer a Skype test run

The best Skypes are when the authors show the kids stuff (their workspace, journals, edited manuscripts, rejection letters, stacks of research, bookshelves, etc.)

Checking in Before the Event

Expecting the Unexpected

The Most Reasonable Man in the World

Make sure that your equipment and kids are prepared and ready to go

I organize questions and kids beforehand

Talk about Skype etiquette (introduce self, face the camera, thank them for their answer, active listening, no background noise, etc.)

Help kids modify their questions as needed

Have a few questions to ask at the end if you still have time

The Main Event!

Get back to the author sooner rather than later to thank them

Give them some specific positive feedback from the kids

Check on payment status

Thanks and Feedback

What do you need to know?Glen Russell – gcrussell4@gmail.comSlideshare – www.slideshare.net/gcrussell4

Questions?