I had a second great day in Littleton, Colorado today–it was turkey taco day at Westridge Elementary! I gave a show for Kinder, 1st, and 2nd and then one for 5th and 6th. And, yes, some were surprised that I got the older kids going with my silly song at the end. They performed some of the best elephant sounds to date! After some book signing and a lunch of the aforementioned turkey tacos (no, really … they were good), I was back for a show with the 3rd and 4th graders. Everyone was welcoming, energetic, and had great questions. What more could you ask for in an audience?
Thanks to Mr. Bridgman for helping me set up. Thanks to Mr. Cole for the use of his cool Crate guitar amplifier and thanks to Mrs. Martin and the Westridge PTA for inviting me out (plus a thanks to Aaron for taking the picture of Mrs. Martin and me). And one giant thanks to all the great students at Westridge Elementary. I hope you enjoy the copies of my books in your library. Be sure to thank Mrs. Martin for getting them for you!
I just returned from visiting the first school of my two week Denver area tour! It’s a good thing I left early this morning so I had time to scrape down the car and slug along in bad weather traffic. Snow? In Colorado? Go figure. But, of course, I received a WARM welcome (yes, I said it) from the students and staff at Kendrick Lakes Elementary, in Lakewood–home of the Dolphins! Everyone was great and the kids were able to sit through my shows (even during their second day without recess–ouch). I wish I had time to answer everyone’s questions but, like I said, you’re welcome to EMAIL ME or ask me anything you like on my FACEBOOK PAGE. Just get your parent’s permission first.
Thanks to Mr. Raizman and the Kendrick Lakes PTA for having me out. Thanks to Mr. Kenner for helping me set up. And a blustery big thanks to all the Kendrick Lake students! Mr. Raizman mentioned that he planned to order some of my books for book fair so if you’d like them signed, you’re welcome to mail them to my contact address HERE along with a SASE (ask your parents what that is) and I’ll be happy to do it! Or you can find many out of print books at Amazon through links on my BOOK PAGE. Thanks again, KLE!
Today I enjoyed a triumphant return to Liberty Elementary, in Flower Mound, TX! Even though the kids were there for just a half day, I tried to cram a full day of fun into my presentations. They were a lively but well-behaved audience (the best kind) and hands shot into the air when I asked if any of them enjoyed writing stories. Tons of young writers! I received some great writing questions as well as some insightful special effects questions. Maybe some future FX techs, too!
Thanks to Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Webb, and the rest of the Liberty PTA for inviting me (and for the cool gift bag). Thanks to Mr. Greenwell for the great introductions. Thanks to Mrs. Thompkins for the technical assist. And a big thanks to all the great kids at Liberty Elementary. Just like your T-shirts say, you ARE kind of a big deal!
For my last author visit of the year I was invited back to The Montessori Academy of Arlington – my third visit! I was honored to be a guest at their young authors day and saw many familiar faces. After I gave presentations to both Upper and Lower classes, I gave a writing workshop to the Uppers and enjoyed answering the many writing questions from many young writers!
For lunch, I was invited to a pizza and ice cream sundae party with Mrs. Proctor’s E5 Class. I suggested a broccoli and sardine party but the kids weren’t having it for some reason. We had a fun time and I even got to read a couple of their books. Thanks for the great lunch: Aedin, Aleeya, Alexis, Alyssa, Anja, Brackson, Brooklyn, Celani, Connor, Eduardo, Ethan, Julian, Nathaniel, Nicole, Nyah, Mary, Maya, Tyra, Sophia, Trevor, Valeria, and Vivian. And I’m glad I could fix your pen, Aedin!
Thanks to Mr. Walt for helping me set up and a big thanks to Mrs. Proctor for inviting me back. And an extra-special, happy holidays thanks to all the brilliant students at The Montessori Academy of Arlington! Keep writing, young authors!
Today I spent some time with the 6th graders at Taylor Middle School in Taylor, TX. I gave three presentations, met a bunch of polite and intelligent students, and answered some great questions about writing. I also had a special guest listening in on my shows–Dobby! Check him out in the picture above.
Even though these kids were too old for my silly song at the end, it does look like I’m holding a high note here. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah love a parade!
Thanks to Mrs. DeHoyos for inviting me, for the use of her library, and all the help setting up. Thanks to Mr. DeHoyos for the tasty BBQ lunch. And a big thanks to all the future writers and current readers at Taylor Middle School!
What a great day at The Academy at Nola Dunn! I was greeted by a cool welcome board and then I performed two shows to the very polite Kinder, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. I even got to pose with Mrs. Pearce’s class after they gave me a super-sized thank you!
After a nice lunch in the teacher’s lounge, I held an extended writing workshop to all the 4th and 5th graders. I was pleased to discover how many young writers are at Nola Dunn. And I’m not talking about just the show of hands when I asked. I could tell by the many insightful questions I had thrown at me. I’m sorry that I didn’t have time to answer them all.
Thanks to Mrs. Patterson for inviting me and I hope you and your fellow educators have a safe trip to Boston. And a super-sized thanks back to everyone at The Academy at Nola Dunn!
I just performed at my first school for the season — Bullard Elementary in Bullard, TX. Home of the Panthers! I gave two shows to each and every 4th grader in the school. According to my brief audience poll, Bullard Elementary 4th grade is chocked full of readers AND writers. They had some great questions, too. Including the rare question as to why movie novelizations are usually different from the movies themselves. I’m glad I could answer that one and if anyone else wants to know why, attend one of my shows and you’ll get a side-by-side comparison!
Thanks to Mrs. Williams for inviting me. Thanks to Mrs. Naumann for the help and the great introductions. Thanks to all the kids who took pictures today; there are a couple posted right here! And a big thanks to all the Bullard Elementary 4th Graders! Keep reading and keep writing!
Mr. Steele,
I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your presentation at my son’s school last week. It really struck a chord with my son, and I’m so tickled to see that he absorbed so much from having listened to you speak.
Let me explain.
My son, Hunter, is a second grader at Williams Elementary in Katy, TX. He is a very bright boy, and interested in things beyond his years. Yet, he doesn’t enjoy reading. He never really has. He usually wants answers that even his teachers can’t give him, and we try to encourage him to find his answers by reading. His struggle is that his reading level is more on par with fiction and he isn’t interested in anything that seems “not real”. He wants answers. He wants the truth. But, non-fiction is too difficult for his reading abilities. He would rather just find a competent adult and learn by watching them and asking them a million questions. I try to read to him as much as I can, but it hasn’t seemed to help. I hate to see him so frustrated with his own reading ability. I know he’s a bright boy, and I encourage him constantly, but the struggle is still there.
Since your presentation, Hunter has a new sense of confidence. I have heard him repeat multiple times, “I CAN DO THAT”. He even encourages his little brother and reminds him of the 4 most powerful words!
We purchased “Night at the Museum: Night of the Dragons” and he is really enjoying it! He came home that night and read 10 pages, without us telling him he had to read. That’s HUGE for him! He is reading every night before bed and doesn’t put up a fuss. We’ll be purchasing the next in the series very soon! Please keep writing!
I wanted you to know just how powerful your presentation was. My son was just one of many kids there that night. He’s just one of the thousands of kids you’ve spoken to before. If no one has shared a similar story with you before, I’d be surprised. Thank you for the presentation. Thank you for the books. Thank you for inspiring my child!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Gwin
Today I drove a couple hours due west to perform at the Hood County Library in Granbury, TX. I enjoyed the scenic drive through the countryside and around the Granbury square.
There wasn’t such a big turnout but I enjoyed telling everyone about my career in special effects, how I turn a film script into a junior novel, and even how I write picture books. I think the kids enjoyed the show and some were especially great at making crazy giraffe sounds!
Thanks to Christina Proctor for inviting me and a big thanks to the kids who made it out to the show.
Today I enjoyed a special appearance at the Kerens Library in Kerens, Texas. I had to dial up the wackiness a bit since I was part of their Wacky Wednesdays summer program for kids. There was a nice turnout and everyone seemed to have a good time.
However, this was an extra special appearance since Kerens is my new hometown. That’s right! After singing the farm song during my show for so many years, I finally moved to one. So today I drove into town, pulled onto the main street, and visited my new library for the first time!
Thanks to Barbara Latta for inviting me and it was great to meet all of our new neighbors. I’ll be back soon to get my library card!