Suzanne will read We Keep a Pig in the Parlor and tell the story of the story. By showing some very early work and a selected stack of do-overs, she will convince listeners that getting the idea is the easy part and turning it into an engaging tale is the hard part. With time for questions and answers, Suzanne will direct the discussion toward the conclusion that the
creative process is accessible to all
and applicable to many activities.
Grades K-6 allow 50 minutes
3-4 classes
When children see themselves in the books they read, it validates their place in literature. Sharing that place with other characters whose age, ability, color, shape or culture is different provides a blueprint for the future. Using her own work and other contemporary examples, Bloom explores the importance of diverse representation in children’s picture books.
Teacher, librarian, parent, in-service workshop
The Magic Wand Workshop
The story of a wish that goes awry provides the inspiration for the Magic Wand Workshop. Accompanied by music to make you smile, students choose from a variety of sparkly materials that are fun to work with. Each wand is as unique as the child who made it and transports the “magician” to the starting point for writing wishes and magic stories.
Grades 2-6, 50 minutes, materials provided, size: 1 class
The Wishing Star Workshop
Here’s a hands-on workshop for the smallest hands. After hearing a story about wishes, students get their own large matte board star to decorate. Feathers, buttons and doo-dads are glued on with precision or abandon, depending on the young artist’s style. Suzanne will provide stars and materials. Teachers may wish to add some of their own treasures to the mix.
Grades K-1, 45 minutes, materials provided, size: 1 class
In the Poem Zone: Writing Workshop
From brain spill to sloppy copy, how do you start
Writing personal poetry?
Grain of truth…Dare to imagine
Collect, select, reject, connect
Arrange, re-re-rearrange, edit
Emotions, observations, rhythms, sounds
Do you see what I say?
This workshop includes a variety of verbal and writing start-ups, models and samples
to show content, technique, and critique. A poetry bibliography is included.
Grades 3-6 allow 1 ½ hours size: 1class
We can tailor presentations for your students or staff development.
Click here for more information, fees and availability.
