Upper Elementary Programs (Grades 3-6) Primary Level Programs, Grades Kgn-3 Season to Season Primary Programs Programs For Grown-Ups Linda's Event Calendar

General School Visit Information: All programs are tailored to meet the needs of individual schools' time requirements and budgets. Below are the average fees. However, being the "recovering teacher" that I am, I try to work with each school's budget to remain affordable, yet still earn a living!

Private Preschool/ Daycare Centers' fees: Average fee is $50 for a single visit, which includes an hour preparation time, plus the performance of approximately 30 minutes. Includes age-appropriate handouts for your students to color. Travel expenses are added when applicable.

Elementary Schools: Fees include a 60 minute preparation time plus the performance. Prices begin at $300 for three hrs., three performances at one school, and increase according to number of performances per day, with six being the limit in any given day. Travel expenses are added when applicable. I work best being set up in one area (a resource room or a classroom) and having grade level groups (60-70 students) brought to me (Note: for primary students, I need their teachers or assistants to remain and help supervise. This allows me to give your school the best performance for your investment). Most programs do not need any tech support. A clip-on microphone is sometimes needed, but I normally work without one. I have some programs on Power Point. I bring my own laptop (Mac G4) but would ask the school to provide whatever else is needed as tech support. Programs run between 30-45 minutes for primary grades, Pre-K-2, and 45-60 minutes for grades 3-6 with time included for questions and answers. All programs include related handouts (blackline masters for you to run-off).

Library Visits: As with schools, I work with each library in regards to time requirements and budgets. I have extensive experience in presenting Preschool Storytimes, Summer Reading, Children's Book Week, and Read Across America programs in public libraries, as well as traditional storytelling and Native American storytelling. Fees average between $100-150 for an hour's performance. Longer programs begin at $300 and vary according to individual needs. Travel expenses are added when applicable.

Upper Elementary Programs (Grades 3-6)

Author in the Classroom: The Writing Process: I come equipped with my Writer's Toolbox (a genuine yellow "Craftsman©" tool box) to explain my version of the writing process. I don my Creativity Cap to talk about the first part of writing: imagining and daydreaming an idea into a unified story. Next, I change into my serious Editor's Cap to illustrate the second part of the process: the editing where spelling, grammar and punctuation count and the Writing Rules must be "enforced". I then share how my picture book, THE BLUE ROSES, went from an actual dream I had many years ago to a rough draft and through the many, many edited versions. Because it is a picture book, I also share my illustrator's, the talented Amy Cordova's pencil sketches, the F&G's (the Folded & Gathered), galley proofs and finally, the finished product, our beautiful picture book. Handouts are included.

Native American Programs: I am of mixed-blood heritage-Cherokee, Irish, and French Canadian. Although not raised in the traditional Indian way, I have studied the timeless legends of North American Indian mythology. For this program, I come dressed as a typical Cherokee woman of the early 1800's, in a long calico dress and buckskin moccasins. I share not only traditional Cherokee stories, but also those I have collected from the original five major geographic regions: the Northeastern Woodlands, the Southeastern Woodlands, the Plains, The Pacific Northwest and the Desert Southwest. If time permits, I can share Native American games. I end each session with related handouts.

Applause! A Storytelling Mini-Workshop I introduce students to the basics of storytelling. We explore the purposes of storytelling, the role between teller and audience, and tricks to adapt the story to make it your own. I end by having volunteers join me for a "Storytelling Theater" (similar to a Readers' Theater) or with me sharing-what else?-stories!

Primary Level Programs, Grades Kgn-3

Performances are presented in a variety of ways: books, songs, finger-plays, stuffed toys or hand puppets, and my signature method, the flannel-board. I draw my material from classic children's literature, traditional stories, and original work. When I share books by other authors, I often modify them in original ways (example: Eric Carle's classic "The Hungry Caterpillar" I have made into a sock puppet presentation).

The Blue Roses My award-winning book, "The Blue Roses," is a simple way to approach a complex subject. In the text, I use the garden as a metaphor to help young children cope with the loss of a loved one. I introduce the program with Feeling Faces on the flannel board to discuss the variety of emotions my main character, Rosalie, encounters. After reading the book, the students discuss each feeling.

Making Choices with Picky Otter New This Year! Picky Otter is my newest stuffed toy friend. His program helps young students realize the difference between wants and needs. Picky's motto is "You OTTER be picky and you OTTER be smart!" The topic for Picky's first program uses flannel board activities and related books to explore smart choices about food and exercise.

BE THE STAR THAT YOU ARE: BEAT TEST STRESS! Puppets Picky Otter and his friends, Fretta, the cow, and Zoom, the duck, help kids prepare for taking the standardized STAR tests in an upbeat way. This program offers testing-taking tips: relaxation techniques, healthy food planning, reading and math strategies, thinking skills, plus the secret ingredient of laughter! This popular program runs from during March through May.

Season to Season Primary Programs

Fall

September Time to celebrate the American hero, Johnny Appleseed. I dress as the folk hero himself, and share books and songs about him, and incorporate the concepts of colors and apples.

Another early fall program is my hand puppet version of the Grasshopper and the Ant, which I pair with Leo Lionni's classic picture book, "Frederick."

October A BOO-tiful time for my "Almost-Scary Tales" program. I thread traditional Halloween stories and songs with Halloween books and pumpkin fun, too!

*November Although I prefer to blend Native American stories into most themes during the year, November is its most popular month. In my "Stories Around the Campfire" I set up in a mock-campfire (rocks and pieces of wood) to create the right atmosphere. This program offers a range of activities: traditional Indian stories, interesting artifacts, games, songs, and handouts. Similar to the Upper Elementary program, this version is modified for younger students.

*December Ho-ho-ho! It's time for Mrs. Claus to share Holiday favorites including stories about Santa, Hanukah, and Kwanza to bring holiday smiles to everyone. Excellent photo opportunity for your child and Mrs. Claus, so don't forget your camera!

*These programs are very popular so it's advisable to book early.

Winter

January Bang the drums and follow the dragon for Chinese New Year's! We explore this multicultural event in books and share stories from China.

February From Ground Hog's Day to Valentine's galore, related stories and songs help create indoor fun during our Northern California rainy season.

Spring

March For the Read Across America tribute to honor Dr. Seuss, I dress up NOT as the Cat in the Hat, nor as Sam-I-Am, but as the Unnamed Character from "Green Eggs & Ham".

March is also THE time for Leprechaun shenanigans.

April Flowers and bunnies and colors, oh, my! My spring programs celebrate seeds and all new growing things.

May Explore the world of small things: caterpillars and butterflies, tadpoles and frogs, spiders and bugs. Or the not so small: whales and fish to celebrate ocean fun.

Summer

June July & August: Most schools are on a well-earned break, but not storytellers! There's always time for stories. Support summer reading programs at our libraries and Barne & Noble. Check my Event Calendar to see where I'll be performing.

Want to preview me in Storytelling Action before booking a performance? Here are two simple ways:

• Check out my Event Calendar. Visit, observe, and have some fun!
• Check out my Store and purchase a copy of my first storytelling DVD, GRAMMY LINDA AND HER MAGIC WINDOW©

PROGRAMS FOR GROWN-UPS

Fees: $150 All programs run approximately 90 minutes with time included for Q & A.

EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE, I LEARNED FROM CHILDREN'S LITERATURE! This Power Point presentation is geared towards parents, teachers, librarians,-anyone interested in the world of children's literature. I explain the genres within the genre of Kiddie Lit. from an author's point of view, as well as ten important life lessons I learned from classic picture books.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE ABOUT AMERICAN INDIANS This Power Point program takes a serious look at the portrayal of Native Americans in children's literature. I present books published in the past, but also explore current trends in publishing today. This program is intended to enlighten parents, teachers and librarians to the problems associated with stereotyping American Indians.

THE TOP TEN REASONS TO READ TO YOUR BABY Everyone knows the value of reading to your young child, but to your infant? Studies show that reading, singing, and talking to your baby helps to stimulate intellectual growth. The more adults interact with infants, the easier babies learn about the world around them.