ASSEMBLIES
Length:
Grades K-2, about 40 minutes
Grades 3 and above, about 50-55 minutes
Writing Workshops, 45-60 minutes
Public Library & Family Night programs, 30 to 45 minutes
Can adjust to fit your schedule.
Audience Size:
With each school schedule being so unique, the author is comfortable presenting to any group size ranging from single classroom to full school assemblies.
Setup Requirements:
Just a projector and a screen or wall to project onto and maybe an occasional bottle of water. Mr. St. Jean brings his own equipment including laptop, microphone and sound system.
EARLY ELEMENTARY: GRADES K-2
A colorful, multi-media presentation using poetic rhyme and verse forms the foundation of a fun and memorable journey into the world of writing. Children will laugh, giggle, and most importantly, learn that writing can be fun during this well conceived presentation...which is topped off by a Music Video! (Warning: Spontaneous Dancing May Ensue!)
Assembly Length: 40-45 Minutes
INTERMEDIATE: GRADES 3-6
This exciting multi-media presentation introduces children to the world of writing by showing how a story is created, covering key steps such as the concept, the write, the re-write, the re-re-write, etc. The presentation deepens as Mr. St. Jean uses examples from well known literature to illustrate how concepts such as conflict, resolution and character development are necessary components when building a story. In addition, multiple examples of story telling are demonstrated through a variety of media such as words, pictures and music. This presentation forms the foundation for optional Writing Workshops.
Assembly Length: 50-55 Minutes
WRITING WORKSHOPS
These sessions, designed for students grades 3-6, draw directly from the lessons learned during the assembly. Children are placed into small groups and treated to a progressive writing exercise that emphasizes team work and story structure while at the same time introducing the concept of genre. If time allows, their projects are then read back to the group as a fun and effective form of reinforcement.
Workshop Length: Minimum 45 minutes, 60 minutes is preferred.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: GRADES 7-8
Higher level writing concepts are explored as plot, character development and conflict are demonstrated in fun yet effective ways. Complex topics of vulnerability and 'connecting with the reader' are discussed as the students are treated to a virtual writing workshop. Literature, Poetry and Music are introduced in a comparative manner, noting that writing is the common thread running through each of them.
Assembly Length: 50-55 Minutes