Story Spinning: How Great Stories (and Books) are Made

GOALS:

To give children the tools and confidence to create simple, original stories and to help them understand how stories become the published books in their libraries. To give teachers new and interesting ways to teach basic skills

DESCRIPTION:

Kathleen Kudlinski illustrates the structure of a good story first by dramatically telling one, fiction or non-fiction (the students choose.) Then, using a lively chalk talk, Kudlinski helps the children create their own story. This demonstrates techniques for creating original characters, erecting hurdles to keep story tension high, and devising satisfying solutions.

Using examples from actual, published books, Kudlinski shows how a story moves from idea, evolves through many drafts, is submitted for publication, and arrives in a store or library (yours!)

Depending on the audience’s age, the author discusses revision sense by sense or using an easy “14 caret” plan.

The author leaves time for questions and is happy to tailor her presentation to your needs.

PRESENTER:

Kathleen Kudlinski, author of 38 children’s books, is an experienced classroom teacher and frequent presenter to schools and libraries throughout New England. She teaches writing to adults and leads several writing groups.

AGE: Pre-K – gr.3 (content adjusted for age group)

TIME: 45 minutes for K or younger, 1 hour gr.1-3)

COST:

$300 per program; $1000 per day (4 presentations) plus mileage. Books may be sold to offset the cost of this program and increase its impact on students.

CONTACT: Kathleen Kudlinski at kathkud AT aol or by phone at 203-457-9185.