Presentations Offered
Following are several presentation suggestions. Classroom presentations can vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the school's needs and age level of the students. Writing workshops range from 45 minutes to half-day sessions. With advance notice, presentations can be customized to suit specific interests or areas of study.
From Pet to Picture Book
Grades 2-8
In the beginning, there was a goldfish… Students will discover how a favorite pet inspired a story, and how that story became the picture book entitled NOT NORMAN. This presentation can be designed as a workshop for writing students of most ages.
NOT NORMAN: Fish & Other Pets
Grades Pre-K-1
“I wanted a different kind of pet. NOT NORMAN.” Utilizing her picture book, Kelly will discuss different kinds of pets—especially fishy ones—with very young listeners. The program is interactive with songs and movements.
Native American Culture & the Spider
Grades K-8*
Utilizing slides, artifacts, and traditional Spider legends featured in her multi-tribal collection, Spider Spins A Story: Fourteen Legends from Native America, Kelly Goldman Bennett shares American Indian culture with students. Local tribes and customs will be highlighted.
Native American Culture & the Trickster
Grades K-8*
Trickster, the most popular character featured in traditional Native American storytelling is the focus of this program, which utilizes slides, artifacts, and traditional legends featured in the forthcoming multi-tribal collection, Trickster Tells A Tale.
Students who have experienced Kelly's presentation on Native American Culture & the Spider will enjoy this companion presentation.
Sea Otters, Sand, and Shells:
A Writer's Journey
Grades Pre-K-8
Utilizing slides, her published works, and anecdotes, Kelly shares a writer's journey with students while answering the question, "Where do you get your story ideas?" Perseverance, research and pursuing your dreams are emphasized. Presentations for younger-aged children include a read-aloud slide presentation of Annie's High Sea Adventure.
A Writer on Writing
Grades 5-adult
Workshops for older students, children's writers, and teacher in-service sessions focus on a variety of writing-related topics including: critiquing, finding your character's voice, finding the writer's voice, marketing your work and the business of children's literature. When appropriate, class and individual exercises are incorporated into the program.
Mysteries of Writing Mysteries
Grades 1-5*
Sherlick Hound and the Valentine Mystery, Kelly's first published book, inspired this class-participation presentation during which students plot a crime, plant clues, establish motives and ultimately solve the crime while learning the fundamentals of mystery writing. At the end of the session, students will be encouraged to write the mystery the class plotsóor create one of their own. This interactive format is appropriate for small groups only; a large group mystery presentation, with limited audience participation, is also available.
Arbor Day or Flag Day
Grades Pre-K-1
Utilizing these "Rookie Reader — About Holidays" books, Kelly shares Arbor Day or Flag Day trivia, traditions and crafts.
