So, I have this new experience coming up on Friday. I'm actually incredibly nervous about it. See, I'm supposed to give a school visit to a bunch of younger kids. Think 4th-6th graders. My cousin is a teacher in a nearby city and they asked me to come and speak. Cool, right? I mean, I think it'll be neat. But, really, it's the age range that's got me quaking: I don't deal with younger kids all that much! I am legitimately freaked out that I'll let the f-bomb fly. Or even some other word that I don't consider a swear but will be considered such there.(I gave a guest lecture in a friend's college class the other day and totally said a few choice words, but I'm dealing with all adults--all college students--and didn't think a thing about tell them that it's possible to get ancient DNA out of sh*t. Elementary kids on the other hand....)
The other thing is, I'm not certain how to engage younger kids. I'm planning on giving a little talk about crafting a story--something that's broadly applicable, both to those who like to write and also anyone who just wants to tell a story to their friends. (We'll see how this goes, as I haven't actually managed to write the presentation...I've too many papers to grade to get that done until later this week.) But what do I do to ensure they're entertained? I am certain I can bore anyone to tears, but get them interested and engaged? How am I supposed to do that?
So, thoughts? Tips, tricks, ace-in-the-hole ideas? I guess if it comes down to it, I can always tell fart jokes ;)
And just remember not to swear!
Eep. Why did I sign up to do this again? :)
Good luck! I've never done such a thing, and I can understand how it would make you nervous. Have something interactive and visuals. That should help. If all else fails, bribe them with candy. :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. On the swearing side, I really have to watch my mouth around my son and other kids. He has this one sci-fi kids series in which the main characters uses the word "smudge" when he is cussing. I've adopted it. It feels almost as good as the f-word!
I'd be nervous too, but I'm sure you'll come up w/something great and the kids will love it. And they always love fart jokes, lol! ;)
ReplyDeleteI've found that the 4th-6th graders are much more enthusiastic crowd than the 7th-8th graders, who tend to act like everything is boring. Anything that gets them thinking about the stories they want to tell is great. Ask for them to share their ideas...bring bookmarks to hand out...they love that.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll be great!
I just did a crapload of school visits, one after another!!! They are nerve-wracking, but once you get in there, they aren't bad at all. Make it interactive--that's my best advice. Ask questions (make sure you ask for hands first or they'll just start shouting out questions!). Get them to talk. If you CAN, find a way to involve the kids in an exercise somehow. Do you have a PowerPoint? If not, no big deal...just try to take some of the pressure off of you by getting them to talk some, too. The slides help take the pressure off of you to talk, which is why I mentioned it. My visits weren't selling enough books, to be honest, so now I'm retooling and trying to find ways that I can force them to make book sales a part of it. When you leave it up to the school, it's all, "Ohhhh, we forgot to send they flyer home with the kids. So sorry..."
ReplyDeleteI might be inclined to swear, what with never being around kids!
ReplyDeleteHey!! This is exciting! I like the suggestions you're getting :) Don't have any of my own because I haven't done this before but I wish you all luck with it!
ReplyDelete