The document outlines steps for selecting and engaging an author-illustrator to enhance student response through art and literature. It emphasizes the importance of preparing students beforehand, involving the community, and tailoring activities to various age levels. The guide encourages reflection and continued engagement with the author through projects and follow-up activities.

2. Search for an author-illustrator with a body
of work that supports student response.

3. Search for an Author who will engage your students.
Harlingen, Texas

4. Check to see if the artist is able to bring
original art to share with your students.
OH CO
OH
NYC AZ
FL

5. Ask if students will be able to compare
original Art to printed books!
Florida
Illinois
Library US Army Base Head Start
Vicenza, Italy
Ohio
Library

6. Do you need an author to work with
multiple age levels? Ask!
Response to:
“You’re Wonderful”
Head Start Program
Cleveland, OH

7. Does the author adapt to different ages of
students within the same visit? Verify!
Lincoln Elementary
Bryan, OH

8. Consider getting
your public library involved!

9. Does the author offer continuing education?
Consider a longer-term ‘residency’ --
a great way to involve the whole community!

10. Once you’ve selected your author,
the next step is preparing your students.
Friendswood, TX

11. Explore the artist’s work with your students.
Discuss design elements of their illustrations.
“You’re Wonderful by Debbie Clement
Illustrations Created from Fabric as Small Quilts

12. Direct students to create their own response.

13. Group student projects together to create a
community response to the author’s work.

14. “You’re Wonderful”
Bulletin Board Response
Westerville, OH

15. Study author’s non-fiction work and respond.
“Tall Giraffe”

16. Create a bulletin board of student work:
Make your author smile!
“Tall Giraffe”
Kindergarten Art Work
Westerville, OH

17. “Tall Giraffe Response”
Florida Preschool

18. “Tall Giraffe” Bulletin Board
Children’s Hospital
Columbus, OH

19. “TALL
GIRAFFE”
Kindergarten
Westerville, OH
Westerville, OH

20. Kindergarten Response
Nashville, TN

21. “Tall Giraffe” Paper Collages
Central Indiana
3 Day Residency

22. “Tall Giraffe” by Debbie Clement
Venice, Florida Elementary
Student Paintings

23. Consider your state’s ‘standards’ in your author response.
“Red, White and Blue”
Quilted Illustrations

24. Consider using your author’s work as the
basis for ‘Project Based Learning.’
Hilliard, OH
Kindergarten
Project Based Learning
Hilliard, OH

25. Westerville
Ohio

26. Westerville, OH

27. First Grade
Southern Door County Elementary
Wisconsin

28. Southern Door County
Wisconsin

29. Engage
students
early!
Dixon, IL

30. Impress your author with a HUGE response!
Kindergarten
response to
“Red, White + Blue”
Dixon, IL

31. Tell the community what’s happening!

32. Design a
“welcome”
for your author….
One that engages
your whole
community
before hand!
*Build excitement
ahead of the visit.

33. Personalize your author’s welcome!
Nashville, TN

34. Make your Compliment
“WELCOME”
age appropriate.
the author’s
projects.
Chicago, IL

35. Rainbow Welcome
NY

36. WELCOME with Arts Integration
Clyde, OH

37. Welcome Debbie Clement
Rainbows Within Reach
Florida

38. Create a “Morning Message”
on the BIG day!
Lights….. Camera….. Action!

39. ENJOY the SHOW!

40. Nashville

41. Phoenix
Tampa
Weston, FL
Clyde, OH

42. Get your camera ready! Document!
Montgomery, TX
Powell, OH
“Read Across America” PA Florida Head Start

43. GROUP HUGS!
Mission Celebrate
accomplished the enthusiasm!

44. Consider parting gifts made from the heart.
Thank You Gifts
From Weston, FL Kindergarten

45. Send thank you letters + feedback.

48. Continue reflection after your visit
with student journal writing.

50. Send Thank You Notes

51. Know that introducing students to ‘real’ authors
makes a lasting impression, one that makes a difference!

52. Email me
directly!
National Keynote
Dallas
Debbie Clement blogs at: Rainbows Within Reach
Debbie is editor-in-chief of: PreK+K Sharing
Debbie’s books + CDs are available at: RainbowsWithinReach.com

53. I’m giving
the
OPENING
KEYNOTE!