The Virtual Author Visit with Larry Dane Brimner
Expected to do more, but 'they' forgot to put
more in your budget?
Larry might be able to help with a Virtual Larry
Visit. To kick off the second decade of the 21st century, Larry has
decided to get with the times. A Virtual Larry Visit can give your
students all the benefits of an author visit--the excitement of
interacting with a "real, live" author, enhanced enthusiasm about
reading and writing, and educational reinforcement of your teaching
staff. With a Virtual Larry Visit, all you need is Skype software
(free @ www.skype.com) and a computer with a
web camera.
Interested? Here's what you'll need:
-Skype software installed on your
computer.
-A computer connected to the internet via
high-speed modem.
-Web camera and microphone.
If you're a techie (Larry is not!), you might
want to project the computer's video display onto a large screen
with a digital projector. This will enable you to accommodate a
larger audience.
The Virtual LarryVisit is conducted entirely
online. Skype-to-Skype calls do not tie up the school's phone line
and they're FREE. No long-distance charges; no tolls. How great is
that! Skype's software is available at http://www.skype.com/ Just download
the version you need (Mac or PC) and you'll be ready to
go.
You will need to send Larry your Skype Name. His
Skype Name is: lbrimner (Skype is case sensitive,
so be sure to type it in all lower case letters.)
Add Larry to your list of contacts by going to
"Add a Contact."
Does this work? Larry will test the Skype
broadcast with you the day before the visit to make sure everything
is working properly. You can talk by phone as you're testing it out
to make sure that everything is up and running. What if there's a
problem? He'll reschedule. It's as simple as that.
Prepare for the Visit
Prepare for the visit just as you would for any
author visit. Read at least three of Larry's books to the kids who
will be participating. Preparation is crucial to any successful
author visit. If the children don't know who he is, then why would
they want to virtually meet him?
Help students brainstorm questions they might
want to ask--something beyond "How old are you?" and "How much
money do you make?" (He'll answer those questions in his own way,
if asked, but he hopes they'll want to know more.) Please share
some of the questions with Larry in advance as it will help him
tailor his comments to the group.
Pre-select the children who will ask him a
question during the visit--at least a dozen students to start with.
(He'll answer more if time permits.)
Ordering Books
An author visit is an excellent time to excite
children about creating their own personal libraries and what
better way to do that than with autographed books? You can obtain
Brimner books through your local bookstore (easiest) or directly
from publishers (often discounted). It is best to order your books
at least four weeks prior to the scheduled visit to ensure that
they'll be on hand. Please let Larry know how many books have been
ordered, and he'll send you autographed stickers to place inside
the books.
Virtual Larry Visit Format
Larry likes to start by telling about the event
that triggered his first book (now out of print). Then he'll
address two to three questions. Next he'll talk about a picture
book, the actual incident behind the book, and finally the
fictionalized version of that incident. After that, he'll take the
bulk of the remaining questions and wrap up with a few closing
remarks. (When the children ask their questions, be sure that they
stand close enough to the microphone and camera so Larry will be
able to hear and see them.)
Audience size: In
general, the size of the audience should be about one grade level,
or 150. Realistically, it depends on the size of your screen
because you'll want everyone to be able to see him. If you're using
a 14-inch monitor, probably not so many. If you've hooked your
monitor to a projector, then obviously it should work with a larger
audience.
Duration: About 55
minutes (best for grades 3-6+)
What This Will Cost
The number of virtual visits during the year is
limited, so reserve your time now.
A single 55-minute Virtual Larry Visit runs
$250.00.
If you wish two sessions (on the same day), the
fee is $350.00.
Your district, PTO, or personal check may be
mailed to Larry at the following address in advance:
Larry Dane Brimner
PO Box 87257
Tucson, AZ 85754
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