SNEED'S SCHOOL VISIT PAGE
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A FEW COMMENTS FROM TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS

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SNEED's SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
My school presentations focus on teaching children about the natural world in fun and stimulating ways. Even with large groups I try to make the talks interactive and get kids to think as well as observe. The talks are entertaining, employing humor, color slides and other visuals. An added bonus to my talks is that they cover reading, writing, and science so you get triple-duty out of me!

A day in a school depends on your needs, but usually consists of three full presentations plus book signing. My presentations run about 45-50 minutes including questions and answers and I like to start early in the day when students are fresh. I speak to all ages and offer different presentations for different age groups. Group sizes of up to 250 are no problem, so I can usually cover an entire elementary or middle school in a day.


FEES AND EXPENSES

The Fees and Expenses: $1200 a day plus expenses for 3 presentations and $1600 a day plus expenses for 4 presentations. Also $1600 a day plus expenses for flying to a location for a single day.

"Significant discounts are available for Montana schools or schools that I easily can drive to."

Don't hesitate to call to get a precise quote: (406)721-2783.

or by email at collard@bigsky.net        

Please DO NOT give this information to students for any reason.

Fan mail and other letters should be sent to:

Bucking Horse Books, P.O. Box 8507, Missoula, MT, 59807.

DESCRIPTIONS OF SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS 2010-2011

One-Hour Mystery-Writing Workshop (Grades 5 through Adult: 20 students maximum)


Mysteries help humans satisfy one of our most basic instincts: curiosity. Leading a reader along while not spilling the beans, however, requires a delicate touch and good understanding of craft. Learn what makes a mystery a mystery, and get started building suspenseful, satisfying thrillers that will delight readers.

"Rep-Tales"

This talk is mostly for younger kids, Grades K-2. Its purpose is to have FUN while reinforcing basic concepts about reptiles. After reviewing the five basic groups of reptiles, I discuss three of them using my books and particularly gruesome and exciting experiences I've had. Specific topics include snakes, geckos, and tuataras. Myths will be shattered, hearts will be pumped, and stomachs churned!


"Writing in the Clouds: A Visit to a Tropical Cloud Forest"

This talk explores where writing ideas come from. Like all my presentations, this one is highly interactive, inducing kids to think for themselves and view themselves as writers. After brainstorming on writing ideas, I take kids on a visit to Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest. Kids learn about cloud forest ecology and afterward, come up with their own ideas for writing books and stories. The talk closes by reinforcing the value in observation and appreciation of our earth, whether in Costa Rica or the local school yard. Grades 2-5.

"Writing at the Bottom of the Sea"

This presentation shares with children the influences that have shaped me as a writer and then focuses on how I do the research for my books. To illustrate the process, I take children on my recent research expedition diving in the Johnson Sea Link submarine off the Bahama Islands. In a dramatic slide presentation, I introduce kids to life far below the ocean surface, focusing on bioluminescent creatures‹animals that make their own light. I also contrast life on earth with ocean life while emphasizing the need to protect our marine resources. Grades 3-12.

"The Reality of Writing Children's Books" (Appropriate for ALL Audiences)

In this talk, I trace my development as an author from childhood to the present. I’ll especially focus on how early influences shaped my later passions and interests with regard to writing nonfiction. I’ll also talk about the challenges and process of becoming an established author and my transition to writing fiction. I’ll especially focus on newer projects such as Dog Sense; Double Eagle; and Science Warriors.

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