School Visits
Author visits are a fantastic way to get students excited about reading and writing. They ignite a spark of confidence to future artists and writers and encourage reluctant readers to embrace books and writing. We love sharing our passion for literature and talking about feelings and emotions.
To book a visit or if you have any questions, please email marialuisa@mlsalcines.com.
The following is a list of the presentations and workshops we offer.
Presentations and Workshops
Librarians and educators, we love working with you and are open to mixing and matching workshops and presentations. Contact us for presentations tailored to your curriculum needs.
Small groups are always more effective than larger ones.
Pre-K, Kinder to 5th grade we recommend (30 to 45 minutes sessions) 6th grade to adults (45-60 minutes sessions)
How To Turn Words Into A Book
Grade level: 1,2,3,4,5
Duration: 30 minutes - 45 minutes, depending on grade level.
The making of a book from idea to first draft. Where do ideas come from and how to find inspiration in everyday life. Students will learn the publishing process and the patience and persistence it takes to be a writer. How a book is edited and the importance of revising your work. I will share writing tips and explain how an author collaborates with an illustrator to make the book come to life. The author will read the book and do a question-and-answer session. Teachers can also choose a handout activity from the menu for the author to do with students. Be sure each student has a pencil and a surface to write on.
Five Steps to Writing a Story
Grade level: 1,2,3,4,5
Duration: 30 min- 45 minutes, depending on grade level.
Students will learn how to use their imagination and creativity to write and revise stories. The author will discuss the vital role reading can play in their life, and encourage the students to embrace writing with a fun attitude. The author will discuss how an idea becomes a story or a book and the importance of editing your work. Using fun writing prompts, students will write stories and share them with the class. A question and answer session will follow. Each student should have a piece of paper, a pencil, and a surface to write on.
The Importance of Sharing Feelings and Emotions
Grade level: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Duration: 30 min – 45 min, depending on grade level.
The author will read the book. Students will learn the importance of brain health and the things a child can do to protect their brain. The author will discuss her experience with anxiety and depression. They will work on handouts from the activity menu and discuss the importance of sharing feelings and understanding emotions as a group. A question and answer session will follow. Students should have a piece of paper, a pencil, and a surface to write on.
Book Reading Sessions
Grade level: PreK, K,1,2,3,4,
Duration: 30-45 minutes
In-Person Session: The author will read the book. Discuss where the inspiration for the book came from and answer questions. Book orders should be turned in two weeks before the session. The author can bring books signed or sign the books with children in the library.
Zoom or Google Meet: The author will read the book. Discuss where the inspiration for the book came from and answer questions. Books must be ordered in advance. Signed books can be delivered to school before or after the session. Order forms are available on this site.
A "You Can Do It" Member Certificate is available to download. Add the child's name, and at the end of the session, the author can present each child with one.
Story Walk Presentation
Grade level: PreK, K, 1,2,3,
Duration: 30-45 minutes depending on grade level
A story walk is a fun educational activity that allows children to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from the book are attached to stakes and are installed in a school garden, walking trail, or bike path. The Storybook can be set up at a school playground or patio area with grass. This is also a fun activity for summer programs, outdoor events, library gardens, and city events and fairs. The author walks with the children, and they read the book together. This presentation is best done in small groups. A question and answer session will follow at the end of the walk.
Conferences and Book Festival Appearance
Duration: 45 – 1 hour sessions
We are available for panels and presentations. We can speak about the writing process. How to market a children's book. We can also discuss mental health issues and how important it is that children have access to books that can help them understand emotions and feelings. A question and answer session will follow. Contact us for your needs.
Honorarium
Author Visit: Reading and Signing or Reading and Presentation
0-30 miles from McAllen, Texas, or Houston, Texas
30, 45, or 60-minute sessions $100
Half a day presentations $300 Full-day presentations $500
31-50 miles from McAllen, Texas, or Houston, Texas
30, 45, or 60-minute sessions $200
Half a day presentations $400
Full-day presentations $600
Please call us to discuss travel expenses and fees for sixty miles outside of McAllen or the Houston area. Any expense for long-distance transportation, lodging, and meals is the host's responsibility unless otherwise agreed.
Mascot Available for Events
Chickadee mascot is available for author visits. If the school provides a volunteer, the fee is $50 (cleaning fee).
The cost for the author to provide volunteer is $100 ($50 cleaning fee, $50 to hire someone).
Please make checks payable to: Maria Luisa Salcines, Maelia Salcines, or You Can Do It Books. We also accept Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal.
Program and Equipment Requirements
Projector and computer screen set up for PowerPoint presentation a table for display items brought to the presentation. Microphone preferably handless, wireless, lapel microphone if available. A microphone is needed only for large groups.
Preparing for a Successful Author Visit
*Announce author visit several weeks in advance.
* Send out order forms to parents and staff 2 to 3 weeks before the visit. Separate order forms by teacher and grade level.
*Discuss the book with children.
*One fun activity is to invite the children who purchased books to a book signing party in the library. Be sure each child has a form so that we don't spend time on the spelling of a child's name.
*Help students brainstorm a list of questions for the author.
*Have the children write us a letter after the event. A handout is available on our activity menu.
*Teachers, please don't forget to post a review on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, or Bookamillion.com. Reviews help our book move to the top of the list. Thank you!
Parent Form
Author Visit Coming Soon
English
Dear Parents and Students,
On ___________, award-winning authors Maria Luisa Salcines and Maelia Salcines will be visiting our campus to discuss their children's book, You Can Do It, Chickadee.
You Can Do It Chickadee has won four children's book awards. A Mom's Choice Award, a Purple Dragon Award, Moonbeam Award, and a Story Monster Approved book award.
During their visit, the authors will read their book, share their passion for literacy, and discuss the importance of understanding emotions and feelings.
Those interested in purchasing a copy of the book for their child order forms are attached to this letter. Please fill them out and return the form to the school as soon as possible.
Español
Estimados padres y estudiantes,
En ___________, las autoras ganadoras de premios, María Luisa Salcines y Maelia Salcines visitarán nuestro campus para hablar de su libro infantil, You Can Do It, Chickadee.
You Can Do It Chickadee, ha ganado cuatro premios de libros infantiles. Un premio "Mom's Choice", un premio "Purple Dragon", un premio "Moonbeam" y un premio "Story Monster Approved".
Durante su visita, los autores leerán su libro, compartirán su pasión por la lectura y hablarán de la importancia de comprender las emociones y los sentimientos.
Los interesados en adquirir un ejemplar del libro para sus hijos encontrarán los formularios de pedido adjuntos a esta carta. Les rogamos que los rellenen y devuelvan el formulario al colegio lo antes posible.