What can teachers do to follow up on a school visit?

What can teachers do to follow up on a school visit?

Visits from an author/illustrator create a connection with students that will last long after the presentation day. Librarians report that books fly out of the library after a presentation. Educators can keep this connection strong by ensuring that the library has stocked its shelves with the presenter’s books. Librarians may consider featuring them prominently in the days leading up to and following the visit. Using the presenter’s work as part of a teaching unit is also a great way to build on the connection created and to motivate students.

Teachers can also ask the students to reflect on the presenter’s visit through writing or art projects. Ask open-ended questions that encourage evaluation of the presentation: What surprised them most? What was their favourite or least favourite part of the presentation? What did they learn? Was there anything that did not make sense? By exploring topics such as these, students will get much more out of the visit and teachers can extend the value of a visiting author/illustrator beyond the actual time spent visiting the school.

Wordfest artists enjoy getting feedback from students after a visit, which further strengthens the literacy tie between students and the presenter. Encourage students to write their thoughts about the visit or prepare messages of thanks, and forward them to Wordfest.

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