Sparking Creativity: Author Linda Oatman High

will travel anywhere

WRITING TO THE BEAT OF A DIFFERENT DRUMMER: A Slide Show Assembly for K-12 in which author Linda Oatman High illustrates how students may glean writing ideas from real life. Slide show lasts about an hour and may be presented up to 3 times/day, with remaining time spent on writing workshops.

WRITING WORKSHOPS: Many different themes for all grades. Themes include PIRATE WRITING, RENAISSANCE WRITING, HISTORY WRITING, and SPORTS WRITING. Linda Oatman High's writing workshops are fun and guaranteed to spark a joy of writing in any student! Core curriculum standards are met with instructional methods that incorporate pop culture, music, and modern life.

PLANET PREGNANCY: Linda Oatman High, author of the young adult novel in verse "Planet Pregnancy," talks about the writing of the book, presents a slide show, assists students with presenting a Reader's Theatre from the book, and instucts in free verse poetry writing. The goal of PLANET PREGNANCY is teenage pregnancy prevention.

LOVE MOTHER EARTH: An environmental presentation in which recycling is emphasized. Students write about nature, and uses for reclaimed materials are explored through writing workshops. Linda Oatman High's books "Beekeepers" and "Barn Savers" are featured and discussed, and science standards meet writing standards for a successful and enjoyable workshop.

JAZZY WRITING: Linda Oatman High's book "Cool Bopper's Choppers" is featured, along with jazz and blues music, in order to encourage musical writing. Curriculum standards are met in jazz history, music, and poetry.

COWBOY WRITING: Linda Oatman High's book "Tenth Avenue Cowboy" is featured and writing prompts include those from the Old West. Historical music and stories are included in this fun workshop, which emphasizes Old American West history meeting the cowboys of today.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: HOW TEACHERS CAN SPARK CREATIVITY IN EVERY STUDENT: Linda Oatman High speaks to teachers from K-12 about creativity and the craft of writing, including hands-on writing activities for teachers and students.

CHRISTMAS WRITING: Linda Oatman High's book "The Last Chimney of Christmas Eve" is featured, and writing prompts include holiday themes. Holiday time is the most difficult time of the year for teachers to hold the interest of students. Let CHRISTMAS WRITING be the solution!

SPOOKY WRITING: Most often booked in October, near Halloween, Linda Oatman High's SPOOKY WRITING enthralls students, especially boys, with prompts that include haunted houses, ghostly sightings, and shiver-inducing music!

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE LAST DAY! A writing workshop and slide show assembly for the last month of school. Keep students interested and entertained even as they daydream about summer vacation.

Students connect with Linda Oatman High's fun personality and kid-level friendliness. Photographs of Linda's childhood in the 1960s and 1970s are highlights of the slide show, and students from across the U.S. can relate to Linda's family and childhood.

Author Linda Oatman High's mission is to incorporate education with entertainment, making her workshops, assemblies,and presentations joyful learning experiences filled with laughter and fun.

Follow your dreams and be whatever you want to be! Make dreams come true with practice, hard work, and determination. Read, read, read . . . write, write, write. Learning can be fun!

Linda Oatman High has been presenting at schools from K-12 since 1993.

From librarian Roberta Kleinbard at Wandell School:
"I just have to tell you that the students are still talking about the fantastic time they had when you visited Wandell School. I had to email to thank you again. Parents, teachers, and students all commented on your presentations. I was doing a lesson on Beatrix Potter the other day with the Kindergartners and I read "The Tale of Tom Kitten" and when I was done one little boy said, "Boy that Linda Oatman High can sure write," assuming that you must have written it! They think you wrote everything in our library! Thanks again for a memorable day for our students. You entertained, enriched, and inspired the students of Wandell School!"

From teacher Donna Kerstetter at Susquenita Elementary School:

"The children had a wonderful time. They couldn't wait to check your books out of the library. I have read many of the stories that the children wrote during their writing workshops. It was especially nice to see how excited our reluctant writers were after their workshop."

From principal Carol Gilmore at Reidenbaugh Elementary School:

"Your assembly slide show was totally geared to and connected with our kiddos. You helped them to understand that we all are writers and have something worthy to write about. The feedback from students andt eachers has been very positive. I believe you have motivated not only many of our students, but also many of our staff to continue to write and dream."

From parent volunteer Ashley Formento at Wandell School, Saddle River, NJ:

"The school is still bubbling about your visit."

Linda Oatman High is an author/playwright/poet/journalist who has published more than 20 award-winning books for children and young adults.  Her books have earned honors and awards from VOYA, ALA, and many other organizations.  Linda Oatman High holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College, and she has been presenting school assemblies since 1993.

http://www.lindaoatmanhigh.com