Visits

Why is hosting an author SO worthwhile for your school community?

Inspirational  It can be magical and inspiring for kids to see the people who write the books they love. By sharing their passion for storytelling and the creative process, authors can motivate students to tell their own stories.

Reading is cool! A well-organized and effective author visit can foster a vibrant reading culture, getting a whole school community excited about reading.

Writing is fun! Young writers can learn about the writing process, share their writing struggles, and hear a real author corroborate advice from their ELA teachers.

Career Exploration Students can learn about the writing profession, the different paths to becoming an author, and the hard work behind publishing a book.

Discover you’re not alone. Authors can share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes, offering students relatable experiences and encouragement.

Building Literacy Skills Author visits can enhance literacy programs and initiatives, providing a fun and educational experience that complements the curriculum.

Life Lessons Many authors address important themes in their work, such as identity, friendship, and resilience, which can lead to meaningful discussions.

DATA:  One study out of the UK in 2019 showed that students who had had an author visit that academic year were:

•  Twice as likely to read above the expected level for their age

• More likely to enjoy reading and writing

• More likely to be highly confident in their reading and writing.
  
  

Source:  Writer Visits and Children and Young People’s Reading and Writing Engagement , National Trust Literacy Research Report (Clark and Lant, 2019)