I love sharing reading, writing, and science with learners of all ages–in assemblies, writing workshops, STEM days, Title 1 and family science nights!
Jodi Wheeler-Toppen came to Riverside Elementary in 2023 and did a phenomenal job! Her “Purr-fect Research” program was a HUGE hit with teachers and students alike! Several teachers said that was one of the best author visits they have seen. Students enjoyed the interesting information, while teachers enjoyed that the presentation addressed several academic standards. I recommend Jodi and her presentations highly!
Kristin Bartholomew, Media Specialist, Riverside ES
Current Presentations:
Purr-fect Research is so Dog-gone Fun!: Research is the most fun part of being a nonfiction writer. Students can learn to love it, too! In this presentation, I will share the excitement of research with students, by emphasizing playing with new ideas as they find them. I’ll introduce a research cycle strategy that kids can use to guide their own information searches and give plenty of cute, cuddly examples from work on Dog and Cat Science Unleashed! This program is 45-minutes long and best for students in grades 3 and up.
How a Worm Wiggled into a Book: This 30-minute presentation for grades K-2 looks at the science of earthworms and the process of a writing a book. I highlight the importance of revision and show that even professional writers rework their words until they get things right. For the end of the presentation, students get to hold and observe live worms (in containers!) and practice asking good questions.
Try This at Home: Discover the science hidden in everyday materials! Volunteers will help me with a set of science stunts that audience members can go right home and try themselves. I’ll explain the science behind the tricks. Along the way, I’ll share how I became a nonfiction writer and the endless possibilities of nonfiction writing careers. This program is 45 minutes and is appropriate for all ages.
Students will leave any of these assemblies excited about science AND writing.
Addresses range-of-reading and writing (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.10 and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.10 for grades K-8) standards as well as a variety of science standards. Contact me for science standards by grade.
Once Upon a Science Book 