Author talks
I love to talk with children about writing my books and using their imagination. I bring props, powerpoint presentations, and lots of enthusiasm to schools and libraries. Here are some of the programs and workshops I offer. The
GRADES 3-6
o Discovering Untold African American Stories: Mumbet's Declaration of Independence and Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution: Where do you find unknown heroes? How do you find the theme for your subject? What goes into a biography? What is left out?
o Snooping around in history: Finding exciting true characters and stories for biographies and novels, and then deciding how to tell the story. Discusses How Benjamin Franklin Became A Revolutionary in Seven (Not-So-Easy) Steps; A Take-Charge Girl Blazes A Trail to Congress: The Story of Jeannette Rankin; Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution; Mumbet's Declaration of Independence; All the World's A Stage: A Novel in Five Acts; Write on, Mercy! The Secret Life of Mercy Otis Warren.
o Writing workshop: What's in a story?
Any event can inspire many stories. In this writing workshop, learn how you can discover your story.
These programs can be adapted for use in middle schools.
GRADES K-2
o From the page to the stage: children join in a reader's theater and act out the adventures of Katje the Windmill Cat.
Learn how true events can blend with your own ideas to create historical fiction. Grades K-3
o Animal Music: Honk like a goose, and chatter like a chimp as we read Animal Families, Animal Friends, and learn how animals live together and help each other. Then learn about all the friends an author needs to turn a glimmer of an idea into a finished book. Grades K-3
I adapt my programs for different grade levels and all involve student participation. Contact me for details and fees.
Discussion Guides for Teachers:
See Discussion Guides for various books under My Books.
What Kids Say About Gretchen Woelfle’s Programs
"We’ve had a lot of authors come and talk, but your visit was probably the most interesting so far."
Andrew
"I love to write and I do more because you came."
J.J.
"The story writing process really encouraged me to start writing stories. Be prepared for some e-mails because I might ask you if the story is OK or not."
Charles
"It was really interesting, learning about the long, involved process an author’s story must go through before it’s finally published….I will send my prize-winning story to an editor as soon as possible."
Melissa
"I enjoyed your lecture at the middle school. Unfortunately, you broke one of the basic rules – it wasn’t boring."
Steve
"If I was the first editor you sent Katje the Windmill Cat I would have taken it in a heartbeat. That story just plain rules."
Chris
"I really want to be an author when I grow up. You coming to our school made me really want to become an author even more."
Claire