“Literacy
gives you Wings”
Information
on Presentation Author Frank Glew 2010
We can never overemphasize
the importance of reading to children. The best reward for
writing books is presenting and explaining how and why I
write. I prefer to interact with children by rotating them
through the library according to their approximate grade
level. I find it far more meaningful presenting to smaller
groups according to their curriculum grade expectations. The
library setting promotes a positive atmosphere for reading.
I use a variety of interesting props and AV equipment. All
books are on overheads to allow students to easily see the
story and participate. All presentations have an important
environmental message as well as the fostering of Character
Education (universal values). Literature expectations are a
priority.
My books are all primary
picture books. My main focus and preference is presenting to
primary students. I chose primary books because values are
mostly formed before age ten. I can accommodate three to
four classes for 45 to 60 min. including JK and SK. Please
try to keep the approximate same age or grade levels in each
presentation as close as possible.
I can emphasize-
1) Literacy
writing traits. Specific literacy traits can be taught on
request
2) Science and
environmental facts
3) Character
education-values-big ideas
4) A mixture of
all three This is my preference.
I encourage
questions at the end of the presentation.
All nine books are info-fiction. The books are filled with
interesting facts that are true but the story line of course
is fiction. I introduce all my nine books and read two
during the visit. The seven elements of writing were
considered in creating each of the author’s books and can be
emphasized to meet school needs.
(Ideas/Content,
Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency,
Convention and, Presentation)
However, if grade five to
eight students are attending for a specific purpose, I will
present the writing traits and expectations at their level.
Please make sure they are prepared for a picture book
presentation on writing traits and not as filler. I
am flexible. With grades 4-8, I emphasize creativity,
book analysis, writing and publishing skills.
Author Presentation Set-up
I like to work in the library
where we have a positive literacy atmosphere.
The students can then sit
comfortably on a rug instead of a hard floor. I need a good
overhead,
And three tables for props
and possibly a TV/VCR or CD player. I will arrive ½ hour
before the first presentation to set up.
Presentation Fees
Suggested Options
1) Two one hour
presentations -1/2 day.-$350 plus GST of 5% (17.50).
2) Three one hour
presentations-$500-one presentation for each part of the
balanced day. Plus GST 5% ($25) . This one is the most
popular for schools. I usually do the three, one hour
presentations (JK-Gr. 4) in a full day because it fits into
a balanced day program.
3) Four
presentations-$600.00 plus 5% GST, $30.
This would cover
four presentations of one hour each.
Note *($50-75)
travel fee outside Waterloo County and if necessary $100.00
accommodation.
Students can purchase
signed books at a lower price. ($10 tax, mailing
included) A ready-made order form is available on request
to help organize the book purchasing. Each time a book is
sold, the author will donate a book to a needy public or
separate school of my choice somewhere in Ontario. So far
over $100,000
worth of books has been donated
to public
and separate schools in Ontario from Windsor to Ottawa.
I
present 2 of the books at each session. Each book is related
to the Ontario Curriculum Expectations.
Books
are for sale at a student 25% discount. An order form is
available for your convenience. If you are interested in the
sale of my primary picture books please let me know.
Books
Profits go to donating books to school boards like yours.
So far profits were used to donate over
$100,000
of books.
I presented
at, “Reading for the Love of It” for the past five years.
I have many references if wanted.
Information
Class Presentation Content
The author draws on nature and animals as his vehicle to
create interest for both boys and girls. All ideas for his
stories come from the observation of people and nature.
Other than the real thing, using
literature is the most important way to reach primary
children when teaching difficult science concepts and
writing expectations.
Science Content-
Nature, Animals, Values, Environment, Humour
JK-SK-
Explorations- care for the natural world, living and non
living, observation, positive attitude, habitats, care for
others and other animals.
GRADE 1- Characteristics of Living Things- basic needs,
movement, behaviour, observation, classification, survival,
adaptations, a healthy environment.
GRADE 2- Growth and Changes in Animals- similarities and
differences, adaptations, behaviour, life processes,
identification, life cycles, classification, survival, ways
humans can help, care.
GRADE 3- Growth and Changes-basic needs, source of food and
shelter, plants, trees
GRADE 4- Habitats and Communities- basic needs, habitat,
classification, food chains, migration, adaptations, human
effects, animals and humans, identification, niche.
Habits of the Mind- the over-all core environmental values
are to promote and foster respect and responsibility for all
life and habitat including humans. All stories have an
environmental message.
Testimonies
1) Peel
DSB.
Here
is a testimony for a wonderful author presentation:
Frank Glew came in to present just before March Break. We
had him for an
entire day, and it was probably the best author presentation
I've ever
heard.
He is such a natural teacher! Not only did he display
exemplary crowd control, he
judged beautifully when a stretch or chant was called for.
All through
his presentation he threw in incidental learning tips, and
seized
many, many teachable moments.
He presented to kindergarten through grade three, but would
have been super
for older students, too. He came with story-boards, and
could have stressed
more of the writing process with older grades.
Anyone teaching about the environment, nature, animals
(especially
birds) or Character Education would really benefit from
having him come to visit.
On a practical side, his costs are very reasonable, and he
will provide
copies of his books (one of which, The Chickadee Feeling, is
in French)
pre-ordered and signed for students and libraries
Subject:
reflecting on a special visit
2) Hello "Mr. Frank Glew",
It
was so good to see you again, Frank. Funny how life goes
and we never know when we'll meet up with friends again.
Your presentation was truly delightful! You have an amazing
capacity to infuse current curriculum vocabulary into your
presentations and set students up for success. Our students
at Empire really know what you are talking about because, as
you well know, our teachers are "up" on the latest research
in good teaching practices.
Your visit this time was especially meaningful to me
becasue my granddaughter was visiting Empire and came along
on the trip to see you. We have all of your books and read
them often. She was delighted that she knew of you and your
stories. Now she can put a real face to your signature in
each book. Teegan is 5 years old and just beginning to write
letters to form words. It's a very exciting time in her
life [and mine, too]. Her brain is ALWAYS thinking about
reading and writing. When she arrived home the day of your
visit, she wrote her mother a note with hugs and kisses and
a tree with wrap around arms... so cute.
The students came back and wrote thank you letters
and drew pictures of what they learned. I can't believe how
many students were fascinated with the turtle's yellow neck
[among other things, of course].
Well Frank, I wish you a very, merry Christmas with
your family. I totally understand how "family" has an even
stronger and more meaningful impact when you have
grandchildren. It seems our children are the same ages and
we have the same number of grandchildren. They really are
little miracles.
Yours in education,
Empire Public School
2) My name is Sonia Worotynec and I
work at the Region of Waterloo, providing
policy, planning, research and evaluation support to the
Children's
Services Division. One of my tasks is to put together a
newsletter for the
child care community that features recent reports and
initiatives in the
field. We also include a profile of someone who works with
children and
families. In the profile, we ask the same five questions
including 'what
is your favourite children's book?'. The ECE chosen for
January has cited
'That Chickadee Feeling' as her favourite book.
I am writing to ask you for permission to use the image of
your book in
our newsletter, alongside the interview.
The question is: "What is your favourite children's book".
Her response is
"I have many, but my favourite is That Chickadee Feeling by
local
author Frank Glew".
Social Planning, Policy & Program Administration
Region of Waterloo
4) Dear Frank,
You are very inspiring Frank. All of your books have such
wonderful messages. I loved what Samuel's Most Important
Message had to offer a lot...... and now here comes
Boomer!!! You've really got a great way of telling a story
that the kids LOVE!! This one is really going to hit home.
The "jugarump" phrase is VERY catchy! After I read it I knew
we had to get you back in to the school to share it. The
message is great...powerful...... and continues to be a
necessary one. Considering how much we are hearing now
through every from of media, about the planet and the
consequences of our neglect, the book is sure to hit home in
many schools with may teachers
looking for a way to direct the message and with many
children who will really be captivated by it. It will
certainly appeal to all ages and will be a great tie in to
environmental issues especially during Earth Week. I love
the connection to keeping not only the environment clean but
all areas of your life. Kids will get it!! (For tidy up
time: "Jugarump, jugarump.......the classroom's not a dump!
You know I'm going to use it!! )
I spoke with the administration about having you come as our
Guest Author again. They were very receptive and wanted me
to inquire about times and fee. We have two school
initiatives this year that all staff are involved with. One
is the
Writing Initiative and the other is called the Caring
Initiative (the emotional piece, the social aspect, the 8
keys, the assemblies, the heart stuff...the important
stuff:) So a visit from you would certainly tie into
everything we are doing, especially if we could work it
around EARTH WEEK. Are you available??
5) Hi Frank
It was nice to meet you at St. Thomas School in Waterdown.
You have such a great way of sharing your books with
students. Your book "That Chickadee Feeling" made it into
our Fabulous Five (we voted tonight!). The students will
vote on the five books we choose on the last day of our
literacy festival.
Frontenac School
Burlington, ON
The
author was the recipient of Ontario Nature’s (Ont.
Federation of Naturalists) Richards Education Award -2006
and the Queens Golden Jubilee Award for his books on nature
-2004.
Books
Profits go to donating books to school boards like yours.
So far profits were used to donate over $100,000 of
books to public and separate schools in Ontario from Windsor
to Ottawa.
-That Chickadee Feeling (JK-4)
2001-2005, $10
This story uses the Black Capped Chickadee
and natural community to teach many science concepts such as
habitat, species, community, food chains, food pyramids,
carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, niche, classification, care of
wildlife. It uses the story to give children the wonderful,
magic experience of feeding a bird out of their hand. This
brings about a special bonding with parent, child and nature.
The book has been a best seller for 4 years and was given a 5
star rating by the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario.
Min. of Ed. uses it for “Train the Trainer” for Jr. and
Primary workshops.
-Ce Frisson de mesange 2002, 2006
French Version of That Chickadee Feeling
-When I Grow Up I Want To Be Just Like My Dog (K-3)
2002, $10-5star book
All of us have been asked what we want to be when we grow up.
But, at a young age none of us really know. This young boy wants
to be like his dog because of the many good characteristics dogs
possess such as unconditional love, loyalty, friendship,
forgiveness etc, This humorous book written in rich rhyme can be
the basis of teaching many science concepts using the dog as the
subject. It begs the question, "What kind of person do I want to
be when I grow up?”This book has been a best seller for 1 year.
-Butterfly Wishes (Gr.2-4) 2003, $10-best seller,
5star book (ETFO)
The seasonal migration of the Monarch Butterfly is a wonder of
the world that all Canadians should know about. Beginning in
Ontario and flying all the way to Mexico is no small feat for an
insect. The story is fiction but is filled with true facts
about life cycles and the long journey South to Mexico and back.
The story line has a strong altruistic values component to it
that teaches giving and caring for others. It was given a 5 star
rating from the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario.
-Samuel's Most Important Message.(Gr.2-4) 2005, $10, a 5
star book,(ETFO)
This is an excellent story for teaching the definition of
habitat. It uses the turtle, which is the native symbol for our
earth, to teach the importance of looking after the earth not
only for ourselves but for the sake of future generations. It
shows how a very young turtle, Samuel, has the power to change
his world. It is based on a true experience. The story line is
fiction but the animals and plants in the setting are real.
-I Need a Hug. (JK-4) 2006, $10
Saphira, who had never had a hug in 2007
years, cleverly learns how to wave her branches magically in the
air to create words. She finally persuades a park visitor to
give her that much needed hug by saying, “I need a hug, I
need a hug, I need a hug, hug, hug”, despite the trickster
wind who keeps changing her message. Saphira, a giant Redwood
Tree, teaches children the importance of a caring hug no matter
how old or how big you are. The book brings out the many
benefits of trees to humans and other animals through a
very humourous but meaningful story.
Without exception, the child within us all craves for
that elusive hug of love and acceptance.
-Boomer Rules (Gr. 2-4) 2007 $10
“Jugarump!…Jugarump!…Jugarump!…Rump! Rump! My home is not
a Dump”. Boomer, a gigantic bullfrog, uses his loud,
humourous, deafening song to become hero of the river. By
example, he teaches all his friends how one frog can make a
difference by creative problem solving. Boomer Rules,
uses the interesting characteristics of the endangered bullfrog
to bring out the need for us to protect our habitat both locally
and globally. The book is a wonderful example for teaching the
first three elements of writing-Idea/Content, Organization.
Voice is exceedingly strong in this story! You can download a
free teacher’s guide showing literacy and science expectations
ideas from the authors web sight.
-Feed the Good Wolf (Gr. 1-5) 2008 $10
A young wolf who is having a dreadfully bad day learns why it is
much better to look always on the positive side of things.
Little wolf’s wise old grandfather teaches how a simple thing
like feeding the good wolf inside us can change
life for the better. The story is based on a native legend that
shows how the elders used stories to teach optimism and right
from wrong. The book promotes a vehicle for parents/teachers for
teaching good values and decision making at a child’s level. It
fosters the popular universal core values taught in Character
Education; respect and responsibility. The story line also
brings out the plight and natural characteristics of the
much-maligned wolf.
-Eggbert’s Dragon Dream
(JK-4)
(An
ACTION
story with a
good message) Eggbert’s dream is to be happy. At first he thinks
being a rich, scary and powerful like a dragon would make him be
the happiest creature of all. The kind Spirit of the Earth gives
him wishes to help. Eggbert quickly learns a most important
lesson. Being rich and powerful does not make friends or give
happiness. Finally, Eggbert makes
a wish that truly solves his problem. By using the real
life cycle of the dragonfly, this story teaches a valuable
lesson about our need for friends and helping others. It
encourages children to aspire to be all they can be in life.
“It is never too late to become what you might have been.”
George Elliot
NEW!
Little Ladybug Earns Her Spots
(JK-4)
2010
At her first day of school Little ladybug notices that she is
different from other ladybugs. Other ladybugs have spots. She
has no spots and this makes her feel very sad. Little Ladybug
does not want to be different from her school mates. Having
spots becomes an obsession with her.
With the help of friends, she learns it is what you are on the
inside that really matters.
By using the true facts about the habitat of ladybugs, this
story brings out a most important lesson on fairness and
tolerance for others that are different in
colour
and other ways. Little Ladybug comes to the conclusion,
“Ladybug, Ladybug as kind as can be,
it is what I am on the inside that is really me.”
The world would be a better place
if we could first see what a person is like on the inside
(soul,
spirit, heart)
instead of seeing outside, judgmental images such as colour,
age, gender, abilities, labels or differences in any way.
FG
