using Skype for author visits
Info from Lisa Schroeder: http://www.lisaschroederbooks.com/
Why have author visits?
Project based learning opportunities
Authors can back up what a teacher's been saying about things like revision, and it sheds a whole new light on the topic.
Is a Skype Visit a viable alternative
Real quotes from teachers/librarians
- "Skype session was a powerful reading incentive."
- "The questions the students create also hit one of our CCSS for reading (considering author's choices)."
- "The exposure of being able to speak directly to you have a big impact on our dormant readers."
- "The teachers were thrilled with the engagement the kids had to go back and revise their stories."
Logistics
- Computer with free Skype software downloaded
- Speakers so kids can hear the author (also make sure author can hear the kids)
- Internet Connection
- Projector and screen*
If a firewall is an issue
- Google+ Hangout amy be another alternative
- Talk to your technology person and see if there's a work-around
*Having two screens is a great idea so one can be focused on the author and one can be the author's powerpoint.
Cost of a Skype visit
Some authors offer 15-20 minutes of Q&A for free if ALL STUDENTS are prepared by having read one (or more) of the author's books. Not all authors are willing to do this.
Prices vary widely for the paid Skype visits (usually 50 minutes), as will the presentations. $150 is on the cheaper side.
Figure out what you want, what your budget is, and then start inquiring. Always ask for a question and answer session, but be sure to ask for a Q&A session to be included.
How to find authors who Skype
Resources for finding authors
- Check authors' websites
- Get recommendations from teachers
- Check the Skype an Author Network skypeanauthor.wikifoundry.com (all authors on this site must be willing to do the fifteen minute free Skype visit)
- Kate Messner's blog
- http://katemessner.com/authors-who-skype-with-classes-book-clubs-for-free (She's the clearinghouse for World Read aloud Day, March 5, 2014, also)
Contacting for author visits
Narrow down the authors you're interested in then contact an author with this information:
- Who are you
- What grade level(s) do you work with?
- What state AND time zone are you in?
- What's the purpose of the Skype visit?
- Possible months, dates and times*
*For Skype visits, especially free visits, authors may not be able to plan as far in advance as with a live author visit.
Preparing for a visit
- Students should be familiar with the authors' book(s)
- Choose a quiet time of day and a quiet space where that's the only thing happening
- Have your students prepare questions
- Test your connection (but don't ask the author to do that piece unless you're willing to pay for it - test it with a friend or colleague) and be prepared for the tech glitches)
- Set boundaries with students (so they don't ask the author to Skype with them on personal time)
This flyer was created by Erin Fitzpatrick-Bjorn, K-8 Media Coordinator for the Gresham Barlow School District.
Email: fitzpatrick@gresham.k12.or.us
Website: library-resources.www.gresham.k12.or.us
Phone: