e INVITE ME TO YOUR SCHOOL f

I have many years of teaching experience and enjoy visiting schools. I like sharing with students how my life in China inspired my writing. All of the stories I write for children convey an important message about sharing, compassion, creative inventions, Chinese culture, and food.

The 50-minute program is appropriate for grades K-5. I can also conduct student writing workshops and parent/child writing workshops. Programs can be Chinese bilingual. Click here for classroom activity ideas that use my books.

Author Program

For younger groups, I perform hands on activities for students: learning how to use chopsticks; different ways of eating noodles like the boys in The Story of Noodles.

For older groups, I give a PowerPoint presentation on growing up in China, with emphasis on the rich Chinese culture, its wonderful food, and what inspired me to write my books.

For all groups I show a short video from the Discovery TV show Home Matters. It features my book The Run-Away Rice Cake. It details making a rice cake, celebrating the Chinese New Year, and introducing the Chinese values of sharing and compassion. I then discuss the writing process, developing ideas, research, writing, and the editing process; or the bookmaking process with hands-on materials showing different stages of book production.

With small groups and evening programs, I share with the students my journey as a writer and the challenges of writing in my second language, and emphasize the importance of reading. I can also talk about healthy Asian eating and lifestyle to students, parents and teachers.

What Can You Do To Make This A Great, Rewarding Visit?

I look forward to visiting your school. As teachers you are well aware of the importance of preparation. It is essential that the students in your school are prepared for my visit.

Small or large groups are acceptable. I prefer students grouped by no more than two consecutive grade levels with a maximum of three 45 to 50-minute presentations per day.

Some Suggestions:
Download a book order form by clicking here

• Read my books to the students before my visit. Click here for ideas for classroom activities.
• Practice using chopsticks
• Discuss Chinese holidays with the students along with the virtues of sharing and compassion
• Ask PTA mothers if they would be willing to make the Rice Cake or the Eight Treasure Rice Pudding (recipes at the back of my books) to let the students have a taste of these special Chinese desserts

Equipment I May Need

For the chopstick and noodle contests, teachers will select one volunteer student from each class, so I don't need chopsticks and noodles for all students. Ramen noodles and disposable bowls work well. Start them in a slow cooker 1/2 hour before the presentation.

In the past, some teachers have held their own contests in the classroom before or after my visit, so every student can have a chance to participate.

• 6 pair of chopsticks, one large bowl full of large marshmallows, about 2 bags, for chopsticks contest
• 4 packages of noodles cooked in a slow cooker, 6 pairs of chopsticks and 6 small bowls for the noodle eating contest (optional)
• TV and VCR
• A computer connected to a VGA-compatible projector for my PowerPoint presentations
• Clip-on Microphone
• A large table

Scenes From School Visits

Students made these beautiful kites after reading The Story of Kites.

Arranging Visits

To arrange a visit, please contact my booking agent Susan B. Katz at katzconnects@aol.com or by phone at 415-312-1212.

Evening programs can be arranged for an additional fee.

When traveling to a non-local area, I like to schedule more than one day of presentations in a row. This also benefits the visiting schools, because several schools can share the travel costs.

In the past, when a school decided to invite me, they sent an announcement to other schools in their area. When a few schools have joined together, they then assign one person from each school to coordinate my travel and other details.

Presentations are limited because of my schedule. Please make arrangements three to six months in advance. We will need a written agreement or contract. If you like, I can prepare one. The contract must cover the date and time of the visit, the presentation schedule, and honorarium. If necessary, the contract should also cover travel, housing, and meal arrangements. I will also need a contact person for any questions I may have.

A word about travel: When I was growing up in China, nobody owned cars. Therefore, I didn't learn to drive until I came to the US. I am still nervous behind the wheel. I would greatly appreciate any transportation assistance your school can provide. PTA mothers with safe vehicles are preferred!

If you have any questions please contact my booking agent Susan Katz at katzconnects@aol.com or by phone at 415-312-1212.

Ying Chang Compestine