LIBRARIANS + AUTHORS + STUDENTS = A GREAT WRITING WORKSHOP Why have author visits?

1. LIBRARIANS + AUTHORS + STUDENTS = • A GREAT WRITING WORKSHOP • Why have author visits? • Author visits encourage kids to read and write more • Authors become real people to the students • Kids begin to look more closely at books and their content • Being an author becomes a real career possibility • Demonstrates the use of the writing process outside the school setting • Creates an excitement about reading • Ideal “substitution” for field trips • The use of humor engages students • Elements of humor or jokes: • Anatomy…set up, then the punch line • Suitability…know the audience • Timing • Pacing…rhythm and length • Types of Humor • Physical • Splatter or spills • Trips or falls • Secondary injury • Appearance • Object misuse • Absurd/Oddities • Odd fears • Odd fantasies • Odd word phrases • Verbal • Sarcasm • Exaggeration • Websites for more information • http://www.texassweethearts.com/ • http://philbildner.com/biography/