Author Visits
Betsy loves to show K-5 audiences how anyone can be a scientist if they follow their curiosity. Below are some examples of presentations she offers, although she is happy to discuss ways to tailor a talk to a specific book or to incorporate specific curriculum areas.
This page is focused on Author visits relating to My Dog Is NOT A Scientist. If you’re interested in arranging me to speak or teach classes for my other books or about writing in general, please click here.
Scroll to the bottom to fill out a form to request an author visit at your school.
Grade 3-5 Presentation:
Everyone Can Be A Scientist!
Grades 3 and up: 60-minute presentation, no limit to the size of the audience
In this highly interactive presentation, Betsy will read the book with audience participation along the way. She will do an experiment with the group and spend a little additional time discussing the scientific method and unexpected scientists from the past. (Experiments will vary depending on the size of the group and the venue). She’ll close with a brief discussion of the book’s journey to creation which involved artists, editors, and printers in a team that spanned the globe. There will be time for Q&A at the end. Activity sheets will be available to take the topics discussed and build on them in the classroom.
Grade K-2 Presentation:
Everyone Can Be A Scientist!
Grades K – 2: 30 – 40 minutes plus time for Q and A, while I can adapt to any size audience this presentation works best for groups of 40 or less
In this highly interactive presentation, Betsy will read the book with audience participation along the way. She will do an experiment with the group and offer time for Q&A. Experiments will vary depending on the size of the group and the venue. This modified version of the grade 3-6 presentation will include more personal details about the life of a writer, where writers get their ideas, and the book’s journey to publication. Activity sheets will be available to take the topics discussed and build on them in the classroom.
Grade K-5 Presentation:
An Experiment in Writing
Grades K – 2: 30 – 40 minutes plus time for Q and A, no audience size limits
Grades 3-6: 60 minutes plus time for Q and A, no audience size limits
This interactive presentation emphasizes the process and challenges of writing rather than scientific experimentation. After an interactive reading of her book, Betsy will use props, photos, and volunteers to talk about how professional authors face many of the same challenges young writers do in coming up with ideas, organizing ideas, and revising. She will also discuss the journey a book takes to publication and how this book took artists, editors, and printers in a network that spanned the globe. Content will be modified to fit the age of the audience. Activity sheets will be available to take the topics discussed and build on them in the classroom. There will be time for Q&A at the end.
The Details
For the in-person presentations listed here, Betsy charges a $175 honorarium, but that can be modified or waived if the organization encourages book sales through sending flyers home, partnering with a local bookstore, etc. More details can be provided upon request.
For locations more than 60 miles from Beverly, MA travel expenses would be additional. Partnering with other area schools and businesses is a great way to share travel expenses.
Virtual school visit fees are provided on a case-by-case basis, typically in the $75 range with fees modified if book sales are encouraged.
Betsy can also do a Quick 15 Virtual Visit where she reads the book to students and does a brief Q&A. A limited number of those are available at no charge.
After the visit date is confirmed, Betsy will provide a letter of agreement for co-signature, pdfs of flyers, information about ordering books, and tips for a successful visit.
