Authors’ & illustrators’ classroom roles

Because their talents are so diverse, WiSP authors and illustrators offer a variety of presentations. Some prefer to give an established talk. Others are happy to devise a program suited to your specific needs. The author or illustrator is a guest in your classroom and depends on you to handle class management.

Authors and illustrators can:

• read aloud from their work and discuss how the story or poem was written
• conduct writing workshops at all levels, for different genres
• discuss the publishing process
• discuss history and culture
• demonstrate how books are illustrated, and
• speak about editing, effective writing, and a host of other topics.

Cost to the school

Please include a cheque for $75, made out to the Minister of Finance, with your application form. This fee is non-refundable once a visit has been approved. WiSP funds will subsidize the administration fees for providing the author or illustrator with a $300 honorarium and expenses (based on current Government of New Brunswick rates) where appropriate for in person visits.

Virtual visits are also available. Please ask for details.

If possible, please choose an author or illustrator located in your home district.

How to arrange a visit

On your application form, please include the names of up to three authors or illustrators. If you need support, contact the WiSP coordinator (see below).

Schools are encouraged to choose an author or illustrator from those listed in the WiSP guide. Click here for a list of members. Once you have funding, contact the author or illustrator directly to arrange a visit. Following the visit, please fill out the school feedback form and send to the WiSP coordinator (address below).

Please note: Applications for WiSP funding are to be directed to:

Ginny Hill
Coordinator: Writers in the Schools Program
184 Hennessey Road, Moncton, NB E1A 6B3
Tel: (506) 859-1903  Fax: (506) 859-4079

School’s guidelines

Advance preparation, participation and follow-through are essential elements of a successful author or illustrator visit. The following guidelines will help schools make the most of their WiSP event.

Once a school receives notification that an application has been accepted, the designated school coordinator will contact the selected author or illustrator.

Students must be introduced to the author’s or illustrator’s work before the visit. When setting up the day, check where the author’s book(s) may be purchased, visit the school or public library, or search online for information. When students have a chance to become familiar with the author or illustrator in advance, the visit generates an air of excitement.

Before the big day, check with the author or illustrator about:

• what equipment they need to support the presentation (e.g., sound system, extra chairs and tables, whiteboard or chalkboard)
• preferred minimum and maximum number of students
• venue description
• schedule of presentations
• length of each session
• grade-level audience at each session, and
• suggested focus for the presentations to ensure they align with grade-level curricular outcomes (e.g., research required to write historical fiction, prewriting strategies the author uses, inspiration or techniques used for illustrations).

Day of the visit

Ensure that the author or illustrator has received information such as where to park upon arrival and which entrance to use. If the visit is to span a lunch hour, provide information on meals available at the school.

Arrange for student greeters to meet and welcome the author or illustrator at the door. These students can help to carry presentation materials, provide directions to the office for sign in, and make the guest feel at home in the school.

When the author or illustrator signs in, he or she should receive a visitor’s tag and a name tag.

The teacher who organizes the visit will provide the author or illustrator with a schedule for the day, and ensure that the visitor receives adequate nutrition and lunch breaks.

Teachers are required to remain at the presentation and be responsible for ensuring appropriate student conduct. The teacher can facilitate or guide a question period. He or she will also continue discussions about the presentation content after the session is over. This helps to ensure that the benefits of the visit last long after the event has ended.