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MY BACKGROUND: 

I taught primary school for 22 years.  My students’ love for the Appalachian theme I taught prompted me to write the children’s book, A is for Appalachia! The Alphabet Book of Appalachian Heritage.  Harmony House Publishers published A is for Appalachia! and it ran for the 2004 Kentucky Bluegrass Award.

SCHOOL VISITS:

I stay all day, work with all ages, and I am happy to stay after school and work with parents or participate in evening activities

My presentation can be entirely about Appalachia OR it can be about the Writing Process using our Appalachian Heritage.  I take students through the Writing Process using the actual notes and research from my own writing of A is for Appalachia!

If time is allowed and you want me to actually write with your students,I have On-Demand writing prompts that I use with intermediate and middle grades as a follow-up to what the students learn about their Appalachian heritage.  I provide a writing activity for third grade in which they design a quilt pattern for a fair and write about the quilt design.

If at all possible, I appreciate the opportunity to visit with every child in the school.   I prefer to visit with a grade or about 4 or 5 classrooms at a time, usually in the library.   However, I will meet with as many students as needed to make the schedule work for your school.  If I am required to meet with students in a large multi-purpose room, I ask that you provide a microphone to help my voice travel.

I need at least 45 minutes per session for grades 1 –3, about 55 or 60 minutes per session for grades 5-8, and about 35 minutes for kindergarten.  If we are working on the writing process, I need at least 1 1/2 hours per session.

Schedule a short lunch break for me, about 15 or 20 minutes.  I’m at your school to spend time with your students, so keep me busy.

Overnight stays:  I ask that the school pay for my room.

Mileage:  If I have to drive a long distance, I ask for assistance with the cost of fuel.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

I require an overhead projector, a screen, access to electrical outlets, and a display table.

BOOK SALES:

My book is sold at a 10% discount when I visit schools:  $14.25 including tax.  I ask that the school send home the flier I provide announcing my visit to the school so that students will be able to purchase books if they choose.  I personalize each book and I like to autograph it in the child’s presence if time allows; if not, I will stay after school to autograph the books and leave them to be handed out to the students the next school day.

SOMETHING NEW:  INTERVIEWS WITH APPALACHIANS

       I have created a new website and on that website is a section I call Interviews with Appalachians.  I would truly appreciate it if you would guide me to an interesting person in your school or community whom I could interview for my website.  Perhaps this person is a wonderfully colorful Appalachian whom you think we could all benefit from his or her sharing of his mountain wit and wisdom, growing up experience, or maybe a mountain ghost story or two.  I welcome budding journalists in your school to assist me with my interview.  Have them come equipped with pen, paper, tape recorder, and prepared questions.

         I would also like to interview a student or teacher in the school during my visit.  If our day doesn’t allow for the time, perhaps a parent will allow a child to visit with me after school.  If you can make those arrangements, it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Linda

Contact me at LHAGERPACK@yahoo.com

119 FOREST HILL DR.
RICHMOND, KY 40475
859-623-0649