Presentation for TL Virtual Cafe! Many thanks to Joyce Valenza and Gwyneth Bronwynne Jones for hosting this visit. Mona Kerby and Sarah Chauncey

13. 5/27/10 - What a glorious three days I had at Demmitt Elementary in Vandalia, Ohio. The main reason this visit was a success was librarian Beth Green and a team of talented educators who organized a welcome assembly, Family Night, presentations, and two days of writing "funshops". Another thing Beth planned was skyping with each class prior to my in-person visit. This allowed the students and I the opportunity to get to know each other; I also gave suggestions to each class for writing projects. With the second graders, for example, I explained how to use my book ROAR OF A SNORE as a model for their ROAR OF A SNORE II, using the same plot, but a new character and setting. When I arrived at Demmitt, the halls were filled with the various classes' projects. Skyping as a supplement to in-person visits wasn't something I anticipated when I joined Skype an Author, but it works beautifully. I plan to include skyping as a preliminary to my in-person school visits in the future. Author: Marsha Diane Arnold

14. 05/20/2010 - I recently chatted to Franklin Middle School and attach a picture from the Home News Tribune, the caption of which gives the full details. We spoke for about 40 mins mostly in the form of question and answer. Ms. Tara-Lynn Walter has been using Epic in her classroom and has teachers' notes for the book which she is willing to share. To contact her, please go through me. Thanks for the good work you are doing, Warm regards, Conor. Author: Conor Kostick

15. 05/12/2010 I am writing in regard to a Skype session my class had today with Mike Artell. It was the first such endeavor my district has done and our superintendent as well as the head of our technology department and my principal were present to observe. I am happy to say it was a wonderful experience. Mr. Artell kept the students engaged and got them excited about writing and illustrating. All administrators were impressed and have indicated they are willing to allow me to pursue additional sessions in the future as well as expand these sessions district wide. Author: Mike Artell

16. 3/03/10 What a thrill it was to connect with 5th grade students attending an international school in Korea! Their teacher, Miss Kim had been using my picture book, "THOSE SHOES" in her classroom, and inquired about a Skype visit. It was such a fun experience, as I worked through the questions the students had sent me the previous week. To be able to interact with children so far away, encouraging them to write, read and love books is absolutely amazing. Thank you, Mona Kerby and Sarah Chauncey for helping make these connections between authors, teachers and children. Author: Maribeth Boelts

17. The story of author Barbara Mahler's Skype visit to Cosgrove Middle School in Spencerport, NY on December 4, 2009. The students were reading her book The Hole in the Sky, and had questions prepared. Author: Barbara Mahler