About Author Visits and Workshops
Spinning Stories: STEAM-inspired Creative Writing Workshops for Middle Schoolers
The Spinning Stories workshop is a STEAM-inspired creative writing workshop for middle schoolers that is aimed to spark imagination, deepen storytelling skills, and foster collaborative learning.
“I highly recommend author Kimberly Behre Kenna’s program Spinning Stories: STEAM-inspired Creative Writing Workshops for Middle Schoolers. Ms. Kenna designed and led 4 consecutive day workshops which culminated in a panel discussion which was well-attended by siblings, parents, grandparents and other members of the community. Using a Euler’s disk (a scientific toy that is spun to demonstrate Physics concepts such as velocity, friction, and momentum) paper maps and paint chips, Ms. Kenna inspired the young writers to think deeply about timing, setting, character development, and story structure. Ms. Kenna used physical objects to transport participants to the world of their stories…Participants worked collaboratively and gave each other kind yet constructive suggestions to improve their stories. Instead of Googling for information, students asked me for books from the library collection. One young person used an atlas for the very first time! It was a joy working with Kimberly Behre Kenna. She is professional, cheerful, and inspiring. She connected with the middle schoolers right away.”
– Rebecca Scotka, Head of Children’s and Young Adult Services, East Lyme Public Library, CT
Author Visits and Workshops Offered
To inquire about a potential author visit or writing workshop, please reach out!
Author Visits for Jett Jamison & the Secret Storm
A former adolescent and family counselor and fifth-grade teacher, Kimberly looks forward to facilitating and interacting with groups of children or adults. Besides being available for author visits and presentations in classrooms and libraries, she’s also available to meet with teachers and other professionals to discuss the book’s themes of censorship, mental health, trauma, silenced voices, inclusivity, and nature as a healer. Below are examples of her offerings.
Hands-on, interactive group presentations for children (create story bead chains, community art, and other explorations of artivism)
Teacher professional development
School social worker-led student groups
Clinical settings
Survivor advocacy organizations and groups
Book clubs (adults or children)
Middle school and high school classrooms
Parent groups
Teacher prep programs (Using fiction in the classroom to explore “tough” topics)
Writing workshops (adults or children)
Ask the author (info re: writing process & publishing—challenges and thrills)
Above and below: Story bead chain activity
Author Visits for Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade
As a former teacher, Kimberly looks forward to visits with grades K-8 where explorations of reading, writing, and related themes take place! Below are some of her current offerings. Feel free to reach out to discuss other ideas or your budget. Fees vary depending on location, the number of desired presentations, and whether the visit includes hands-on activities with materials supplied by the author.
Small Group Workshops
(50 students or less; approximately one hour including Q&A and book signing): In addition to a slide show, these can be Interactive visits that can include thematic explorations and hands-on activities like creating inspiration flags or stringing story bead chains. Writing activities using visual prompts are also an option with smaller groups and can include poetry, prose, or playwriting.
Large or Small Group Presentations
(approximately one hour including Q&A and book signing): Slide presentations and discussions about the author’s writing process and the background behind her books. Also can include explorations (both spoken and theatrical) of her book’s themes, like art as activism, the impact of legacies of lesser-known environmentalists, and the many ways of speaking up for what you believe in.
Above: Creating magical gardens (grades K-2)
Above: Artivism community project, Inspiration flags
