Author Visit Plus

Author Elizabeth Rusch offers preK-12 schools wonderful auditorium presentations and writing workshops. PLUS she can help your school reinforce other curriculum areas through hands-on science workshops, art projects, community service discussions and more. By tailoring presentations and workshops to meet the needs and interests of your students and teachers, Liz brings your school insights and excitement about both the writing process – and about the many subjects she loves.

Click here to download Liz's School Visit Brochure

Elizabeth Rusch’s School Visit Philosophy

“You never know what will spark a student’s interest and feed the flame of learning. For me, all subjects are connected: writing, reading, science, art, music, math, social studies. By presenting myself as a writer with wide ranging passions – for astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, and community service – I hope to inspire not only budding writers but also budding scientists, artists, activists…”

 

 

 

A few of Liz’s workshops and presentations

 A lively auditorium slide-show on Elizabeth Rusch’s life as a writer, where she gets ideas, how she researches and develops her books and articles, her writing and revision process, and some funny and scary adventures she’s had a long the way.

 Classroom writing workshops on: Writing A Scene; From Senses To Setting; Bringing Characters To Life; Mixing it Up About Conflict; Picking Powerful Words; On Critiquing, How And Why To Interview Experts; Write A Profile; Research For Writing.

 Hands-on science workshops on volcanology including: How A Spitball Is Like Hardened Lava; Floating Rocks; Human Seismograph; Build A Bulge; Baking Soda Volcano.

 Hands-on science workshops on the solar system, including: What’s Wrong With This Model?; The Real Relative Size Of Planets, The Real Distances Between Planets; Create a Crater.

 Hands-on art workshops such as: Edible Art, Painting and Drawing with Clay, Bean Mosaics.

 An interactive presentation to inspire students to community service.

 An interactive discussion for students, teachers, and/or parents to kick off a schoolwide commitment to community service.

 An idea-packed in-service presentation called Science Sleuthing for teachers of all subjects and all grade levels on how to use detectives and mysteries to spur interest in science.

Please email Liz for more information at author@elizabethrusch.com. The list is only a beginning—be sure to contact Liz to discuss other options!

Rave Reviews for Elizabeth Rusch’s School Visits

“It takes a special person to do school visits well. And Elizabeth Rusch is just excellent at it!”
– Thea Parker, Author visit coordinator, Winterhaven magnet school

“Getting to meet Liz and spend time with her was almost as much fun as watching her work and enthrall the kids with her enthusiasm for writing. They had no idea that being a writer could be so exciting! Liz came to Newport's schools bringing her enthusiasm, experience as a working writer, and wonderful stories that illustrate the lively research techniques she uses. She left students eager to get back to the classroom to identify resources that might lead them to such cool people and experiences; teachers nodding and smiling and scribbling notes while ideas for lessons poured out; writers inspired to seek new ways of informing their work – and one librarian satisfied in the knowledge that many had been enriched by Rusch's visit. Highly recommended as a school/library presenter.”
– Rebecca Cohen, Supervising Librarian, Circulation/Youth Services, Newport Public Library

“We very much enjoyed Elizabeth Rusch’s presentations. She did a wonderful job, and I heard lots of positive comments from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and their teachers. Everyone learned a lot, even the teachers. Since Liz’s visit, we have even more students who want to become authors!”
– Lisa Abromovic, Writing teacher, Winterhaven

“Liz Rusch offers an inspiring look at the creation of non-fiction for kids. Throughout her presentation, and within her writing, she encourages curiosity and initiative. She is very well-organized and reads the needs of the kids to whom she is presenting. She was a pleasure to work with!”
– Heidi Slater, Librarian and Visiting Author Coordinator, Portland Jewish Academy

“Your visit was lots of fun! We enjoyed hearing about your life as a writer and exploring all the science activities you suggested. Your ideas and presence added so much!”
– Karen Boyer, Coordinator, Young Authors Program, Grand Mound Elementary

“We really enjoyed your visit! The mix of writing tips and science knowledge was great. Several teachers mentioned that you followed up on concepts or ideas that were presented in class. Hearing these ideas from a “real” writer was truly meaningful for our students.”
– Kathy Fleener, Director, French American International School

“Elizabeth’s Rusch’s talk was an inspiration to my students and to me. I’ve been reading about the importance of adding more non-fiction to my classroom library, and she provided just the jump start I need. I’ll be incorporating some of Elizabeth’s approaches, such as “ask an expert” and go with what interests you.”
– 5th grade teacher, Portland Jewish Academy 

"We had an audience ranging from kindergarteners to 5th grade, and Liz managed to keep each and every one of them engaged. She makes it easy – no, compelling – for kids to want to learn more about the fascinating world we live in.”
– Mary Andonian, Edward Byrom Elementary School

Students say:

“The slides were awesome!”
– Aya

“When I was listening to your presentation it was like you were telling a story!”
– Julia

“My favorite part was when you talked about Mount St. Helen’s and when you went there when it was active.”
– Sadie

“What I found interesting was that you interviewed all those people for your books.”
– Sam