What Do You Have for Older Kids?
For several years, at conferences and conventions, media specialists and librarians have asked us to develop programs for middle and high school students – programs that would be fun and entertaining, but relevant and educationally significant. Oh, and they need to promote reading, as well.
Over the last few years, I have worked with YA librarians, some outstanding teachers, and several teenagers and have developed and “test piloted” a half dozen reading programs and workshops. Some worked better than others, and we are very excited to offer the following four programs for older school age audiences. All programs come with a book list and support materials. Pricing for all middle and high school programs is the same as for elementary schools. Please click here for details on fees, mileage and more.
The TeenBoss Workshop
What do preteens and teens REALLY want? MONEY! Well, money and the things money can buy – clothes, computers, music and more. This workshop will teach young people how to start their own businesses that can set them on the road to entrepreneurship, self confidence and money! This is WAY more than just advice on grass cutting and babysitting (though we do talk about these time tested business models). This workshop encourages creativity and gives good solid business information, from setting and reaching goals to pricing and profits to customer service and marketing to licenses and taxes. We even discuss the wisdom of saving for the future (college, a car, or even a bigger business)!
Along the way we will introduce a number of resources, online and on the shelf at the LIBRARY, that will help them on their way to creating and owning their own successful businesses!
Everyone attending the 45-90 minute TeenBoss Workshop will receive a boatload of information and access to a “super secret” website devoted to their success!
The cost of the TeenBoss Workshop is $275.00 for a single 60 to 90 minute workshop, usually offered at a public library or after school to the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) or other small group. Because of the interactive nature of this workshop option, attendance is limited to 20 or so. If there is a high demand, we can usually schedule a second workshop at a greatly reduced rate. Ask about this when you call!
For assemblies or larger groups (usually delivered at a high school), the content is delivered in a very entertaining interactive lecture format, using visuals and audience participation. These assemblies are 45 minutes in length and, of course, cover less material than the workshops, but are a good introduction to entrepreneurship. Consider this option for career day!
Everyone who attends either version of TeenBoss gets The TeenBoss Toolkit with handouts and unlimited access to the web information (an e-workbook for goal setting, downloadable audio files, worksheets, business planning guides, press releases, and customizable poster templates to market their businesses.)
While this information is appreciated all year long, it is especially popular right before summer to get young people motivated to work all summer long (except when they schedule time off to come to the other great YA programs you offer!).
When you book a TeenBoss Workshop, you will receive posters, press releases and even tips on how to get your workshop information on local radio or television for FREE!
Street Magic!
A Young Adult Street Magic Workshop
Would you like to see your YA readers transform into more confident kids and enthusiastic readers who check out books from all over the library?
Experience the MAGIC of this workshop!
Overview: This ALL NEW 60 minute young adult street magic workshop will provide YA readers the supplies and instructions to perform a half dozen magic tricks and will expose them to a number of resources in the library to enable them to learn more about this ancient art. Participants will see a brief magic show, learn how to perform simple and amazing magic tricks, with cards and coins (including MIND READING!), be introduced to some of the history and major figures of magic, and be shown ways that the library can help them find out more about this fun and rewarding hobby.
Participants will receive
- Printed instructions for the tricks
- All supplies needed to perform the tricks taught
- Instruction by one of the nation’s leading teachers of magic to kids and adults
- A list of resources (print and internet) that will encourage further exploration of this fun and entertaining hobby
- Encouragement and inspiration to visit the library to learn more!
The Library will receive
- Posters and a press release to promote the event
- A quality program that will be talked about all summer
- Excited readers who will come back to the library for more resources
- A list of suggested fiction and non-fiction books on magic, performing arts, the history of magic and famous magicians
- High praise for bringing such a great opportunity to your YA readers!
Tales of the Unknown:
Mayhem, Mystery and Mind Reading
“Tales of the Unknown” is a program unlike anything you or your readers have ever seen before. More than a magic show, it’s a live, interactive trip into a strange realm. During the 45 minute program, your audience will hear stories of revenge from beyond the grave; participate in mind bending experiments in ESP and thought transmission; and watch demonstrations of unusual and arcane artifacts. And like all our programs, the show encourages kids to read! We will feature popular series like Twilight and classics from H. G. Wells and Bram Stoker. There will be ghost stories from the state where the show takes place and we even discuss the elements of a good mystery.
(DISCLAIMER: I know a show like this can raise eyebrows. I promise we keep the show dark enough to be fun and true to the theme, but light enough where the people who attend will not have nightmares (or give you nightmares by their reaction!). Call me if you are concerned about the content, or if you have any questions.
Arctic Express!
This holiday season treat middle school students to a program that’s trainloads of fun, filled with puppets, magic, storytelling, music, and audience participation. This imaginary train ride magically takes kids around the world to learn about winter holidays like: Diwali, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Chinese New Year, Hanukkah and of course, Christmas.
Yes, the program is educationally significant (we can’t help ourselves, we are obsessed with creating the most educational programs available without compromising entertainment value), and yes, the program strongly encourages children to read. But don’t think for a minute that the show is anything less than sheer delight for everyone, including teachers and staff. When you hear the sleigh bell ring at the end of the show, you won’t be the only one to wipe a tear from your eye.
This is a show students and teachers will remember for the rest of their lives.
Acting with No Agents and No Auditions: a workshop for middle and high school
Do the students in your drama classes or drama club long to be on stage? We all know that life in Hollywood or on Broadway can be tough on the dreams of young people. What if someone who makes his living on stage could sit with your young thespians and talk to them about alternatives to the traditional acting path?
This session is part “prepared presentation,” part “who knows what will happen” Q&A, and is guaranteed to get your students motivated! Nothing is off limits (as it relates to show business, anyway!) as we discuss preparation, performance, script writing and directing. We will also spend some time talking about the BUSINESS of show business.
The most effective way to present “Acting with No Agents and No Auditions” is to have your group see a presentation of one of our assembly programs (at your school or a nearby school) first and then have our session. The session lasts 60-90 minutes, depending on your schedule.
Expose your drama team to acting “without all the drama!”