“Ms. Galanti came to visit our middle school’s creative writing group, and she was awesome! She shared her creative process from start to finish and is a talented writer and an inspiration. By the end of her engaging presentation, the students felt as though they, too, were capable of achieving their goals of writing a book and becoming published authors. We can’t wait to have her back!”–Erica Cranden, English Teacher, William Annin Middle School, NJ
“Our students were enthralled to participate in Donna Galanti’s interactive presentation and hear firsthand how a published author navigates the writing process. Her connections between the writing and revision process were made clear in a spirited and playful manner that not only engaged students’ personal trials in writing, but inspired them to continue to be creative and self-reflective. The students and teachers were still talking about her days after she left.”–Wayne C. Rush, Librarian, Grover Cleveland Middle School, Caldwell, NJ
ABOUT DONNA’S SCHOOL VISITS
Donna’s school programs (in-person or virtual) are tailored for elementary and middle school. Donna touches on brainstorming for ideas, using life as writing material, benefits of revision and perseverance, and the importance of world building as she takes students through the writing and publishing process. She also shares the 3 Nuggets of Storytelling and incorporates an interactive skit with the students for emphasis. Donna particularly likes to discuss the Four R’s of Being A Writer: Read, (W)rite, Research, and Revise. (Approx. time: 50-60 minutes, includes Q/A.) Download her full assembly flyer. Classroom presentations include a condensed version of the assembly program plus a fun writing exercise.
OTHER OPTIONS:
A 20-minute Q&A only on Zoom (or other platform) session is free of charge. Please e-mail Donna at donna@donnagalanti.com to arrange a date and time. Donna likes to do a test run prior to an online visit to make sure the equipment is working at both ends.
SUCCESSFUL AUTHOR VISIT!
The most successful author visits come when the students have been prepared. Take the time to introduce them to Donna’s work. Other things you might do in the classroom include:
- Conduct a writing contest, with the winners getting to have lunch with Donna if a full day visit.
- Prepare special bulletin boards based on themes in the book.
- Help students create questions they are interested in asking Donna.
- Create student-prepared art to accompany Donna’s book. See wonderful examples here from schools!
- The students are welcome to send follow up letters through the teachers to Donna with additional questions or comments and she will be sure to respond!
Contact Donna to book your visit today! donna@donnagalanti.com
Download this school visit information as a flyer.
Download Donna’s school visit fees.
See what other schools are saying!
“Our fourth, fifth and sixth graders loved having Donna visit our school! Her presentation was a great balance of information and fun, keeping the students’ attention throughout the assembly. Students and staff both appreciated her message of perseverance. Donna shared personal stories of her experiences, teaching students that research is FUN and revision is GOOD! Students left the assembly eager to write their own stories and to read her books!” –Lisa Weiss, Librarian, Churchville Elementary, Churchville, PA
“Wow! What an engaging presentation given by Donna Galanti! There was something for all students. From sharing her personal journey of becoming a published author, to providing answers about the process in general, and answering questions, she had the students’ attention from early on. She shared her insights about the writing process and the importance of revision. Her hands-on activity involving character, setting, and dialogue created a truly relevant experience. From glimpses of her early writings, revisions, rejections, and successes the students gained access to valuable perspective.” –Sandra Toti, 8th Grade Teacher, St. Ephrem School, Bensalem, PA
“Donna visited our 4th and 5th grades and shared with them her journey to becoming a published author. Her message stressed how hard work and perseverance are the path to success and that students’ experiences, along with their uninhibited imaginations, are the stuff of great writers! Her vibrant personality and interactive presentation kept students engaged and inspired.” –Robin Bartley, Librarian, Davis Elementary, Southampton, PA
“We invited Ms. Galanti to an assembly for our Middle School (Grade 6-8). Her multi-media presentation was excellent! The assembly was engaging and dynamic, and included student participation. She used humor to connect with the students while also sharing important life lessons. She inspired the students to never give up, even in the face of discouragement. I would highly recommend Ms. Galanti for a school visit!” Kathy Witherspoon, Middle School Coordinator, Academy of the Holy Names, Albany, NY
“Thank you so much for coming to discuss your writing process and background with our fifth and sixth grade students. I knew the afternoon would be enjoyable even before you arrived. As I began sharing the first few chapters of your book with my students they would not let me stop reading and consistently wanted one more chapter! Your manner during the presentation ensured that each student was interested and engaged! Thank you again for being so generous with your time.” –Melanie Jones, Librarian, Kutz Elementary, Doylestown, PA
“Donna Galanti is a dynamic speaker who truly loves sharing her writing journey with students. Any school would be fortunate to have her speak there.” –Uriah Young, 5th grade teacher, Mount Laurel Hartford School, Mount Laurel, NJ
Photos by Alex Kondo