Jana Dillon, Author and Illustrator

School Visits

JanaGD@aol.com

Anna Fernbach Slater, Librarian:  "Jana Dillon's Grade 2-4 Writing Workshop at East Taunton Elementary on March 17th 2010 was a smashing success!  Leading students through the entire writing process from start to finish, Jana had our students actively engaged in their story creation.  She guided students to create their own protagonist and antagonist, to use sensory language, to infuse emotion, to utilize a variety of additional literary devices, and to construct a plot and resolution.  Her ability to break down the story writing process, from the first stages of brainstorming to plot resolution in a creative, accessible and age appropriate manner was highly impressive.  Her uncommon gifts as an educator truly rival her gifts as an author.  We are so fortunate to have had Jana Dillon visit and we thank her for bringing her charisma and inspiration to East Taunton Elementary yet again."  Anna further added, "It's amazing how substantive you made the allotted time span and how engaged the students were throughout the entirety of the workshop."

Mrs. Beth Johnson, Principal, about Children as Authors: "Jana Dillon is a multi-talented author/illustrator whose books come to life via her animated presentation.  What an actress!  She holds the children in the palm of her hand.  Our school has authors speak to the children each year; without a doubt, Jana has been the most authentic, child friendly, exuberant talent that we have hosted."

 . . . . . . The Programs . . . . . .

Children as Authors is an inspirational and motivational program that is full of information on how a book is created    and how the          children can improve their writing.  It is designed to inspire children to want to read, write, and illustrate  books. First, I read one of my         books.  Next, to reach  all the student's individual learning styles, I use a storytelling        method with acting and visuals to show how I          create a book from brainstorming to the finished hardcover.  I show the    sketches, edits, storyboard, book dummy, original watercolors,   and test copy. Then, I show the children how to improve and enrich their own writing.  I draw while I explain so they can see exactly what I    mean.  I act out the verbs.  After       that, I show them where authors get their ideas--the same places they can get ideas for their own         writing.  Then we       have questions and answers.  My author visits are teaching sessions that feel like riveting performances.                                                                                                                                                                                                   Writer's Workshop is designed to improve the richness of children's writing both for their own enjoyment and              to improve their scores on required state tests.  The students will draw a character for a story while translating what      they have drawn into words.  They will describe the character in detail, using all the senses.  As they enrich the            character with detail, they will learn to enrich their writing with descriptive passages, adjectives, adverbs, and               exciting verbs.                                                                                                                                                                    

Children as Editors is a program in which the children take a story they have already written and edit it with me,         pretending they are big city editors, working on their favorite author's work (their own!).                                                

Summertime Writers is an end-of-the-school-year program designed to motivate students to keep journals and            write stories over the summer.  It will help maintain and enhance their skills.  As a child, summer vacation was             when I did most of my creative writing.  My aim is to inspire them to be wildly enthusiastic about writing over the          summer.                                                                                                                                                                            

 Fees:  $500 for up to six Writer's Workshop presentations for grades 1 through 5;

             $650 for up to six presentations of Children as Authors;

             $400 for two presentations of either program.

                                                 Contact me at:  JanaGD@aol.com                                                                                    

                                                                             Recommendations                                                                              

Mrs. J. Caci, PTO:     "Thank you for a fun and educational day.  You got rave reviews from teachers and students alike!                                                                                         A   '10'!"                                                                                     

Mrs. Rosemary Hunter, Principal:  "Based on interviews with students and teachers, your visit was a huge success.       Everyone raved about the quality and depth of your discussions."                                                                                     

 Ms. Evelyn Wall, Principal:  "The teachers were raving about your presentations.  They marveled at your ability to         reach the students at the different grade levels.  The children were enthralled and learned a great deal."                        

Mrs. Justine Quimby, librarian: "You were a huge hit and the feedback has been terrific!"                                             

Mrs. Faherty, kindergarten teacher:  "Your visit inspired the children to write and illustrate their own books at home.  I know your work is meant to touch the lives of others; I want you to know how you touched our lives."                          

Mrs. Ann Whaley-Tobin, 3rd grade teacher:  "The principal, teachers, and the children were so impressed.  Jana kept   everyone mesmerized.  Anyone who can keep kindergarten, first, second, and third grade students attentive for that     long is a true educator!  It was perfect for our second language learners.  Jana knows how to teach, entertain, and        inspire students."

Mrs. Betty H. Ring, Library Specialist:  "One copy of each of your books is not enough, even for our small library.  I       have turned down requests ALL DAY!"                                                                                                                               

Mrs. Lianne Bennett, librarian:  "What a wonderful day we had!  One the children will not soon forget.  The second      graders came into the library yesterday doing an impression of you on the phone with your publisher.  Wish you had   seen them!"                                                                                                                                                                        

Mrs. J. Murphy, teacher:  "The children really enjoyed her presentation because she really focused on them and their  level of understanding."                                                                                                                                                      

Mrs. LaDue, teacher:  "The children were enthralled.  This is the kind of program we should have more often."              

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