FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many programs in a day?
I conduct up to five 45 to 60 minute presentations in a full day program and up to three 45 to 60 minute presentations in a half day program. I also offer evening programs.
Explain what you do when you visit the school.
When I visit your schools, I usually get to the school an hour before the first presentation to set up. With the given school schedule, I meet with your students and with the use of power point, I retell the stories of my books and share chapters from my chapter book. While telling the stories, I relate much to character education and to the students. Your students are very much like my characters. Throughout the story telling process, I explain as an author why I wrote certain things within the storyline. I encourage children to incorporate a little of themselves into their own story. Since I am self published, I walk the students through the publishing process that I experienced and how what they are doing in class is similar. The illustrations are important to the story. I work closely with my illustrator. I walk the students through the illustrating process and talk about perseverance and compromise, two very important concepts to learn. I try to make time for questions at the end. And above all else, I want to encourage your students to always do their very best and to never give up on their dreams.
What do you do prior to visiting the school?
Prior to a school visit, I send a package of two each of three of my books for your school to view and read. After the visit, the library is a great home for them. I offer a writing contest for 2 nd -8 th graders, with a coloring contest for K-1 st graders. Schools have the opportunity to purchase my books through the book ordering program. I personally sign all books with an inspirational message and deliver them on the day of the presentation in ziplock bags ready to go home.
How can we prepare our students for your upcoming visit?
Many schools have shared my books with their students. Schools have incorporated Raff into their art classes, taken Raff on worldly adventures in Social Studies, and created beautiful scenes of the forest habitats.
Will your books be available for purchase?
An allotted number of order forms made for your school will be sent. The upper half will have information about my visit and information about the products for your parents. The lower half will have the order form. All monies and order form are to be sent back to the school by the deadline date in an envelope. There the coordinating teacher will mail all orders and monies to Raff and Friends. There the orders will be filled and Kim D. Nelson will personally sign them.
What equipment do you need for your visit?
I use a power point presentation. I need from the school a computer and projector, a screen, a table, and a chair. I have found through experience that it is sometimes best to use the school's equipment. For large presentations, a lapel microphone works well. I like to be close to my audiences, so please do not put me on a stage. For schools that do not have an infocus machine, I also have my presentation on slides. I would need a slide projector.
Do you charge for your services?
Yes, please call Kim Nelson at (716) 632-4202 or (716) 984-1076 for program fees.
Do you travel?
Yes, I love to travel within the continental United States.
How many students pre presentation?
I have spoken to individual classes up to 350 students per presentation. I usually speak with individual grade levels separately. Schools have been known to combine K-1st , 2 nd-3rd , 5th-6th .
Where else can I find your books?
You can find my books at Raff and Friends at the Eastern Hills Mall, Williamsville, NY and soon on our web store.
What other books have your written?
Currently I am working on new books for your children's reading pleasure. Sweet Sweet Corn will be my next book with two more books completing the Raff series. After my last count, I had synopsis for nine new children's books.
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