School Visits

I am happy to share my creative process with students from Pre-K to high school virtually or in-person. We can work together to design a workshop or presentation with your students needs and interests in mind.  Below are current 45 minute sessions I offer. They can be modified to 30 minutes for younger children.

Building a Story: How Do You Write & Illustrate a Picture Book?
In this session, readers will learn how I created both text and illustrations for a story. We’ll focus on Grama’s Hug or My Name Is Not Ed Tug (school’s choice) and I’ll use my "Story Steps" to break down the story-making process. Each step represents an element I needed to create a fictional story (examples: inspiration, problem, characters, research, revisions). This engaging presentation invites participation, even during virtual visits.

Mighty Main Characters: How to Create Powerful Characters
Who are your favorite characters? Students will learn how to develop their own cast of story characters by creating personality traits. We’ll explore popular characters in literature and discuss what makes them memorable. I’ll share the evolution of my own character designs and identify how revisions strengthened them. This fun presentation concludes with kids nominating a favorite book character for your school! Note: this visit requires a student survey completed at least 3 months before the presentation

Your Story Journal: Turning Experiences into Stories
Each story I create stems from a favorite memory, detail or sometimes even a sentence blurted out by a nearby stranger! I share my abstract story journal with students and show them how it generates story concepts. In this interactive presentation, we’ll create a rough Mad Lib style two-sentence story kids can continue to develop after my visit.

Testimonials “Your presentation was age appropriate with language, dialogue, visuals and activities. You exceeded our expectations with your information and activities and pleasant demeanor with the students.I enjoyed your examples of the stages your book went through with examples in the step boxes. I also liked how you included the students in your presentation.” Sue Ellen Mentag | 1st Grade Teacher | Oakland Elementary

“We (students and grown ups alike) thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. You are so creative and engaging.” Katie Booth | Principal | Silver Springs Elementary

“This was wonderful and very age-appropriate. I feel that all of your visuals really helped the kids to stay engaged with your presentation and made it very easy to follow. I also loved how you got the students involved in the process of the idea of "building" a story with your staircase.” Emily Georgoff | 3rd Grade Teacher | Silver Springs Elementary

“Just wanted to say that this was such a great presentation! So many times things are not so good for DK because they are so little but Mrs. Nielander was fantastic. My kids were so captivated by her presentation. They got so much out of it.” Janine Loveday | Developmental Kindergarten Teacher | Upton Elementary

“You were absolutely wonderful, and my boys couldn't stop talking about it when we went home that day. :)” Jeanette McLeod | Kindergarten Teacher | Keller Elementary

“We loved your presentation! It was wonderfully organized, taught grade level appropriate content, and was inspirational for our budding writers! We are going to use your steps and pictures from your presentation in our upcoming realistic fiction writing unit! Thank you for engaging our students throughout the presentation and for sharing this video! They loved your books and can't wait for the next one you publish! : )” Rikki Kwas | 2nd Grade Teacher | Rogers Elementary

“I liked that you got the students involved with the props. They loved that! I also like how you spoke about your life growing up and how you tied that into how you are an author today!” Shannon Heron | 1st/2nd Grade Teacher | Silver Springs Elementary

“It was amazing to have you speak with our students this week! My class is still talking about the presentation. They were engaged and curious about each step as you were speaking. It worked perfectly into our own writing lessons. We have been talking about the importance of revising and how to keep making your story better and better. Listening to a published author share how they continue to work on their story and improve definitely helped them see the writing process. What I enjoyed most is how much my students loved it.” Rachel Elson | 5th Grade Teacher | Oakland Elementary

"I like how the steps looked like we were growing as we worked." Charlotte | 5th Grade Student

"Me and my friend are writing a story right now. I liked hearing how she wrote so we can make a really good story." Mila | 5th Grade Student

"My favorite part is that she wanted to inspire us. Now I feel like I can make a story." Chris | 5th Grade Student

"I really liked her book and how her character stood up for himself and his name." Courtney | 5th Grade Student

“Thank you for coming to Rogers today. We loved your presentation! At lunch, we talked about how interactive it was and age-appropriate, which can be so tough when presenting to multiple grades. The moving around really kept the kids engaged and the follow-up activities you provided are wonderful. We are very thankful!” Sarah Berry | Transitional Kindergarten | Rogers Elementary

“The presentation was perfect for 1st-3rd grade. As a teacher of early elementary, I know that we really focused on the writing process. To see the process up close and personal was such a wonderful and unique experience. My favorite part and a big connection for our students is how you were able to show all of the revisions that you have done. This is a big connection for our students to hear that authors have to revise many times before their book is published. Thank you again for your time and commitment in coming to Oxbow. Your presentation was a big hit for us and a perfect ending as we wrap up March is Reading month.” Emily Richards | Literacy Coach | Oxbow Elementary School