The school year is quickly approaching. One way to enhance the year for your students is by providing them with an author visit.
Finding the right author is easy enough, but how do you make sure your administration is on board?
I created a draft email for you to use to convince your principal to find the funds for an author visit. Scroll down and feel free to use the long or short version to book your author visit today!
If you’re interested in booking little ol’ me for a visit, fill out this form.
Dear _____________,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to propose an exciting opportunity that I believe will significantly enhance our student’s learning experience. I am requesting your support and consideration in allocating funds for an author visit to our school.
Author visits have proven to be incredibly beneficial for elementary-aged students, and I would like to outline three compelling reasons why this investment would be valuable:
1. **Inspiration and Connection with Literature:**
Hosting an author at our school can ignite a passion for reading and writing among our students. Meeting a real-life author allows them to see that actual people create the stories they read and the books they love! This personal connection makes literature more relatable and engaging, encouraging even reluctant readers to explore new genres and authors.
2. **Enhanced Literacy Skills and Creativity:**
Author visits offer unique learning opportunities that align with our curriculum goals. During these sessions, authors often discuss their creative processes, the art of storytelling, and the importance of revision. This exposure not only improves students’ reading comprehension but also sparks their own creativity and encourages them to experiment with writing. The author’s insights can become a valuable resource for our classroom teachers as well.
3. **Boost in Motivation and Confidence:**
Meeting a published author can have a profound impact on students’ self-esteem and aspirations. It shows them that their ideas and voices are valuable and worth sharing. As students interact with the author and ask questions, they develop essential communication skills, and the experience can foster a sense of accomplishment and motivation to pursue their own dreams.
To address the funding aspect, I’d like to propose a few strategies to secure the necessary funds for the visit:
1. **Parent Donations:**
Reach out to our parent community and inform them about the benefits of the potential visit. Many parents are willing to contribute to enriching their children’s educational experiences.
2. **Local Grants and Organizations:**
Research local educational foundations, libraries, and community organizations that offer grants for school enrichment programs. Applying for such grants could provide the necessary financial support.
3. **Fundraising Events:**
Organize fundraising events, such as book fairs, bake sales, or sponsored reading challenges. These activities not only generate funds but also involve students, parents, and teachers in supporting the cause.
4. **Collaboration with PTA/PTO:**
Partner with our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) to jointly fund the author visit. They might have dedicated funds for educational enhancements.
I believe that investing in an author visit aligns perfectly with our school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and enriching education for our students. Their exposure to the world of literature and writing will impact their academic and personal growth.
Thank you for considering my proposal. I would be more than happy to discuss this further and collaborate on making this author visit a reality.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Need a shorter version?
Dear __________________,
I hope you’re well. I’m writing to request funding for an author visit at [School Name], an investment that promises invaluable benefits for our elementary students.
Three key reasons to support this initiative:
1. **Literary Engagement:** Meeting an author in person fosters a genuine connection with reading and writing, motivating even reluctant readers to explore new materials.
2. **Academic Enrichment:** Author discussions on creative processes and storytelling align with our curriculum, enhancing students’ literacy skills and encouraging creative expression.
3. **Inspiration and Confidence:** Direct interaction with a published author boosts students’ self-esteem, communication skills, and aspirations.
Funding suggestions:
1. **Parent Contributions:** Encourage parents to contribute to their children’s educational growth.
2. **Local Grants:** Explore grants from educational foundations and community organizations.
3. **Fundraising Events:** Host book fairs, bake sales, or reading challenges involving students, parents, and teachers.
4. **PTA/PTO Collaboration:** Partner with these bodies to jointly fund the author visit.
Investing in an author visit aligns perfectly with our commitment to holistic education. This experience will shape our students’ academic journey and personal growth.
Thank you for considering this proposal. Let’s discuss further to bring this vision to life.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Do you have any tips for booking author visits? Let us know in the comments!
