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History of Texas (1820s) The
Story of The Legend of Crystal Lake and the History of Texas
in the 1820s is shared through a slide presentation,
narration, and readings from the book. The audience
learns why Sarah Kensington leaves Abbotsbury, England, with
her father and older sister and comes to Texas to start a
swannery as part of the Stephen F. Austin settlement. The
presentation includes maps which show the trek by wagon train
from New Orleans to San Antonio along the La Bahia Trail and
the Camino Real. Slides of the geographic areas of Texas
reveal its diversity and beauty, yet challenges presented to
the wagon train. Scenes of Crystal Lake at San Marcos
include the swan, Celina, who is central to the story.
San Antonio is home base for the group as Stephen F. Austin
seeks permission from the Mexican Government to establish a
settlement in San Felipe. Slides of early San Antonio's
historic structures include: the Alamo and grounds, San
Fernando Church and Market Square, La Villita, interior of a
hacienda, and specific slides which reveal aspects of the
story such as a granary, chapel, and log cabin. The
presentation in 40 minutes for 40 students in grades 4 to 6,
and grade 7. The
Mute Swan A
slide presentation shows mute swans at the swannery at
Abbotsbury, England. A narration reveals the history of
the swannery, characteristics and habits of swans.
Handouts on the material covered in the presentation, plus a
graphic view of a swan, are included. The presentation
is twenty minutes for 40 students in grades 4 to 6 (earlier
grades could be included). The
Journey of a Story This
is a creative writing activity which allows students to
explore a story's central topics of: Character, Setting, and
Plot. Using either posterboard or overhead projection
display, the main and sub topics and their elements are
presented. Students get to use a photo handout of a
child and are asked to form their own story character.
Students then create a title for their story, then the
setting, and finally the plot. Students now have the
backbone and are able to write their own story later in the
classroom. This activity takes 40 minutes (but could be
extended to one hour) for 40 students in grades 4 to 6. FEES:
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$100 for one
40 min. session, of 40 students, grades 4 to 6.
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$150
for two 40 min. sessions, of 40 students, grades 4 to 6.
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Travel
expenses are extra.
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Fees/number
of students are flexible based on needs of the school.
The Art of
Writing Historical Fiction This
presentation shares with attendees the following specific Points to
Consider in writing historical fiction: Author's Concerns, Nuts & Bolts of
Technique, Research Process, Use of Creativity. This one-hour
presentation can be tailored for adults as well as students in
Junior and High School. FEES:
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Book
Signings and sharings at Barnes & Noble and Borders:
*Creekwalk Village Barnes & Noble in Plano, TX.
*Homestead Barnes & Noble in Austin, TX.
*Stonebriar Mall Barnes & Noble in Frisco, TX.
*Frontera Barnes & Noble in Round Rock, TX.
*Arboretum Barnes & Noble in Austin, TX.
*University Drive Barnes & Noble in Ft. Worth, TX.
*Lincoln Park, Dallas, TX
Presentations
at schools and churches:
*Canyon Creek Elementary School in Richardson,
TX.
*Hamilton Park Elementary School in Richardson, TX.
*Wolford Elementary School in McKinney, TX.
*Hernandez Middle School in San Marcos, TX.
*All Saints Catholic School in Richardson, TX.
*St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School in Richardson, TX.
*Holy Trinity Catholic School in Dallas, TX.
*Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX.
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Presentations
at libraries:
*Renner-Frankford Library in Dallas, TX.
*Junior Friends of Allen Library in Allen, TX.
*San Marcos Public Library in San Marcos, TX.
*Skyline Library, Dallas, TX
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Book
signing and sharing at Hastings:
*San Marcos, TX, Store on Hwy. 80.
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Book
signings and sharings at Specialty Book Stores:
*Aquarena Center in San Marcos, TX.
*Books on the Square in Granbury, TX.
*The Bookshop in Marble Falls, TX.
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