Nelson's
garden
in the classroom
Author visits are a great way to get kids excited about reading and writing! Depending on the age or grade level of our audience, we cover everything from how we first came up with the story of Nelson's Garden, to our writing process, finding an illustrator, getting signed by a publisher, and more!
grade-specific programing
pre-k & kindergarten
This fast-paced 40-minute program is designed to engage and inspire children ages 4-6. Our visit includes a reading of Nelson’s Garden, special touch-and-see artifacts once owned by Nelson himself, a creative movement sing-a-long, presentation of autographed copies of the book, and a custom Nelson's Garden Learning Packet to take home.
Fun fact: Candy was once a preschool music teacher, so kids should be ready to move and sing!
Seasonal crafts are available as add-ons, so let us know if you'd like that included.
grade 1
Our interactive 1-hour program for students in 1st grade includes a reading of Nelson’s Garden, a group sing-a-long, and a history lesson about who Nelson McNutt really was and features touch-and-see artifacts once owned by Nelson. We explain how we wrote our story, developed our characters and chose an illustrator while sharing original photos and early sketches. We discuss how important it is for kids to get to know the elders in their life and introduce the Walk Down Memory Lane take-home packet. There will be time for Q&A and we’ll present autographed copies of the book.
grade 2 & 3
In this power-packed 1-hour program for 2nd and 3rd graders we introduce our signature Nelson’s Garden Pen Pal Program where each classroom is assigned an elder to write to. The visit includes a book reading, a teaching of the song, and a history lesson about who Nelson McNutt really was while exploring artifacts once owned by him. We share how we wrote our story, developed characters and chose an illustrator as students examine original photos and early sketches. We lead a class discussion about getting to know our elders and explain the Pen Pal Program. The visit includes time for Q&A and a book signing. Students receive a branded take home packet.
grade 4
Specifically crafted for 4th graders, this fast-paced 1-hour program is designed with storytelling in mind. We begin with a reading of the book, a sing-a-long to our theme song, and a history lesson about who Nelson McNutt was. We discuss how we wrote our story, developed characters and chose an illustrator. We explore the art of storytelling and work together to compose a “story in the round.” We examine how to ask questions and get to know the elders in your life, and introduce the class to their new pen pal. We offer time for Q&A, present autographed copies of the book and provide take home packets for each child.
not your garden variety visit
Every author visit includes a custom Nelson's Garden Learning Packet for each child to take home! This packet includes:
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Coloring page
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Our Walk Down Memory Lane activity page
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Plantable wildflower seed paper
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Nelson's Garden bookmark
Author visits are customizable per request. Add-ons are subject to additional costs and can include:
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Signed copy of Nelson's Garden for each student
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Seasonal, garden-themed crafts
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Seasonal seed planting project
To schedule a visit, or for more info, email us at info@nelsonsgarden.com
