Mr. Mike’s assemblies are for schools that appreciate and value the process of writing and the world of professional writing.  Please consider the high level of preparation and dedication it takes to put on this special event.

The entire school will take part in a fun Mr. Mike’s Poetry Challenge designed to give each student the experience of going through the process of writing their own poem and presenting it to
Mr. Mike on the day of his visit.  Mr. Mike’s visit will make a lasting impression on your students and their attitudes toward writing!  Mr. Mike takes his visits seriously, cares about your students getting the most of it and will travel long distances to visit you!

EARLY PREPARATION IS ESSENTIAL AND
VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!!
We emphasize thorough and early preparation!  Being ready will make
or break the event!  Most schools start preparing at least a month or two before
Mr. Mike’s visit.  Enroll the help of your PTA/O, students, teachers, etc. – the more creative ideas – the better!  These are the basic kinds of preparations that any visiting author would appreciate.
Mr. Mike is NOT a ‘high-maintenance’ guy – he’s very easy going and we think you’ll find him to be quite friendly, fun and VERY APPRECIATIVE of everything you do to help him feel welcome!

THE MAIN PREPARATION ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
- Introduce ALL students to Mr. Mike’s books at least 1 month in advance.
- Use the complimentary items that are included in the Preparation Packet.
- Prepare questions and do poetry/creative writing related activities.
- Distribute the book order flier to students at least 1 week before the event.
- Put the event up on the school marquee.
- Make announcements to remind students of the event.
- Help the classes make posters and other creative activities.
- Set up the room with your sound system, table, chair and drinking water.
- Have Fun and Learn Something New!!!

ROOM SET UP:
It’s easy to set up for Mr. Mike’s visit!  Just have the sound system, table, chair and drinking water set up and waiting at the front of the room before he arrives!  Mr. Mike brings everything else!
You can focus on decorating the room with posters, students’ poems… etc.!!!  Mr. Mike will probably not use the stage since he prefers to be at ground level at the very front of the room.

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL RESOURCES - click on these links:

Everything You Need to Know to Set Up an Author Visit in Your School - Random House Children’s Book Author & Illustrator Appearances Kit (Adobe Acrobat format)
The Perfect Author Visit - by Dan Gutman
Author Visit FAQs - from Magdanz.com