Karen Lee Schmidt

School Talks

I have spoken at many elementary schools, and a few colleges and libraries as well. When visiting an elementary school, I usually spend a full day and do four presentations. My program is designed to be flexible to the needs of different age groups--I have as much to say to kindergarteners as I do to sixth graders! I am happy to speak to large or small groups.

My slide presentation starts with a visual tour of my life as a children's book illustrator, beginning with what motivated me as a child to become an artist, and moving on to how I eventually turned my love of drawing and painting into a full time profession. I take the students on a "tour" of my studio, and move on from there into the whole process of bookmaking: the long journey that a tiny germ of an idea takes before it actually grows into a book. I try to convey the fun of creating a book as well as the hard work. By talking about my own childhood, I hope to make creative professions such as writing and illustrating more accessible to the students themselves, and to motivate their own creative urges. After the slide presentation, I do a large drawing for the group...this is an interactive affair where I build on the drawing using ideas from the students, and often one or two of them as models...of course this is my favorite part of the program! If time permits, I wrap things up with a question and answer session.

I would love to speak at your elementary school, high school or college...please contact me for more information about this program, as well as programs and workshops for older students and adults.

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"I would consider Karen's visits to be one of the highlights of the year for my class. Karen was well prepared with exciting lessons and news about her books and artwork. She brought in slides of her artwork, desk, and home. This made her work so real to the children. They were able to see a book come alive. Not only did Karen inspire their artwork, but she was able to inspire them in all areas of language arts. Karen's ability to eloquently convey her skills and experiences to my class enabled them to grow and gain a deep appreciation for literature. The rapport that she established with each and every student was truly a pleasure to observe."  Beverly Deakins, P.S. 60, Woodhaven, N.Y.

"Karen's use of a slide show brought her daily job as an illustrator to life! The children were able to see the workspace where she spends her days, the road she travels on to visit her publisher and her favorite cat. They really enjoyed this! She drew two illustrations using all of the student's ideas. The students actively participated and loved seeing their thoughts come to life. She provided a lot of positive reinforcement as she listened to their suggestions. Karen Lee Schmidt had a warm and enthusiastic manner with our second grade students. We would recommend her highly. Her presentation greatly benefited  the students and teachers at Lakeview" Lakeview Elementary School

"The students were mesmerized during the lecture part of Karen's presentation. Karen said that she often puts her family into some of the animals that she draws, "This chick always reminds me of my younger sister and the hen reminds me of my grandmother!" I was very impressed with the fact that Karen was not intimidated at all by the participation and enthusiasm of the students." Annie Fetzer Author Illustrator Coordinator Mahopac, N.Y.

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Some Previous School Visits

Sandia Elementary School (Apple Valley, California)
P.S. 60 (Woodhaven, New York)
P.S. 1 (Brooklyn, New York)
 P.S. 149 (Bronx, New York)
High School of Fashion Industries (New York City)
Post Road School: White Plains (New York)
Highland Elementary School (Highland, New York)
Lakeview Elementary School (Mahopac, New York)
Brookside Elementary School (Ossining, new York)
 Townsend Elementary School (Walton, New York
 Hillcrest Elementary School (Peekskill, New York)
 Chico Branch Library (Chico, California)
 Mariana Elementary School (Apple Valley, California)
 Rancho Verde Elementary School (Apple Valley, California)
 Mesquite Elementary School (Apple Valley, California)
 Rio Vista Elementary School (Apple Valley, California)
 Yucca Loma Elementary School (Apple Valley, California)
 Frostburg State University (Frostburg, Maryland)
 Oldtown School: Oldtown (Maryland)
 Grantsvile Elementary School (Grantsville, Maryland)
 Georges Creek Elementary (Georges Creek, Maryland)
 Friendsville Elementary School (Friendsville, Maryland)
 Accident Elementary School (Accident, Maryland)
 Flintstone Elementary School (Flintstone, Maryland)

For More Information  Or  To Arrange School Talks, Please Contact Karen Lee Schmidt Here:
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©2001 By Karen Lee Schmidt, All Right Reserved.