School Visits & Library Visits
In-Person and Virtual School Visits
For over ten years, Trisha Speed Shaskan has been visiting schools where teachers often say to her, “I can tell you’re an educator. You know how to keep the students engaged.” Trisha loves visiting schools and libraries because she loves connecting with students and sharing her passion for literature, creativity, and life-long learning. As a presenter, Trisha’s goal is to show kids that creating stories is fun and accessible! Since Trisha has written 50 books, in her interactive presentations she covers a variety of topics, including writing graphic novels, mysteries, nonfiction, fractured fairytales and picture books! Trisha will also work with educators to create a presentation that relates to their curriculum or fits their needs. Trisha lives in Minneapolis, MN, but travels all over the country and does virtual visits. She presents by herself or with her husband/author/illustrator Stephen Shaskan who is the creator of the best-selling graphic novel series, Pizza and Taco.
Presentations for Schools
Imagining Stories: Picture Books
Trisha reads a story, shares her writing process, and has the students create a character.
Get a Clue: Using Graphic Novels to Create a Mystery
While using examples from the graphic novel series Q & Ray, Trisha teaches the students how to create a character and plot a mystery.
How the Wolf Became a Vegetarian: Exploring a Character’s Perspective (or Point of View)
Trisha uses Honestly, Red Riding Hood was Rotten! The Story of Little Red Riding Hood as Told by the Wolf to show the process of writing a story. She discusses perspective/point of view and has the students create a character.
How I Discovered an Octopus is Blue-Blooded: Writing Nonfiction
Trisha uses I am an Octopus: The Life of a Common Octopus to highlight fun facts she’s learned from writing the book. She discusses research and shows the students how to use poetic language.
Writing Workshops or Schools and Libraries:
Trisha teaches the following workshops to elementary and middle school students:
*How to Write a Fractured Fairy Tale
*How to Create a Graphic Novel Character (with Stephen Shaskan)
For Libraries:
*Trisha also provides storytimes for libraries.