Illustration by Betsy James; Animation by Betsy's bro.	School Visits and Presentations What are the roots of literacy? What helps us be eager to read and write? When we can see our own stories jump to life in words and pictures, we begin to understand that "literacy" means being able to express ourselves and share our lives. And it's as fun as pulling a rabbit out of a hat! As the author and/or illustrator of more than a dozen books for children and young adults, I give lively, funny, illustrated mini-workshops for students of any age, in English or Spanish. In them I address the foundation of literacy: building a bridge that connects personal story to reading and writing. My presentations combine visual, oral, and written media, and are effective for speakers of English as a first or a second language. Kids and teachers go back to their classrooms eager to write, with follow-up exercises and their own collaborative, illustrated story to post and feel proud of!
Betsy is trilingual. Her first two languages are English and Spanish; her third is the language of stories. Betsy has worked with us at Zuni Pueblo annually for more than a dozen years, and the way she has helped our often-bilingual students develop their own stories-orally, visually, and in writing-is a marvel! Charly and Cathy Bullock Literacy Specialists A:Shiwi Elementary School Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico   Photo: Matt Givins	School Visits Let's Make a Story! - Preschool and kindergarten - 30 minutes I'll read one of my books, share funny family yarns, then collaborate with students on their own-usually wacky!-illustrated story. How to Catch a Wild Idea - Grades 1-4 - 50 minutes I'll begin with a dialogue about the stories we love to tell each other, and how they can grow into books. Then, as illustrator, I'll lead the students into composing a wild-and-wooly, collaborative story of their own. From Brainstorm to Book - Grades 5-12 - 60 minutes How do writers get their ideas, and how do ideas turn into books? Tailoring my talk to students' current work, I'll demonstrate the process of writing and illustrating children's books. Especially with less able English-speakers, I may lead the group in creating their own collaborative illustrated story. ...And Then What Happens? Workshops for grades 3-12, in 2 or 3 sessions of 50 minutes each In the first session we'll examine the process of writing and illustrating, and with myself as "hired pen" we'll brainstorm the rough draft of a collaborative illustrated story. In the following session or sessions, we'll tear it apart! That is, we'll learn to revise, expand, and refine our story using the principles of storyboarding.
I have worked with Betsy James at elementary schools with widely diverse populations, and each time I have seen magic perfomed as she elicits story from them. Whether in English or Spanish, Betsy and the children are alive with the joy of creating story from their own lives and imaginations, and teachers are alive with new possibilities they can carry back to their classrooms. Lucy Hampson Instructional Coach Albuquerque Public Schools New Mexico Photo: Caroline Stokes	For Teachers and Writers: I love to talk with teachers, parents, writers, and would-be writers! My presentations are insightful and fun, tailored to the concerns of my audience, always with plenty of question-and-answer time. Here are some topics to choose from: The River Always Runs: Finding Inspiration and Dissolving Writer's Block Where do writers get their ideas? And what can we do when we come up against those flashing roadblocks on the Highway of Creativity? I have surefire suggestions and insights that will help get your writing going and flowing. The Magic Forest: Writing and Illustrating Children's Books There's a story you've been thinking about for ages, but how do you begin to turn it into a published book? In an overview of the children's book industry I will help you avoid the most common mistakes and provide you with clear direction for your "apprenticeship" as a writer or illustrator. Why Do You Call Your Grandma Grandpa?: Writing and Teaching in Many Cultures From a writer-illustrator's perspective, I take a deep-and often funny-look at the issues of writing and teaching with, for, and about cultures other than one's own. And since we're all learning how to get along in this world, I'd love to hear your own favorite stories on the subject!
For years Betsy has been an integral part of our annual Young Authors program at the Pueblo of Zuni, where her illustrated approach to writing has helped our bilingual students create imaginative stories not achieved in the regular classroom setting. She would be an asset to any literacy program. Craig Haneke Enrichment Specialist (retired) A:Shiwi Elementary School Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico Photo: Craig Haneke	Click HERE to email Betsy for information on dates and rates. or write to her at: Betsy James P.O. Box 6654 Albuquerque, NM 87197