(Click Pictures for Larger View)
Programs:
All primary programs (K-3) include a short bio,
storytelling with puppets/realia, an interactive reading and
writing lesson, question and answers and sharing of student work.
Programs geared toward grades (3-6) include a short bio,
storytelling, interactive reading and writing, introduction into
bookmaking and publishing, question and answers, writing activity
(for groups under 40,) and sharing of student work.
A Rainbow of Words-
(K-6), based on story,
Two Perfect Rainbows, this presentation includes choral reading
and puppetry. Students are encouraged to be a part of the story
telling through actions, sound effects and props. Lori introduces
similes and metaphors and together, the students write a group
poem-- A Rainbow of Words. This workshop can also be geared toward
the upper grades. Students will dig deeper into the world of
similes and metaphors.
How to be a Dog: Writing Creative Canine Stories!
(K-6) Based on story, On My Way. Get ready to bark and yowl! This
hand-on workshop will lead students to creating authentic dog
characters. Younger students will be engaged in choral
reading/sound effects/movement during storytelling. To get into
the mind of a dog, students will brainstorm what a pup sees,
hears, feels, tastes and smells. Older students will use these
descriptions as the beginning of their short story: My Life as a
Dog.
Lights, Camera, Action! Making Your Stories Come
Alive! (1-4) based on story, On My Way. Students will
discuss what makes a good story and be encouraged to analyze story
during storytelling. Ideas such as showing not telling, using the
five senses and using action will be introduced. Students and
author will retell the story using choral reading/sounds/movement.
Students will chart sounds and actions to prepare for their own
exciting stories.
What’s in Your Character’s Pocket? (3-6)
Based on
story, The Donut Lady. Students will discuss the parts of a
story. Author will introduce the difference between a character/
plot driven stories. Students will discuss why it is important to
know your character. The idea of voice will be introduced.
Examples of different voices will be given. As a group, students
will chart what an author should know about their character before
writing: clothes, hobbies, age, favorite books and movies, family,
desires, problems, what is in their room/locker/pocket? Students
will choose different items from the author’s “magic bag” that
might be in a character’s pocket. They will diagram similar ideas
about their own character to prepare them for an introductory
paragraph about their character: What would your character’s ideal
gift be? Students can share aloud or perform a skit based on their
character.
Animal Talk: Mixing Fact and Fiction-
(K-6) Based
on several “faction” (fiction/non-fiction mix) type stories.
Students will discuss non-fiction/fiction and what makes a good
story for both genres (beginning, middle, end, action,
description, point of view, etc.) Author will discuss research
techniques, accuracy, etc. Students will learn how to write a
“faction” story using live animals (walking sticks, snakes,
millipedes.) Groups will brainstorm and chart different animal
facts and use this information to begin a story in first or third
person. Primary grades will create a group story.
There’s a Dinosaur in my Backyard! Creating Realistic
Fantasy (3-6) Based on story Grandpa’s Grapevine and middle
grade novel, The Puzzle Seed. After a brief discussion about
fantasy/reality, students will learn how to mix the two to create
the realistic fantasy genre that includes the following
components: realistic setting, characters with real problems and
real facts. A quick art activity and over head projector activity
will lead students into writing a quick group fantasy story.
Students will choose an item out of the “magic bag” to begin a
first paragraph or outline of a realistic fantasy story.
Story Elements: A Quick and Easy Recipe
(3-6)
Based on story, The Donut Lady. Depending on writing abilities,
students will get an introduction or review of story elements:
setting, character and plot. Using a simple plotting formula: 1.)
What your character wants. 2.) What obstacles must your character
overcome? 3.) How does your character overcome those obstacles?
Students will choose photos of potential characters and
brainstorm a potential plot based on their character.
Writing With Roots- Integrating Culture into Your Writing
(3-6)
Using Greek
dance and the Greek language, participants will learn how to integrate
culture into their stories. Lori will illustrate the use of cultural
settings, traditions and character in some of her stories like TAP SHOES FOR YAYA and her new novel, SUPER NOVA. Students will brainstorm, and begin a
story integrating their own traditions and culture.
Characters with a Twist
(3-6)
Using costumes and little creativity, students
will learn how to create unique characters. Participants will dissect a few
of Lori's stories, like SO MANY LEGS, and her two novels, THE PUZZLE SEED
and SUPER NOVA, to identify character, and learn how to use graphic
organizers to begin character development. This session will culminate in a
game: "What's in your character's
pocket?"
The Poetry of
Science
(3-6)
How do you make non-fiction fun? Here’s a hint: everything that exists in the world has a story--all you need to do is tap into the real-life tension and drama. By looking at THE COST OF FREEDOM, SAVING THE CALIFORNIA CONDOR, students will become story scientists and research this amazing bird. Using poetry and literary technique, Lori will help students draw out the emotion behind the true story of saving the California condor. By the end of the session, The children will walk away with their own fun, but factual, condor poems.
$650 for three 30-60 minute presentations, $100 per additional
presentation. (up to 5 maximum) in the Southern California area.
Please contact Lori for schools in other locations.
Lori really enjoys presenting to groups of 30 or less in
classroom or library settings, but she will present to larger
groups as needed.
*Teacher inservice and student summer writing camps also
available.*
See information and photos from the Orange County Educational
Arts Academy Writing Camp 2007 at
http://www.oceaa.org/English/index.html

A few words from teachers, librarians and
directors:
“Lori Polydoros knows how to motivate students. She has a
knack for inspiring even the most reluctant writer by getting
students to believe in themselves. It takes a special person to be
able to blend real-world experience and instructional flair. Lori
Polydoros can do both, so well, in fact, that is a favorite
workshop leader at Alta Vista’s Annual Student Writer’s
Conference.”
Julie K. Moore, Director of Marketing, Young Writers’
Conference
“Lori Polydoros left our class with a lasting impression of
how writing can be a great passion.”
Mr. Kor, 5th grade teacher at Baldwin School,
Alhambra, CA
“Teachers loved Lori’s teaching and management strategies.
She reminded us all to keep students actively listening and
involved and to be more creative. It was obvious from the way she
listened and responded to our kids how much she cares about them
and their education. Thank you Lori, for inspiring our students
and for inspiring us to be better teachers.”
Linda Griffiths, Librarian, John Muir Academy, Long Beach, CA

Click
here
to read a letter of reference from Nancy Wride, Author's Night
Coordinator at Lowell Bayside Academy in Long Beach.
A few words from students:
"My favorite workshop was How to Write Creative Canine
Stories by Lori Polydoros. She spoke so good to where I could
picture the stories. She taught us to never give up.”
3rd grader at Alta Vista Elementary, Redondo Beach,
CA
“My favorite part of your story, Grandpa’s Grapevine, is when
the sky is fiery, the stars are swirling and the vine sprouts up
in front of him. To picture this in your mind is amazing. It is
very magical. The reason it’s my favorite part is he is on his way
to success and he doesn’t even know it.”
5th grader at Kettering School, Long Beach, CA
“I like the way we went 1,2,3…Boom! That was so fun to me. I
like when we said swoosh, swoosh, swoosh too. I heard you were a
teacher you and your books. Thank you for coming to visit.”
2nd grader, John Muir Academy, Long
Beach, CA
Examples of children's creative artwork.
Click here to read
"A writer's life learned at Alta Vista".
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Lori Polydoros
kidtales@hotmail.com