Since Sharp’s first book Today I’m Going Fishing with My Dad was published, she has modeled lessons in classrooms, presented workshops at educational conferences at the state, regional, and national level, and served as a writing consultant for individual teachers and schools.
A brief description of some of Sharp’s more popular presentations are detailed below.
*Big Ideas and Little Ideas
This presentation will include the reading of one of my picture books and a discussion of the difference between the main idea and the details that help to show, not tell a story. This is most appropriate for grades K and 1.
*Where Do You Get Your Ideas?
This presentation details one prewriting / brainstorming method that I use when I am stuck for ideas. It also introduces students to one of my favorite writer’s tools: a visual journal. This is most appropriate for grades 1-3.
*The Author-Illustrator Connection
With this presentation, I discuss the working relationship of the author and the illustrator in the creation of a picture book. This presentation also examines the various illustration styles used in picture books, as the students and I role-play the events leading up to the choosing of an illustrator for my picture book, Today I’m Going Fishing with My Dad. This presentation has been a success with grades, 3-6.
*The Story Behind the Story
This presentation answers all of those questions that students (and adults) have in regard to my own publishing journey, including writing and publishing my books and creating my own publishing company. This presentation is most appropriate for older children and adults.
*Publishing Books for Children
This presentation answers all of those questions that readers and writers have in regard to getting a book published. This presentation is most appropriate for adults.