These educational programs have been given in over 425 schools in Ohio and surrounding states; approximately 200,000 children have met our dogs and participated in these literacy experiences. All the activities listed below have been extensively field tested, and the response of the children, teachers, media specialists and parents to the programs has been overwhelmingly positive.These educational programs have been given in over 425 schools in Ohio and surrounding states; approximately 200,000 children have met our dogs and participated in these literacy experiences. All the activities listed below have been extensively field tested, and the response of the children, teachers, media specialists and parents to the programs has been overwhelmingly positive. The programs are also designed with various local states' literacy standards in mind.

Most of the presentations are approximately one hour in length and are designed for two classrooms per session. A one-day school visit can be made up of five workshop-style sessions. However, we now have a large group presentation format (power point) so many children can be included in one session. We combine this large presentation with four smaller group workshops/sessions described below.

LARGE GROUP PRESENTATION (Accompanying workshops)

The power point presentation will give an overview of being an author and an introduction of the dogs in their roles as book characters. There is a cavalcade of book illustrations paired with pictures of the real dogs, highlights of making Miracle Dogs, the movie, and a sing-a-long at the end. Running time with author commentary (live) is about 40-50 minutes. This is designed for all ages.

THE CREATION OF A CHILDREN'S BOOK

This program is a combination of hands-on exhibit and illustration lesson. The visual part of the exhibit follows the creation of a book from the germination of the ideas, writing the manuscripts, supervising the production, to the final publishing of the books. There is emphasis on the planning and editing process with the author showing many versions of each manuscript. Children and teachers will be able to look at the following: book prototypes, the artist's rough drawings paired with the finished pages, the make-ready pre-printing pages, the printing signatures uncut off the press, unbound proofs, and the final product. This program also features a pre-planned question and answer session and an illustration lesson. This is designed for grades 3 and up.

GENERATING WRITING IDEAS AND CREATIVITY

The program consists of the children exploring the author's doghouse box which is a storehouse of potential writing ideas generated from art, music, literature, historical objects, folk toys, etc. Student volunteers pick a variety of objects and generate writing ideas. The children and teachers end the presentation with an illustration lesson that produces a drawing of one of the dogs using basic shapes. This program is appropriate for grades 1 and 2.

BUILDING STORY AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

This is a pre-writing/brainstorming activity designed to demonstrate creativity and story planning. The session begins with a student picking a writing prompt from the doghouse box (described above). Next, the item is discussed by the class, descriptive words are collected and written on the easel, and the illustrator (if applicable) presents some visual images of the ideas expressed. The class then decides on the format and objectives of the story. The actual story can be written as a follow-up to the program and produced in the classroom. This program is appropriate for grades 2 through middle school.

BUILDING A STORY FOR CHILDREN BY CHILDREN

This is a story building activity that emphasizes story structure, organization and graphics. Students and the author will create a graphic organizer for an original story (for children younger than themselves) based on a character from the writer's doghouse box. They will give special consideration to audience, voice and creating a humorous twist to make the story original. The actual story can be written as a follow-up to the program and produced in the classroom.

READING AND DRAWING WITH MAX, TAK AND TRINI and THE AUTHOR

This presentation is designed for Kindergarten and is 30 minutes in length. The author will read one or two books, ask questions about the stories, share ideas, and let the children meet the real book characters, Max, Tak and Trini. The children and teachers will also produce a drawing of the dogs using basic shapes.

EVENING PARENT AND CHILD PROGRAMS —LARGE GROUP FORMAT

This program is meant to reinforce the author's visit to the school. An entertaining power point presentation will give an overview of being an author, the roles of the dogs as book characters, movie making, and a cavalcade of book illustrations paired with the real dogs. We will discuss with the parents what the children have been doing with the author, show examples of the children's work, discuss possible in-home literacy activities, watch a power point presentation and socialize with the dogs and the author (and illustrator, if applicable). Books are available for purchase and autographing. Fee: $250.00/evening

ARTIST(S)-IN-RESIDENCE — THE CREATION OF A LITERARY MAGAZINE

In this program the students will write in a variety of genre, poetry, prose, short story, news articles, etc. using a wide range of writing prompts presented by the author, Sandra Philipson. The author will collaborate with the classroom teachers involved in the project and will read and critique all pieces of student work. There will be time built in for individual students to meet and work with the author. After the written piece has been created, it may be possible to work with the illustrator to create a related illustration of the piece and to work on cover art. The end result will be the creation of a literary magazine of highly crafted student work. Coffee house performances of student pieces are possible. This program can be completed in three weeks to one month, depending on the number of children involved, and is appropriate for grades 4 through 8. Fee: $2,000.00/week

FEES

Author and Dogs Visit: $750.00/day + mileage

Author, Dogs & Illustrator Visit: $1,000.00/day + mileage.

Overnight accommodations are required if the school is two or more hours from Cleveland. If applicable, hotel and mileage must be added to the cost of the program.

Fees for the Artist-in-Residence programs are negotiable.

Doggie Fees: Treats and lots of petting!

DOG WALKERS

Max, Tak and Trini need to have special friends to be with them during the workshops. Max and Tak have trouble paying attention in class and need to go out visiting other rooms, playing outside, and socializing with anyone and everyone! Usually, PTO volunteers are their special friends.

Call to schedule: (440) 893-9250 or email sandy@maxandannie.com