Tag: education

AUGUST 20TH, 2025, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER & CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR, LEAH MOSER, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & FORMER LIBRARIAN, CHELSEA DICICCO: PUBLISHING TIMELINES & HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN AUTHOR DEBUT

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

In today’s Feature Interview with Elementary School Educator and Author, Leah Moser, we’ll explore the links between education and writing, a writer’s first steps in publishing, publishing timelines, and how to prepare for an author debut.

Leah, welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. We’re so happy to have you join us for the Feature Interview segment today! It’s always so nice getting to have conversations with new people and learn more about them. 

Where are you joining us from? 

Thank you for having me on your blog! I’m joining you from the DC area.

How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog and the Feature Interview segment?

I first heard about this opportunity on social media; I’ve been following you on Instagram for some time!  I read through the previous interviews, and I was intrigued by all the wonderful authors, illustrators, educators, librarians, and poets you’ve had on your blog. It was exciting to learn more about each person’s unique journey in this writing world.

I was excited to see on your application your background in elementary education, as well as psychology. Could you tell us more about this?

I majored in Psychology in college. I was fascinated by the human mind (thoughts, feelings, and emotions) and why people behave the way they do in certain situations. After college, I became a preschool special education assistant for a few years. I realized teaching was my passion, and I received my Master’s in Elementary Education. I worked for years as a 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher before taking a hiatus to be home with my three children. Currently, I’m substitute teaching, writing, editing, and visiting schools as an author!

Were there any connections between your educational background and writing? Explain.

As an educator, I often used picture books to introduce or guide conversations with my students. I appreciated the way books could broach challenging topics in kid-friendly language and spark meaningful discussions. I also recognized what types of books children liked to read and which were good to read aloud. Similarly, I noticed where there were literary holes, like topics that were not covered or characters that seemed underrepresented. I began seeing the KidLit world in a different way, and I knew that I could fill in some of those gaps.

What made you decide to pursue publishing? 

When I was in graduate school, I took a children’s literature class where the culminating assignment was to write a picture book. While others struggled through this process, I enjoyed every step of the way. I felt the book was ready to pursue publication. I remember thinking: How hard could it be? After some research, I became overwhelmed and decided to put this publishing dream on the back burner.

Years later, after I had my first child, I met a mother who was also a writer. She invited me to my first critique group with some established, incredible authors. I’ve been writing ever since. It took me some time to feel comfortable in sharing my work with others, but I noticed my writing and stories getting stronger and stronger. I knew I was ready again.

What were some of your first steps when pursuing publication?

After I had several polished, strong manuscripts, I was ready to find an agent and hopefully get some of my work published. I joined social media (at the time, it was Twitter) and Instagram and followed many editors, publishing houses, and agents. I created a spreadsheet with names, information, and what each person/house was looking for to determine if my stories could be a good fit. I spent a lot of time emailing personalized queries and kept my fingers crossed.

Were there any resources/groups that were especially helpful in the beginning of your writing journey?

Yes! I was connected with other established authors through my critique group. I also joined several groups online, such as SCBWI, the 12×12 picture book challenge, and KidLit411 on Facebook. I attended as many local conferences as I could and connected with many KidLit creators in person and online. I also read A LOT of picture books, so I felt like I knew current trends and what was being published at the time.

Were there any difficulties/challenges that you had to face? And, if so, how were you able to overcome them? Explain.

There were and still are many challenges! It took me a long time to find my agent, Dan Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency. Once I signed with an agent, it took months for us to sell a book. There is so much waiting and so much doubting, but I’ve found the best thing to do is to keep writing and to continue working on other projects. 

Was there anything you wish you’d known sooner that you think would be helpful for our readers?

It’s a big transition from “my story” to “our book.” There are so many people involved in making a picture book. I was fortunate to have a fabulous team for I AM A THUNDERCLOUD, and we all shared a similar vision for this book, but I know that isn’t always the case.

You mentioned in your application that you write picture books and early readers, so your target audience is 4-8 years old. What type of genres/characters/themes do you gravitate toward writing? (Friendship/adventure/silly/mystery/SEL/human/animal/etc?)

With my psychology background, I enjoy writing SEL picture books about emotions. I also like to write funny stories that I know kids would get a kick out of. I’ve started writing nonfiction picture books, which have been exciting to research and summarize. I like to write in rhyme as it adds another level of challenge. But mainly, I want to write books that can be entertaining or meaningful for children and their grown-ups.

Are these also your favorite types of stories to read? 

I love to read all sorts of picture books. I’m constantly checking books out of the library to share with my children. We enjoy funny books that make us laugh, powerful stories, nonfiction topics that we don’t know much about, and beautiful illustrations. 

Speaking of your writing, your debut picture book, I Am a Thundercloud, came out last April, 2024. Congratulations! We’d love to hear about how this story came to be!

Thank you!

What was your inspiration for writing I Am a Thundercloud?

I wrote I AM A THUNDERCLOUD during the pandemic in 2020. As with many people, I felt a lot of emotions during that time. One day, at home, I was thinking of metaphors for feelings, and I thought of the angriest image I could think of. That’s where the angry thundercloud popped into my head. I wrote the first draft of Thundercloud from the perspective of an actual thundercloud. Over time (and with the help of my agent and critique group), the protagonist shifted to a child feeling like a thundercloud.

For readers who may be new to publishing and wondering how long the traditional publishing process takes, could you share how long this story was in the making? Timeframe from story concept to first draft, then to final draft, then query to book deal, and book deal to final publication. (Rough estimate works too!)

I wrote I AM A THUNDERCLOUD in August 2020. I signed with Dan Cramer in February 2021. I got a YES for I AM A THUNDERCLOUD with Running Press Kids in December 2021. I was linked with my wonderful illustrator, Marie Hermansson, in July 2022. The book was released in April 2024. 

What made this story shine above any other manuscripts to make it the one that snagged your first book deal? And was this the book that got you your agent with Page Turner Literary?

This is actually not the book that got me my agent. That book has yet to sell (sad face). I AM A THUNDERCLOUD had gotten a few “maybes” before the big YES. I felt cautiously optimistic.

For authors who may be debuting their own PBs soon, what advice would you like to share for things to do to prepare? (Author event prepwork, social media or word of mouth promotional campaign, in-person networking with local bookstores/libraries/schools, strategies on getting new reader reviews, or something else? Feel free to share more than one, if applicable.)

I joined a 2024 picture book debut group, PB Soar 24, which was extremely helpful. I would highly recommend finding one OR creating your own. It was wonderful to support these other debut authors and connect about our experiences. I also frequented local bookstores often, and introduced myself shortly before my book was released. I reached out to bloggers and connected with people in the KidLit world to get my name/book out there. I was active on social media during this time, trying to promote I AM A THUNDERCLOUD. The Running Press Kids team helped arrange a few school visits, but then I reached out to schools on my own. It’s a lot of work, but I was happy to do it and was proud to be in this situation.

As writers, we all have something inside us that compels us to write. What is your reason for writing? And what do you hope your stories will give your readers?

I hope my stories resonate with readers, caregivers, educators, and librarians. Writing is a creative outlet – a way for me to get my ideas out there. Some of the ideas blossom into drafts and go on submission. Other times, they don’t. But either way, it’s a way of getting my own thoughts out of my head and onto the paper.

What are some of your favorite books/authors?

I love Cori Doerrfield’s picture books. I’ve always been a fan of her SEL stories – her simple language, her emotional illustrations, and her meaningful messages. THE RABBIT LISTENED is my all-time favorite. Additionally, I’ve loved being a part of PB Soar 24 – make sure you check out all their fabulous new picture books!

What are some of your favorite movies/TV shows?

One of my writing inspirations is Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City. In college, I was told my writing was sometimes too “informal” due to my rhetorical questions and simple phrasing as I tried to emulate her! In my house, we are big Bluey fans. They created a show that kids find hilarious and adults connect with on another level.

Any last writing advice or words of wisdom that you’d like to share?

Writing is a journey. I am so fortunate to have one book out in the world. But I have yet to get another book deal. I’m hopeful and optimistic for a new opportunity in the future! Something I’m always reminding myself is that no two writing journeys are the same, and there is room for all the fabulous creators to tell their own stories!

“No two writing journeys are the same, and there is room for all the fabulous creators to tell their own stories!” – Leah Moser

Such beautiful words of wisdom, and very true. Thank you so much for joining us today, Leah.

ATTENTION WRITERS: Leah also has an editing service. She works with authors of all levels, from award-winning, well-known authors to those just starting out. Please visit her website to find out more.

And now it’s time for our giveaway prize!

For the month of August 2025, Leah is offering a PB critique OR a copy of her picture book,  I Am a Thundercloud.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

LIKE and SHARE this post (and tag me X @chellysbooks IG @chelseasworldofbooks). That’s it! **If there are multiple prize options, please specify which one you’d like in the comments.**

And if you haven’t already, subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter so you don’t miss out on future interviews/posts!

DEADLINE TO ENTER: August 31st, 2025, 11:59 PM CST

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.

Purchase your copy HERE.

Purchase your copy HERE.

Leah Moser is a children’s book author living in Northern Virginia. With degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, Leah has spent years as a classroom teacher. She loves sharing her passion for picture books with her husband, three daughters, dog, and readers of all ages. I Am a Thundercloud is her debut book.

X/Twitter & IG @LeahMoserWrites Leah Moser – Author on Facebook Visit her author website HERE

STEAM Homeschool Group: Updates from “your friendly neighborhood librarian”

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Parents and Educators, View all blog posts

Hello, hello!

I hope everyone had an amazing summer! The Children’s Librarians had a splash with our theme: OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES! But now it’s back to school. Speaking of school… today, I’m sharing some homeschool updates.

As you probably know from my previous blog entries, I host a homeschool group for the families in the community of Sumner County Tennessee, in connection with the Hendersonville Public Library of Tennessee, where I work as a Children’s Librarian.

Working as a Children’s Librarian, and having a professional history of childcare and homeschool education, I knew I wanted to create a program that would provide a safe environment for homeschool families while keeping money in their pockets. In other words: FREE. But, what exactly was it that these families were looking for?

I started brainstorming.

I took polls.

I asked people in our community what they needed. What they wanted.

Join Children's Librarian Miss Chelsea as she explores STEAM HOMESCHOOL in the library!

And after some heavy research, I came to a decision. I wanted to create a Homeschool Group where families could relax, cross collaborate, talk freely, and share information and kids could connect, make friends, and learn in a fun natural way, free of forced group activities, time restrictions, or formatted rules. I wanted a hands on learning experience that was child driven. I wanted a STEAM Homeschool Group!

In December of 2021, STEAM Homeschool Group was just a bright shimmering dream. And in January 2022, it became a reality! Of course, no one showed up for that very first meeting. Starting a new program takes time to build members. And besides, January is too cold! Nobody wants to start something new in the wintertime. But, little by little we grew in number.

Fast forward a few months to August 2022.

I’m happy to announce that our monthly meet for August, 2022, we had a jaw-dropping 40 homeschool family members join us for our STEAM Homeschool Group!

Science & Technology
Engineering & Building
Create! Arts!
Puzzles & Games
Free Educational Books & Resources
Honor Kits (Science & Social Studies)
They found the freebies!
These moms are getting their hands dirty too!
Look at our builders go!
Tinkering and learning!
Look at the action at the science table!
Someone found a book to read…
We’ve got some puzzlers and gamers!
Look at the engineering happening!
A creative way to spend the day!
These small hands found paint!

The kids had a wonderful time exploring the STEAM tables and the parents were thrilled to pick up their free school books and resources. From our free resource corner, we had pre-packed leveled readers, vocabulary readers, educational honor book packs (science and social studies), and teacher handbooks with corresponding homework and lesson plans. Several appreciative families expressed their gratitude for the provisions provided by the Hendersonville Public Library of Tennessee.

All in all, it was a fantastic day! We’re looking forward to our next monthly meet. If you’d like to find out how to sign up, please visit our the Hendersonville Public Library of Sumner County page on Facebook.

Thanks for reading and happy homeschool wishes!

To stay up to date with me, your friendly neighborhood librarian, you can follow my Instagram page @chelseasworldofbooks

STEAM IN THE LIBRARY AND IN HOMESCHOOLING

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Parents and Educators, View all blog posts

It’s been a little while since I’ve made a post. Here’s what I’ve been up to…

For the past few months I’ve been gathering information, doing research, attending webinars, and working vigorously toward starting a non-profit Homeschool Group for families in need in my community. And I’m happy to announce, it has been a great success!

I’m so excited to share this news with you, so let’s dive right in!

What is Homeschool Group?

Homeschool Group is a place where families can come together and socialize, and kids can engage in self-paced, hands-on learning in a relaxed and creative environment. Right now, my group is open to ages 7-10, but I may look at expanding those age brackets as time goes on and I get a better feel for the specific needs of my community.

Where and when is Homeschool Group hosted? How can I attend?

Great question! Homeschool Group is being hosted in the Hendersonville Public Library in Tennessee. This group is held on the first Monday of each month at 2 PM. Sign-up sheets can be found in the Children’s area. For other cool events we have going on, check out our Facebook page or Instagram feed for updates and calendar info!

My personal goal with Homeschool Group is to inspire creativity and encourage social emotional learning while exposing children to the five elements of STEAM education; science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Around the room I have activity tables set up for kids to visit, imagine, and explore the wonders of reading, science, building, writing, creating, socializing, inventing, and playing!


Each of our tables is inspired by STEAM concepts, and is designed to encourage creative thinking and problem solving, enhance motor skills and social-emotional learning, and inspire children to find connections and explore the realm of imagination in a safe and fun environment.

DISCOVERING THE SCIENCE BEHIND A RAINCLOUD

Throughout the building process of this project, I was able to get some fabulous inspiration and ideas from several webinars, a few that I will mention here.

The two that stood out among the rest were STEAM in the Public Library: Programs & Services for Children and Creative Spaces and Family Engagement in Libraries, both available on Webjunction. Now, for those of you who may not know this, in addition to being a children’s book writer, I am also a Children’s Librarian. And, being homeschooled for the majority of my childhood, I have extensive knowledge of what it’s like to be in that position. How hard it can be to make connections within the community. Finding the right resources. Finding places to go. And forget about costs! You can’t find a “cheap” homeschooling program or event to participate in, and free? Free is unheard of. Everything costs something, and most often, it’s a higher price than the average family is looking to spend. Especially when you have more than one child. And that’s not a slight at pricing. It’s very possible that the price is justified and appropriate for whatever services are being offered, but nonetheless, many families simply can’t afford it.

Prepping our activities!

So naturally, coming from a place of understanding, I wanted to offer a service to these families that wouldn’t dip into their pockets. And after some well thought out planning and a trial run, we were finally up and running!

Back to the wonderful Webinars I was able to enjoy. Here are a few of the notes I took from Creative Spaces and Family Engagement in Libraries, that really made me think about why art is such an important role in a child’s life.

The arts are not just expressive and effective. They are deeply cognitive. The arts develop essential thinking tools:

Pattern recognition and development.

Mental representations of the observed/imagined.

Symbolic and metaphorical representations.

Abstraction from complexity.

Cross wiring of brain areas.

Engagement with an art trains the brain to FOCUS, improving learning

* Interest in an art form leads to sustained attention when practicing that art form.

* Engaging in art involves resolving conflicts among competing possible responses.

* The ability to resolve conflict among competing responses is also a crucial aspect of attention training.

Arts integration improves learning

Studies consistently show:

* Greater emotional investment in classes.

* Work more diligently and learn from each other.

* Parents become more involved.

* Teachers collaborate more.

* Increased cross-curricular learning.

* Curriculum becomes more authentic, hands-on and project-based.

https://learn.webjunction.org/mod/page/view.php?id=448

Whew! That was a lot to type up. But, well worth it. In fact, I loved it so much, I printed it all out and laminated copies for personal inspiration and reminders as I plan each group.

A few other points I took from this seminar that I really appreciated; I want to share with you below.

Art is a form of self-expression.

Art experiences should not invite sameness. Art should not require an instruction sheet. Art should not have a deadline. Art should encourage creativity, not conformity.

Think of setting up an art experience in the same way you would think of setting up a science experiment.

Encourage tinkering. Invite inventiveness.

Art is not a team sport.

Most often, artistic creation is solitary. Group art WILL leave some kids feeling rushed and compared.

https://learn.webjunction.org/mod/page/view.php?id=448

Yes, yes, YES, to all of the above! If you don’t believe this to be true, I suggest taking a look at my book, ADHD and Me. Yep, shameless self-promo. But I wouldn’t try to sell you if I didn’t think it’s true. And I happen to know it is because it was inspired by a real young lady, who went through the same everyday challenges as Malory. Who was that young lady? Me.

About the book: ADHD and Me is an SEL (social-emotional learning) book about a young girl named Malory who has ADHD. Throughout her neurodiverse journey, she is encouraged to express herself using art, by her art teacher Ms. Julie, who was diagnosed as a young girl with Autism. With the help of her fabulous support system, including friends and family, Malory is able to find the joys in life and embrace her differences.

Now for my notes on STEAM in the Public Library: Programs & Services for Children with guest speaker Amy Koester and blogger, “THE SHOW ME LIBRARIAN.”

A little bit about Amy. Amy is a Learning Experiences Manager of a Public Library. She serves as a vice president of ASLC, and she’s a big supporter of her library and community. To see more about her click here.

Amy is a kindred spirit and fellow supporter of all things STEAM. And, her blog is simply AMAZING. Here is a link to visit her blog, THE SHOW ME LIBRARIAN.

So, a few things that I took away from this webinar are listed below.

  • American children are lagging behind other countries when it comes to creative thinking.
  • School and life success isn’t just about reading.
  • Creativity is a top work skill. Today, big companies are looking for outside-of-the box thinkers and problem solvers. It is a highly valued and sought after trait in today’s workforce. And understandably so. Children who are adept learners and creative problem solvers statistically fair better in all avenues of life.

Now, a few of the suggestions that Amy gives are:

  • Set up activity stations (check!)
  • Observation station (check-check!)
  • Sensory lights (FUN!)
  • Sand (PERFECT!)
  • Rocks (LOVE!)
  • Glow in the dark (Who doesn’t love glow in the dark stuff?)
  • Grow plants (Check!)
  • Root gardens (Fantastic idea)
  • Incorporate living things (100%)
  • Butterflies/ant farms- and tie in books that fit your experiment! (yes!) While we are on that topic, see if you can sprinkle in non-fiction books too!
  • Snails/worms (yes)
  • Use recyclables (ALWAYS!)

A few other helpful tips to make your programming fun and engaging for your young participants:

Ask Questions!

Encourage them to make something.

Get your hands dirty!

Include things that will involve motor skills.

Make STEAM displays fun: one suggestion Amy gave was a globe! A globe is great because kids can both look at it AND play with it. It spins!

And last but not least, give children the tools to succeed!

Three Ways to Create a Healthy Support System for your Child

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Parents and Educators, View all blog posts

Regulating consistency can be as simple as responding to situations and actions regarding house rules, in the same way, every time. It is very important that whatever you decide on, that you maintain it. This involves setting a goal and sticking to it.

Example of NOT responding consistently to situations or actions: 

Last week, Tommy asked if he could have dessert before dinner, and the reply was, “You know the house rules. Dessert is for after dinner, only.” This week when Tommy asked the same question, the reply was different. Why is this a problem? By giving a new reply, it creates an inconsistency with the house rules stated the previous week. Children, like adults, need stability to thrive. By not following through with the guidelines that you have provided, you are depriving your child of that stability.

*Of course, in life, there will always be exceptions. Changes and unexpected circumstances are inevitable. That being said, if your routine must change, be consistent about explaining to your children the reasons why it must change, and preferably, express this change before it takes place.

Example: “Next week, when Grandma comes to visit, you will be able to have dessert before dinner. This is an exception to our house rule, and after Grandma goes back home, we will continue having dessert after dinner.”

By explaining the situation beforehand, you have acknowledged the change prior to it being made. This allows the child to anticipate it. Not only that, but you have also made the transition clear. Once Grandma goes back home, things will go back to normal. This helps the child to understand the boundaries of the house rules so that there are no uncertainties.

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Establishing trust is the cornerstone of importance when it comes to creating a healthy support system for your child.

One of the best ways you can establish trust with your child is by making sure to respect his/her preferences and boundaries. Each child is different, so each child will display his/her preferences and boundaries in different ways. 

Example of a child displaying preferences/boundaries: Father comes home from work and gently pats child’s head. The child frowns and pulls away. The father asks, “why did you pull away?” The child responds, “I don’t like when my head is touched.” The father nods, “Okay, I’ll remember that.” The following day, the father comes home from work and greets the child with a smile. Instead of touching his child, he asks, “How was your day today?” The child smiles and replies, “It was good.”

What do we learn from this scenario? 

The child is sensitive to physical touch. They displayed this by pulling away. Instead of ignoring this, the father asked a follow-up question to get further information to better understand the child’s perspective. When the child responded that they did not like their head being touched, how did the father respond? Did he force his child to conform to his own level of comfort and boundaries toward physical affection? No.

After the child expressed their boundary and level of comfort, the father took note of their preference. The following day, when he arrived home from work, he made a point of respecting his child’s boundaries. What is the result? The child now feels a level of increased comfort toward the father. By respecting his child’s sensory boundary, he has established trust.

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Another way to create a healthy support system for your child is to make yourself available. By making yourself available to your child, you show them that you value them with your time. This reassures them of their importance, not only to you but as individuals. (This also helps boost their self-esteem.)

Example of making yourself available: Mother is making dinner in the kitchen. Her son comes up to her with something important. “Mom, I need to talk to you.” “Can it wait?” Mom says. “No, I need to talk to you right now.” What do you do? 

The truth is, sometimes, the answer needs to be, “not right now.” If you are in the middle of something, like cooking dinner, and you are dealing with time-sensitive things, sometimes, you cannot provide your child with undivided attention at that exact moment. That being said, there are ways to go about this to maintain a healthy relationship with your child that both show that you value them and that their feelings and thoughts are important both to you and in general.

Example of how to respond if you CAN’T talk right now: Pause from what you are doing and give direct eye contact (in some cases, where appropriate, you can establish focus by gently placing your hands on your child’s shoulders.) “I’m very busy right now cooking. If I try to handle dinner and our discussion at the same time, I may burn the food or not be able to focus fully on what you are saying. I would like to hear what you have to say and give you my full attention. As soon as I am done here, I will sit down with you at the table, and we will talk. Okay?”

Key points about this response:

  1. Mom gave direct eye contact and focused on the child, validating their self-esteem and expressing genuine interest in what they had to say. Why is this important? Because this reassures the child that mom cares about what they have to say.
  2. Mom didn’t say, “maybe later.” Instead, she gave a definite response, “we will talk,” and she even set a specific time and location, “as soon as I’m done here, I will sit down with you at the table.” What does this do for the child? This establishes stability. They have a definite answer.
  3. And finally, mom gave an explanation as to why she could not provide undivided attention at that moment. By doing this, Mom was teaching her child that “time and place” are important and relative to sharing thoughts. This is something that all children will need to learn as they grow. By giving this explanation to your child when they are young, it will help prepare them for adulthood without inflicting damage on their self-esteem. Rather than feeling confused about why they couldn’t have their parent’s attention at that moment, they will understand that it is not personal; rather, it was simply not the right time and place.

By implementing these three things into your child’s life, it will significantly increase your child’s level of comfort and trust in their support system.

Gallatin TN Public Library Event For Children, Teachers, and Parents

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts

This event theme will be surrounding children’s education, empowerment, mental health and well-being.

Join us for our special Children’s Learning Event in Gallatin Public Library! Guest speakers in attendance: Children’s Book Author, Chelsea Radojcic-Dicicco, Author and Autism Advocate, Mary Elizabeth Jackson, and Children’s Crisis Counselor, Jason Scruggs.

Event Topics:

  • 10 AM : “Neurodiverse Learning” (given by guest speaker, Chelsea Radojcic-DiCicco)
  • 11 AM : “Acknowledging, Assessing and Addressing the Emotional Well-Being of Your Child” (given by guest speaker, Jason Scruggs)
  • 12 PM : “Empowering Our Kids Today” (given by guest speaker, Mary Jackson)

This event will be hosted at no charge, and open to the public. We encourage parents, and educators to come in and visit! We have lots of fun freebies and resources to offer, so if you’re in the area, stop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you there!

Who is this event for?

  • Parents
  • Children
  • Educators
  • Family
  • Friends

If you are a #elementaryschoolteacher PLEASE stop by and pick up your FREE LESSON PLANS, GRADES K-3RD GRADE.

You don’t live local? No problem! Download your free pdf interactive lesson plans (that correspond with ADHD and Me) on my website under the free lesson plan tab, or simply follow the link in text.

If you have any questions, please call (615) 452-1722 and ask to speak to Gabby Cato, Operations Manager of Gallatin TN Public Library.

ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKERS

The first guest speaker, Children’s Literature Author, Ms. Chelsea Radojcic-DiCicco, will be discussing the topic ‘NEURODIVERSE LEARNING’ at 10:00 AM. Afterward, she will be participating in an author signing of her book, ADHD and Me. (Available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, Lulu Bookstore, and Kindle.)

Resources, Free Stuff, and Merchandise

  • Informative banner will be displayed at the booth, featuring the topics: SUPPORT SYSTEM, LEARNING DIFFERENCES, and MESSAGE TO PARENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND EDUCATORS.

There will also be:

  • Promotional bookmarks
  • Spiral-lined “embrace your differences” school notebooks
  • Inspirational Stickers

And last but certainly not least, there will be:

  • FREE INTERACTIVE LESSON PLANS

Lesson plans will be made available for educators or homeschoolers in attendance, grades K-3rd. The curriculum includes games, projects, and learning examples designed for a group or in the classroom. Hurry in and get your free copies while supplies last!

For anyone interested in author interviews, having an in-person or virtual reading, or Q&A with the author, there will be a signup sheet provided at her booth.

Our next guest speaker, Children’s Crisis Counselor, Mr. Jason Scruggs, will be delivering his discourse on the topic ‘ACKNOWLEDGING, ASSESSING, AND ADDRESSING THE EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF YOUR CHILD’ at 11:00 AM. Mr. Scruggs’s wealth of experience and knowledge is invaluable, and we look forward with great anticipation to his presentation! He will also have a table set up with information for families and will be available to meet and greet patrons and answer questions throughout the day. Scruggs is an educator, professor, and counselor with two Master’s Degrees and works for the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit in Bowling Green, KY.

https://www.facebook.com/jason.scruggs.50

Our final guest speaker, Special Needs Advocate, Author, and Autism Ambassador, Ms. Mary Jackson, will be delivering her talk on ‘EMPOWERING OUR KIDS TODAY’ at 12:00 PM. Ms. Jackson will also be participating in a book signing at her booth and will have other resources and pamphlets from local branches from our learning community with her as well.

Ms. Jackson is the co-author of Poolicious book series, as well as the co-founder and co-host of The Writers Corner Live TV Show and the Special Needs TV Show on Facebook and YouTube. To find out more about Ms. Jackson, please visit her website at www.maryejackson.com. We are looking forward with deep enthusiasm to seeing you all!

https://www.instagram.com/maryjackson444/

https://www.instagram.com/chelseasworldofbooks/