Kyra Teis

Imagining Stories

School Visits

Talks & Workshops

I love to talk about my work with students of all ages. My books span the grades, from Look! for preschoolers to The Magic Flute for elementary schoolers to Speaking of Me for 'tweens and teens.

 

I am happy to customize any presentation to classroom goals and interests. Here are some talks and workshops that I offer:

Talks

These are designed for one class period, usually 30 - 40 minutes in duration.

Pre-K

Story time! Fun time! I read Look!, do a "call-out" game with colors and shapes, and then lead a collage-craft activity. Teacher assistance needed. Best for classes of approx. 20 students.

K-3

How do you make your art? Find out with this interactive demonstration. The students and I discuss where to find information for our artwork, I show them an original illustration, art materials, and then demonstrate the process of making a collage. Best for classes of approx. 20 students.

The Magic Flute (coming Spring, ‘08) I read The Magic Flute, discuss the traits of certain characters and how to portray them in an illustration, then lead a creative drawing exercise. Best for classes of approx. 20 students.

4-8

Illustrator, Private Eye Being an illustrator is like being a detective. In this image-packed presentation, I show them how I do research for my artwork and also how revision is an important part of any project. Overhead projector and screen required. Larger groups okay.

8 and up

What's it like being an illustrator? Yes it's nice to go to work in my PJ's, but there's a lot more to it than that. This talk is all about what it takes to have a career in picture book illustration. Overhead projector and screen required. Larger groups okay.

 

Workshops

Workshops allow students to delve a little deeper into the world of picture book illustration. Minimum 3 days. Can be adjusted for any grade level 2-12.

Let's Get Creative

Students learn my technique of blotting and spattering paper, and then make their own collages. Requires the use of an art room and art supplies.

Research is Key

Students do research on how to depict visual details in a folktale or other story of their choosing, and then create their own illustration using the research.

Visualize This

Using spontaneous creative exercises, students will explore their responses to texts, and will create illustrations based on their observations. Texts can be books the class is studying, folktales, or poetry. This workshop is a terrific way to help students enter into reading material on a personal level.