Planning a PTA-funded author visit
A PTA or PTO can help bring a guest author to a school as part of a literacy event. When planning a visit, start with the school’s goals, the student audience and the practical details the organizing team needs to discuss.
Lisa Caprelli’s Unicorn Jazz author visits and school assemblies combine literacy and social-emotional learning with storytelling, music, movement and art. PTAs, PTOs, educators and school leaders can work with Lisa’s team to plan an age-appropriate experience for their community.
Storytelling alongside artwork.
A message for PTA leaders
Watch a PTA video excerpt about Unicorn Jazz school assemblies and author visits.
What students can take part in
Unicorn Jazz programs include interactive storytelling, songs, movement and creative activities. Students can participate, retell stories, discuss, write, sing and create. Stories and character choices provide opportunities to talk about kindness, teamwork and belonging.
A group takes part in a presentation.
For program information, explore Author Visits.
Questions for your PTA or PTO planning team
Before approaching a guest author, discuss:
What literacy or school-community goals would you like the event to support?
Who will attend, and what are the audience’s ages and approximate student numbers?
Which dates and school location should the team consider?
Who will coordinate the event with the school and the guest author?
What budget is available, and which costs need to be confirmed in a written proposal?
How could teachers connect the visit with reading, writing or creative classroom activities?
These are planning questions, not a statement that a visit, funding arrangement or particular result is guaranteed.
Illustrated books and characters.
Ask about the options for your school
Share your school, location, student audience, preferred dates and program goals with Lisa’s team. Ask about the program format and sponsored author visit options, including visits supported by student book orders and schoolwide reading opportunities. Confirm the details for your school before making arrangements.