
Unforgetable and Inspirational Workshops & Presentations

Numbers Matter!
Author, Marie Elena Cortes shares her story from being an undocumented student in Mexico to coming back to her homeland to learn a second language, becoming a teacher, publishing her children’s books, surviving cancer in 2018, and coming out of a world pandemic stronger than ever. Numbers reflect the health of a person, the influence of a teacher and the production of a business. Probability and patterns are part of history. Always check your numbers and if you don’t like it, do something about it, no matter the struggles in life!
Mark Sedgwick, the C0-Host of Shine Podcast, Fitness Coach and Musical Artist shares the power of numbers using it as a tool for recording your business progress or creating a list of personal goals. He and his mother, Marie Elena Cortes, collaborate to share empowering concepts (the LIGHT) through presentations, social media, art beautification projects, and creative content. Total: 45-60 minutes

DISCOVER THE POWER OF THINKING
Marie Elena Cortes and her son Mark Sedgwick, share their story and the beautiful consequences that come from thinking, being a good role model and planning your future.
Students watch the book character from "My Annoying Little Brother" grow up and share his story! Super cool and unique story that everyone will enjoy.

HeARTful Teens
Happiness
Encouragement
Adventure
Responsibility
Tolerance
Forgiveness
Uniqueness
Love
A unique and fun workshop that will inspire our teens to plan a better future through the arts! Students will discover a variety of art forms and at the same time listen to long-lasting meaningful advise that parents what them to take more serious.
The main goal of this workshop is to motivate teens to grow up to become responsible and productive citizens who create joyful moments and become wise adults.

S.M.I.L.E.
Single Moms Inspire Learn and Educate
Helping teen moms to discover the power of being a responsible mom!
"Becoming a mother completely changed my life. My two children have inspire me to focus on my dreams & goals. I love them so much!
My first Children's Book was created for them...they inspire me everyday to be the best I can be!"-Marie Elena Cortes, Director & Founder of S.M.I.L.E.
Esmeralda Gonzalez, President

Kids Write to Know
What Author's Do!
Marie Elena shares her journey as a writer and what inspires her to write (Pre-K to 12th grade).
Students will enjoy a book reading, multimedia presentation and a mini writing workshop. Students are invited to bring a picture of a sibling or a best friend.
Duration: 60 minutes per grade level
Pre-K and K presentations available and are 30 minutes
Book reading and signing for "My Annoying Little Brother" in Chicago-2007
To schedule your next Author Visit please call (832) 388-8218

Teachers 1st
First Year Teacher Workshop
Pre-K to 1st Grade
Empower your first year teachers!
Get workstation ideas from the perspective of an author who taught for 15 yrs.
Marie Elena will share her book: "My First Classroom"
and speak about the importance of well organized and caring teacher in a classroom. Her book will give ideas of how to organize a first year teacher's classroom!
Teachers will learn:
Importance of a well balance integrated classroom
Classroom management tips
Classroom Library ideas
Behavior Management tips
Organization strategies
Parent Communication Ideas
"Make & Take" 3 portable workstations where kids will practice critical thinking skills
Get ideas on how to create interactive bulletin boards in the hallway
*** Teachers must have access to materials and laminating machine
* ** School must provide materials: construction paper, scissors, poster boards, markers, pencils, glue, etc.
To schedule your next Author Visit please call (832) 388-8218

Kids Write to Inspire
Marie Elena can help your school organize a powerful community event! She will serve as your community coordinator and connect your school with other key speakers and sponsors for your event. Let Marie Elena help your school organize an unforgettable community event that will inspire others.
Suggested topics:
Go Green
We love Texas
Art U Ready?
Mathematicians at Work
Scientific Approach
School must:
-Have access to computer lab
-Provide materials
-Have teacher or teacher aide present to monitor students at all workshops
To schedule your next Author Visit please call (832) 388-8218

Kids Write to Know Environmental Awareness
Marie Elena will read one of her books to your students. After her book reading, Marie Elena will have a conversation with the students about the importance of writing about topics that make others reflect. Students will then be encouraged to make their own signs using recycled materials with messages that will inspire their community.
The students on this picture were working on a green inniciative at their campus. Students got inspired about writing after Marie Elena's presentation and made signs using recycled card board to help celebrate Kids Write to Know Day 2012.
To schedule your next Author Visit please call (832) 388-8218

Kids Write To Celebrate Teachers!
Marie Elena will go to your event to read her book: "My First Classroom" and discuss the importance of a teacher or role model in a child's life. She also talks about the responsibilities of a student. After her presentation she will sign books and do face painting for one hour.
Most popular are:
Open House
Literacy Night
Educational Conference
Holiday Festivals
Duration: Book reading & book discussion (30 minutes) plus 1 hr. of face painting.
*School can pre-order books at a special price and use event as a fundraiser!
Call for more information.
To schedule your next Author Visit please click here (http://www.greatschoolspeakers.com/author-visit)or call
1.800.531.1347 Ext. 1 ask for SaRita Dean, Author Appearance Coordinator

Author Visits
Kids Write to Know collaborates with non-profits and businesses to promote literacy, art, history, culture, and diversity
Invite Marie Elena to collaborate with your non-profit or business.
To schedule your next Author Visit please call (832) 388-8218

Kids Write to Know
The Book Process
*Book Reading/The Book Process/Discussion/Q&A
(30 minutes per classroom)
*must book an entire grade level
*Book Reading/Discussion/Activity for the entire school (can be in one or two sessions in the cafeteria or auditorium)
Note: One teacher or teacher aide per class must stay during the entire book reading or writing workshop to supervise students.
To schedule your next Author Visit please call (832) 388-8218