School Visits and Author Talks
Looking to book a School Visit?
Rachel is an author of two books; Teaching Kids to be Kind (Skyhorse, 2020 - a non fiction parenting book) and A Blue Kind of Day (Penguin, 2022 - a picture book about depression). She is also a psychologist who has worked with children and families in a variety of settings; play therapy, education, counselling, family support programs and residential facilities. Rachel is available for Author Talks and School Visits and uses her extensive experience with children to deliver engaging sessions about writing and story telling, but also brings her professional knowledge of children’s mental health and wellbeing to offer unique visits addressing the “Hidden” and health curriculums.
The Hidden Curriculum
A Blue Kind of Day is a picture book which explores depression, low mood and self regulation strategies. A “Hidden Curriculum” session (including elements of the Health Curriculum) will not only focus on breaking down the stigma of mental health by creating open dialogue, but it also works on building students emotional literacy which is show to decrease emotional reactivity and increase self-regulation. This session includes an author reading, and psychologist led discussions and interactive activities aimed at exploring emotions and coping. This workshop works best as a series of small presentations (individual classrooms or selected students up to 35) due to the interactive nature.
The English Curriculum
A Blue Kind of Day uses several literary devices which makes it an interesting and fun way for students to explore story telling. The session will include an author reading and will focus on the narrative techniques of building a picture book from an original idea to publication.
Parent or Educator Sessions
A unique opportunity to engage parents, guardians of students or educations around one of two topics. Topic one focuses on content of A Blue Kind of Day; depression, anxiety and how mental health presentations appear in children as well as exploring practical strategies to support children in emotional distress and to build emotional literacy. Topic two focuses on Teaching Kids to be Kind; which explores how to develop empathy and compassion in children, including how to regulate and manage big emotions.
Quotes from Schools
“Rachel has a natural way with children by creating a calm, quiet space where the children were not only engaged but mesmerized by her storytelling. ‘A Blue Kind of Day’ is a beautiful book with an important message made clear and relatable to all children regardless of their current mindset. The students sympathized with Coen and enjoyed exploring ways to allow him to find his way back to his happy place.”
-Rachael Stone – St James’ Anglican School Library-
Cost
Fees align with minimum recommendations set out by the Australian Association of Authors.
Virtual Rates
Live Reading and discussion (up to 60 mins, including Q&A portion)
1 session $305
2 sessions (on the same day) $431
3 sessions (on the same day) $634
Sessions are for class sized groups, any students over 50 add additional $50 (over 100 add additional $100)
Recording of the session - cost to be negotiated depending on intended use
Live Workshop (up to 60 mins, including Q&A portion)
1 session $330
2 sessions (on the same day) $457
3 sessions (on the same day) $660
Sessions are for maximum 35 students
Recording of the session - cost to be negotiated depending on intended use
In Person Rates
Single school session or parent/educator session
60 mins $330
90 mins $406
No more than 110 students/individuals, surcharge of $100 for every student over 110
Workshops
Single session (60 mins) $330
Half Day (2 x consecutive 60 min sessions or no more than 1 hour between sessions) $457
Full day (either 3 x 60 minute sessions or 4 x 45 minute sessions) $660
Workshops are class sized only (max 35 students)
please note that K - Y3 consider smaller groups or shorter session times
Extended travel
Petrol and extended travel time $61 per hour in excess of 1 hour for a one-way trip
Travel & Accommodation – working away from home
Full travel costs and accommodation should be provided. In addition, a minimum per diem of $81 per day should be paid to the author to cover food and incidentals.
