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School and site visits

In addition to being an acclaimed kidlit author, Katherine has been a classroom teacher (little kiddos to adults) for over 22 years. ​She loves speaking to groups – children, teens, and adults – and she’d love to visit yours!

Katherine is available for:

  • Virtual and in-person visits with schools (pre-K-12th and up!)

  • Book clubs

  • Home school groups

  • Libraries

  • Writing workshops

  • Conferences and book festivals

Visit options

1

Virtual: 20-minute Q&A
(Free!)

For groups who have watched Yoga with Eleonora or have read Katherine's books

Cost: FREE

One per school/site/group, per year.

Additional sessions may be scheduled as paid visits.

2

Virtual: Full Author Presentation + Q&A

See below for session visit and writing workshop options.

Session times:

  • (Pre-K/K-1st) 30-40 mins.

  • (2nd-5th) 40-50 mins.

  • (6th-12th) 45-55 mins.

 

Cost: $200/session

3

In-Person
Author Visit​

See below for session visit and writing workshop options.


Session times:

  • ​(Pre-K/K-5th) 45-50 mins.

  • (6th-12th) 45-55 mins.

 

Cost:

  • L.A. area (within 30 mile radius from Pasadena): $400/session

  • Out-of-L.A. area (outside 30 mile radius from Pasadena): $600 + travel expenses, incl. lodging, airfare, car rental, if necessary

  • Assembly (up to one hour): $600 + travel expenses

VISITS/PRESENTATIONS MAY NOT BE RECORDED OR SHARED.

For the younger crowd (pre-K/K to elementary)

Meet Eleonora!

 

Meet Katherine, who is the writer, voice, and co-creator of Yoga with Eleonora — and meet Eleonora, herself, too!

​In this interactive, fun, and meaningful presentation that is rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL), participants will practice identifying Eleonora's feelings, let Eleonora know how they are feeling right now, learn more about yoga and why it helps us, watch 1-2 videos of Yoga with Eleonora, and have a Feeling Freeze Dance Party with Katherine and Eleonora!

They'll also be able to ask both Katherine and Eleonora questions.

A rainbow inside my body

 

E. Katherine Kottaras and Vanitha Swaminathan, co-authors of the illustrated book A RAINBOW INSIDE MY BODY, offer an engaging way to build self-awareness, empathy, and wellness in students through a presentation aligned with California State Standards for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Physical Education, and Ancient History.

Presentations are available with one or both authors, depending on availability and scheduling.

Let's connect to inspire and engage your students!

For the older crowd (10 to 100+ years)

Fear and Writing

 

The blank page. The blinking cursor. Hours on Snapchat or Facebook, and the subsequent regret that “I could have been writing!” We’ve all faced the debilitating experience, also known as Writer’s Block. In this session, Katherine offers a variety of exercises, activities, and prompts to overcome the fear of the blank page and get the words flowing.

Mindful Practices and the Creative Process

 

In The Best Possible Answer, Vivi struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. While of course students who are experiencing similar struggles should first and foremost be supported by professional health experts, mindful practices (like gentle movement and deep breathing) offer a holistic approach to the relationship between the body and the mind, and can encourage a state of creative “flow” that can support students of all talents and abilities. As a certified health and wellness coach, yoga teacher, and creative writing instructor, Katherine leads participants through a very gentle seated and standing yoga practice, focused meditation, and writing and/or drawing to create from a place of joy, rather than suffering.

 

Loving Your Body and Boosting Self-Esteem

 

In How to Be Brave, Georgia feels uncomfortable in her body that’s deemed “overweight” by society’s standards, and part of her storyline is that she finds confidence in her body, as it is – that losing weight does not equal being brave. Booklist noted, “Georgia’s struggles with weight and body image are also handled with care. “ Katherine leads a gender-inclusive discussion about body image that includes a focus on mass media and body dissatisfaction, along with practical tools for gaining self-esteem and positive body acceptance.

I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to visit with our girls today. Many returned to class and shared how much they enjoyed the presentation. I'm sure they'll reflect on your important message and hopefully experience some peace where none existed prior to your visit.

Cathy Blackler, English Teacher Santana High School, La Puente, CA A California Model Continuation School

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