1.  Classroom Visit + Book Reading

Dee’s bright and fun energy will delight all the youth in your organization or program when she reads one of her Little Ruth books. All readings are followed by Q&A and include activities, giveaways, and photos. Organizations, programs, and families will have an opportunity to purchase books for students.

• Children ages 5 – 9 years old (i.e., Elementary School Grades K – 3)
  
  • Length: 45 min per session
    
    • Add 15 min transition between sessions
  • Price: Prices include travel up to 50 miles from McLean, VA; Travel for 51 miles or greater from McLean, VA must add travel expenses and lodging.
    
    • 1 – 25 students in 1 session: $450
    • 26 – 50 students in 2 sessions, 25 students per session: $500
    • 51+ students in 3 or more sessions: $550 an up
    • Book purchases can cover or be used toward payment for speaking.
    • Alternative pricing such as in-kind, and donation price models are available.  Email Partnerships@LittleRuth.com for more information.
  • More Info

• Children ages 3 – 4 years old (i.e., PreK–3 and PreK–4 / Early Childhood students)
  
  • Length: 45 min per session
    
    • Add 15 min transition between sessions
  • Price: Prices include travel up to 50 miles from McLean, VA; Travel for 51 miles or greater from McLean, VA must add travel expenses and lodging.
    
    • 1 – 25 students in 1 session: $450
    • 26 – 50 students in 2 sessions, 25 students per session: $500
    • 51+ students in 3 or more sessions: $550 an up
    • Book purchases can cover or be used toward payment for speaking.
    • Alternative pricing such as in-kind, and donation price models are available.  Email Partnerships@LittleRuth.com for more information.
  • More Info

2.  Teach a Class or Workshop

Children and youth love to showcase their creativity and inner author when Dee teaches a class or workshop.   Example topics include creative writing and storytelling, collaborative storyboarding, technical writing skills, literary analysis and other topics.  Q&A is included throughout and at the conclusion of the session, and classes/workshops can be combined with a book reading.  Sessions are grouped by age group and grade level and customized to the organization’s and students’ needs.

Classes/Workshops take place during 1 but not more than 2 classroom periods during summer camp or after school.  They can be combined with another class/workshop as part of an Artist Fellowship / Residency.  Any class or workshop may be expanded into multiday or multi-session offerings as part of a Artist Fellowship / Residency.

• Children ages 5 – 11 years old (i.e., Elementary School Grades K – 5)
• Children ages 12 – 14 years old (i.e., Middle School Grades 6 – 8)
  • Length: 45 minutes – 1 hour, depending on organization/program/class schedule.
  • 2+ Classes/Workshops: For 2 or more classes/workshops, see the Artist Fellowship / Residency section.
  • Price: Price assumes approximately 25 students or fewer per class/workshop and includes travel up to 50 miles from McLean, VA; Travel for 51 miles or greater from McLean, VA must add travel expenses and lodging.
    • • $500 per class
      • Up to 1 class / workshop per visit.  For 2+ sessions, see the Artist Fellowship / Residency section.
      • Book purchases can cover the cost of a class/workshop.
    • Sample Topics
      
      • Wondrous Writing & Language Arts (Ages 5 – 9 / Grades K – 3). Dee will guide students through a storytelling and writing class. Class is adapted to students’ development milestones based on their age and the curriculum used by the organization, program, or local school district. Students will leave the class having produced their own independent writing pieces that demonstrate their comprehension of core curriculum topics, such as the elements of a story or other language arts and writing skills. Your students will love this hands-on session that helps them learn the technical aspects of writing in a fun way.
      • Imagination Station (Ages 6 – 9 / Grades 1 – 3). Ages 10+ / Grades 4 and above). Students will be enthused by this incredibly interactive session that blends the art of drawing and painting with the art of writing and storytelling. Dee helps students imagine and develop their own stories using activities that range from creating and coloring illustrative storyboards to adding the words to make their stories come to life. Students can either create an “All In” story through a collaborative process with all their classmates or work on individual stories of their own. This class is a great opportunity for students to develop a love for and learn about the artful aspects of storytelling and creative writing.
      • Let’s Play Pretend Publishing (Ages 5 – 9 / Grades 1 – 3).  Who says youth can’t run a publishing company?! Dee takes students on a publishing house journey of their own creation. Students will lead and participate in multiple stations of their own publishing house that they run, all while learning about the publishing process from having an idea to producing a published book. Stations will include creating, editing, publishing and selling a class book.
      • Amazing Literary Analysts (Ages 10 – 11 / Grades 4 – 5; Ages 12 – 14 / Grades 6 – 8; Ages 15 – 18 / Grades 9 – 12). Students will select an age-appropriate published work by Dee or by another author for Dee to read with the class or, for longer books, read selections from the book with the class. After reading, Dee will lead students in literary analysis and discussion that covers grade-level language arts concepts. Class will include Q&A, giveaways, and photos.
  • More Info

3.  Artist Fellowship / Residency

Children and youth can’t contain their creativity and excitement when Dee is a writing fellow or resident artist at their organization or program.  Over multiple classes or days, she teaches creative and technical writing skills and covers topics related to writing and storytelling, publishing, entrepreneurship, or other real-world topics.  Residencies / Fellowships can include a book reading.  Sessions are grouped by grade level and customized to classroom needs.  Residency / Fellowship sessions take place during the school day or after school, and typically last for up to a single 5-day week, M – F.  Sessions are grouped by age group and grade level and delivered based on the needs of the children your organization serves.  For significant customization, please see our Curriculum & Program Design offering.

• Children ages 5 – 11 years old (i.e., Elementary School Grades K – 5)
• Children ages 12 – 14 years old (i.e., Middle School Grades 6 – 8)
• Children ages 16 – 18 years old (i.e., High School Grades 11 – 12)
  
  • Length: 45 min per class
    
    • Add 15 min transition between classes

• • Price: Prices include travel up to 50 miles from McLean, VA each day over multiple days and assume no overnight stays. Travel for 51 miles or greater from McLean, VA must add travel expenses and lodging.
    
    • 2 classes: $900
    • 3 classes: $1,260
    • 4 classes: $1,600
    • 5 classes: $2,000
    • 6 classes: $2,400
    • Book purchases can cover or be used toward payment for speaking.
    • Alternative pricing such as in-kind, and donation price models are available.  Email Partnerships@LittleRuth.com for more information.
  • • Sample Topics.
      
      • Ideation Station (Available for: Ages 6 – 9 / Grades 1 – 3; Ages 10+ / Grades 4 and above). Students will be enthused by this incredibly interactive session that blends the art of drawing and painting with the art of writing and storytelling. Dee helps students imagine and develop their own stories using activities that range from creating and coloring illustrative storyboards to adding the words to make their stories come to life. Students can either create an “All In” story through a collaborative process with all their classmates or work on individual stories of their own. This class is a great opportunity for students to develop a love for and learn about the artful aspects of storytelling and creative writing.
      • Confident Composition (Available for: Ages 10 – 11 / Grades 4 – 5; Ages 12 – 14 / Grades 6 – 8; Ages 15 – 18 / Grades 9 – 12). Dee helps students grow their confidence in their writing capabilities. Her approach reinforces grade-level technical writing skills and encourages students to use their individual perspectives to confidently tell the story they wish to compose. Students will love this hands-on writing class that helps them learn the technical aspects of writing in an individualized way.
      • Big Brains & Big Ideas (Available for: Ages 12 – 14 / Grades 6 – 8; Ages 15 – 18 / Grades 9 – 12). Dee helps students develop their creative and artistic writing skills by developing their own ideas into full stories, poems, or even the beginnings of a chapter book. Students will love blending their ideas with other artistic expressions to celebrate the art of storytelling and writing. With activities that range from storyboarding to drawing and painting to singing or spoken word students will be able to bring their creativity to life. Students can either create an “All In” story through a collaborative process with all their classmates or work on their individual stories of their own to present.
      • Publishing House Simulation (Available for: Ages 10 – 11 / Grades 4 – 5; Ages 12 – 14 Grades 6 – 8; Ages 15 – 18 / Grades 9 – 12). Students will love this interactive session that lets them own the publishing process and bring an idea from its initial vision to a published work. Students will create, edit, publish, and sell a class book. Older students’ simulation is differentiated from younger grades by its increased complexity and inclusion of elements that integrate grade-level math and social studies skills to consider key publishing issues such as pricing, market size and location, and distribution.
      • All About Entrepreneurship (Ages 16 – 18 / Grades 11 – 12). Dee will talk with budding authors who want to publish their own literary works and develop a sustainable brand and business based on their works of authorship. Students will have an opportunity to share and discuss their own related business ideas with Dee and discuss all topics covered in the session.
• More Info

4.  Classes & Programs for Adults

Why should kids have all the fun?! As an adult, it’s never too late to start a new career, grow your hobby into a more substantial endeavor, or otherwise begin a second act at any age. Dee knows this all too well and loves to engage with other like-minded people who are taking the next step in their own professional lives. Dee will lead a class workshop, residency, or fellowship for adults of any age. Most single classes/workshops can be modified to become a residency / fellowship and visa versa. For more customization, see Curriculum & Program Design.

• Adults of any age can participate in classes, workshops, and residency / fellowship courses based on the rules and guidelines of the organization or program. It is strongly recommended that organizations and programs consider grouping adults by age or consistent with life experience, constraints, and needs. The Little Ruth team can offer support to organizations / programs that need support with questionnaires or other strategies for group adult participants.
  • Length: 45 min per class
    
    • Add 15 min transition between classes

• • Price: Prices include travel up to 50 miles from McLean, VA each day over multiple days and assume no overnight stays. Travel for 51 miles or greater from McLean, VA must add travel expenses and lodging.
    
    • 2 classes: $1,000
    • 3 classes: $1,360
    • 4 classes: $1,700
    • 5 classes: $2,100
    • 6 classes: $2,500
    • Alternative pricing such as in-kind, and donation price models are available.  Email Partnerships@LittleRuth.com for more information.
  • • Sample Topics. The following are examples of topics Dee can cover during a class, workshop, fellowship, or residency for organizations that serve adults.
      
      • So You Want to be an Author? Dee will facilitate a single class/workshop or a residency/fellowship that teaches people the real ins and outs of self-publishing. This course is taught based on real-life and step-by-step guidance rather than one-in-a-million overnight success stories. Material will highlight insights from publishing industry insiders.
      • Entrepreneurship Residency. Dee Write knows about entrepreneurship and second careers. As a JD-MBA who launched and grew a successful business over 5 years, is guiding the success of her publishing company, and has held multiple careers all while juggling real life, Dee can relate to any session participant who is trying to navigate their own journey. Participants in this course will learn about entrepreneurship tactics to build businesses that create sustainable income or create secondary passive income, whether based on independent works of authorship or another business model.
• More Info

5.  Keynote Speaker / Panelist

Dee will participate in your event as the main speaker or panelist with other speakers, providing an inspirational message that integrates topics that are meaningful to your organization, audience, and community.

• • Length: Based on the speaking event schedule
    
    • Assumes 1 hour of program with up to 20 – 25 min. of speaking time or less plus 15 min transition time if serving as speaker or panelist in multiple sessions.

• • Price: Prices include travel up to 50 miles from McLean, VA; Travel for 51 miles or greater from McLean, VA must add travel expenses and lodging.
    
    • Up to 300 event attendees: $500
    • Up to 500 event attendees: $750
    • Up to 750 event attendees: $1,000
    • 751+ event attendees: $1,500
    • Additional time beyond 1 hour is billed at $150/hour.
    • Book purchases can cover or be used toward payment for speaking.
    • Alternative pricing such as in-kind, and donation price models are available.  Email Partnerships@LittleRuth.com for more information.
  • More Info

6.  Fairs, Festivals, Fundraisers

Event goers and guests will be entertained when you have Dee as a highlighted artist to emcee, speak, do a performative and interactive reading of one of Little Ruth books, sign books or otherwise participate in your event.

• • Length: Based on the speaking event schedule
    
    • Assumes up to approximately 40 min. of speaking time, broken up, with flexibility for Dee’s participation in other event activities.

• • Price: Prices include travel up to 50 miles from McLean, VA; Travel for 51 miles or greater from McLean, VA must add travel expenses and lodging.
    
    • Up to 300 event attendees: $500
    • Up to 500 event attendees: $750
    • Up to 750 event attendees: $1,000
    • 751+ event attendees: $1,500
    • Additional time beyond 1 hour is billed at $150/hour.
    • Book purchases can cover or be used toward payment for speaking.
    • Alternative pricing such as in-kind, and donation price models are available.  Email Partnerships@LittleRuth.com for more information.
  • More Info

7.  Curriculum & Program Design

Dee and the Little Ruth team will collaborate with your organization to develop a curriculum that supports the following outcomes for young children, adolescents, and teens.

• Literacy & Reading Comprehension
• Self-confidence & Self Esteem
• Exposure to Positive Representation
• Social Emotional Development
• Problem Solving & Community Building Skills
• Life Skills to become and author-entrepreneur

We have two curriculum and program design offerings: (1) full development of a single lesson plan and (2) full development of a 5-hour multiday program.

Full development of a single lesson plan for 45 min. class

• Price:
  
  • $1,750 per program. Prices do not include participation in program or curriculum delivery from Dee Write or Little Ruth staff; program or curriculum delivery by Little Ruth staff, including Dee Write, is priced on a case-by-case basis.
  • Alternative pricing such as in-kind, and donation price models are available.  Email Partnerships@LittleRuth.com for more information.
  • Includes:
    
    • Consultation with organization
    • 2 rounds of edits
    • Training for organization / program staff to deliver program and content
  • Assumptions:
    
    • Organization / Program has existing framework for curriculum within which Little Ruth team will create and adapt content OR
    • Little Ruth team will create and adapt content to fit within an existing Little Ruth framework or curriculum

• More Info

 

Full development of a multiday 5-hour program

• Price:
  
  • $3,500 in minimum price for a multiday program. Prices do not include participation in program or curriculum delivery from Dee Write or Little Ruth staff; program or curriculum delivery by Little Ruth staff, including Dee Write, is priced on a case-by-case basis.
  • Alternative pricing such as in-kind, and donation price models are available.  Email Partnerships@LittleRuth.com for more information.
  • Includes:
    
    • Consultation with organization
    • 2 rounds of edits
    • Training for organization / program staff to deliver program and content
  • Assumptions:
    
    • E.g., Programming for 9 am – 3 pm
    • Two short breaks, transition times, and lunch for students – 1 hour total – on top of 5 hours instruction / engagement
• More Info

 

8.  Conference

Dee will attend your organization’s conferences as a speaker, panelist, workshop lead, or moderator.

• Available for all organization types that are not schools or school-based programs
  
  • Length: Based on the conference schedule
    
    • Assumes 1 – 2 hours of participation consistent with one of the following activity types
      
      • Keynote Speaker / Panelist
      • Fairs, Festivals, Fundraisers
      • Individual workshop participation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis
  • Price:
    
    • Prices are consistent with one of the following activity types
    • Keynote Speaker / Panelist
    • Fairs, Festivals, Fundraisers
    • Individual workshop participation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis
  • More Info

*** Little Ruth Children’s Collection works with a broad range of community based and national organizations, serving varying constituencies across various demographic and socio-economic circumstances. If your organization needs options beyond what is provided on this page, please use the booking form to help us learn more about your organization’s needs. If you need more direct assistance, please reach out to Partnerships@LittleRuth.com.