In front of young audiences, David’s captivating stories and preposterous props demonstrate how his own curiosity as a child led to the books he writes now. Children learn, laugh, and think as he demonstrates some of the math and science concepts in his books—from simple to complex — in engaging and amusing ways. To see the delighted faces in his audience is to understand why Prof. Susan Turkel of Queens College called David “An Ambassador for Math.”
David customizes his presentations for the age of his audience, from early primary through middle school grades. He also offers workshops emphasizing science, math or writing. These are best for smaller groups, building on the assembly programs they have already seen.
David’s presentations for children are described below and in his print brochure, sent on request.
“David’s effect on the children was electric…” and other reviews of David’s presentations. – Read them here!
Featured Assemblies
When students see David only once, he presents his featured assembly, customized to the age of audience. Assembly audiences usually consist of one, two or three grades (for example, K-2, 3-5, 6-8). In order to focus the content in an age-appropriate way, David prefers to have no more than three consecutive grades per audience. All assemblies are customized to the age of the audience.
Math + Literature = Learning + Fun!
Grades K-6, 45-75 minutes
David leads his audience on an informative and inspirational journey that combines math, science and his award-winning non-fiction books. He shows how enjoyable math can be, and how it connects wit
h everyday life. Emphasizing the value of curiosity and “wonder,” David makes the link from his own childhood curiosities to the books he writes now. He discusses non-fiction research and writing from the perspective of an author who loves math and science and, with preposterous props and an engaging sense of humor, he acts out math and science concepts in a way that gets his audience cheering. Children find math more exciting than they (or their teachers) ever thought possible.
An Author’s Love of Math, Science and Books
Grades 6-8, 60 minutes
With props, photos and stories of his youth, the author of over 50 books talks to middle school students about his lifelong love of numbers, science and literature, and he shows how the three go together in his career — and in many areas of everyone’s life. He draws a direct link between his childhood curiosities and his award-winning books, and he discusses research and writing as a non-fiction author. With amusing props and stories, he enacts mathematical and scientific concepts found in the middle school curriculum (and in his books), getting his audiences to laugh and think at the same time.
The content of David’s assembly programs vary according to the age of his audience. All are highly consistent with STEM curriculum and the Common Core State Standards.
Workshops
When students attend only one event with David, they see his featured assemblies (above). If the schedule allows for groups to see him more than once, schools can choose from these workshops for smaller groups.
Think Big: Workshop on Big Numbers
Grades 4-6, 45-60 minutes
After the featured assembly, your students will be ready to tackle some BIG problems. In this mind-stretching, interactive session, David presents exponentially more sophisticated mathematical challenges, tailored to the academic level of the group.
The Storycrafter’s Art
Grades K-6, 30-60 minutes
Where do the ideas for stories come from? How does an author make a story come alive? What makes writing dramatic and vivid? How can non-fiction authors use humor, figurative language and other literary devices to heighten reader interest? These and other questions are explored in this writing or storytelling session. (For younger children, the workshop will be mostly storytelling.)
Nature’s Numbers: The Math-Science Connection
Grades 1-6, 45-60 minutes
While projecting magnificent photographs, David gives us a better appreciation of nature by illustrating (and acting out) some of the many ways that math and science go together. Topics include numbers in nature, shapes in nature, symmetry, Fibonacci numbers, predator-prey relationships, exponential growth, ratio and proportions in nature. The level of math and science is tailored to the age of the group.