I've been presenting at schools all over the country for more than 25 years. Each year, I develop new, interactive presentations to keep things fresh and exciting for everyone. While the structure and content are new every year, my presentations are always fun, fast-paced explanations of how I create my books. Using a grade-appropriate, interactive digital slide show, I explain the writing process from generating ideas to writing rough drafts to editing and revising. I emphasize the vital importance of all the revisions and changes that all good writers do to their work. I share rough drafts with the students and demonstrate why it's so important to keep working and reworking the writing. I also show how I create the artwork for the books and explain how the writing and illustrating processes are linked for me. Each presentation ends with a drawing demonstration and questions from the audience.

The Erie Canal Museum offers Field Trips Experiences Tailored for the 2nd, 4th, 7th, and High School curriculum, however we welcome students of any age and classrooms of any size. A field Trip experience includes an hour-long docent-led indoor tour, with the option of an additional hour-long outdoor walking tour. Lesson plans are available for pre-visit and post-visit enrichment. Lunch space is available upon request. Financial Assistance is available. If you would like to bring your students to the Erie Canal Museum, reach out today.

David Wong has been called a “Rock Star” in the violin world. With over 6.7 million YouTube views and 33k subscribers, he’s attracted the attention of people around the world with mentions in Time Magazine, Huffington Post, MSN, Good Morning America and features on YouTube’s Home Page. He has performed in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to Hotel Café and collaborated with artists such as The War and Treaty, Cory Wong, and Air Traffic Controller. David is an avid string clinician specializing in live looping, non-traditional techniques, and content creation. He has presented at the Ohio State University String Teachers Workshop, Suzuki Music Columbus, and over 50 public school systems throughout the United States. As a live looping specialist with his violin, David has taught and performed in many schools across the US to great acclaim. He weaves original arrangements as a "one-man-band," playing the music that students know and love from streaming, movies, and other pop cultural phenomenons. David's performances and presentations often include: -introductions to improvising -live looping explanations and demonstrations -extended techniques such as chopping (from beginner to advanced), acoustic distortion, and other non-traditional and non-classical sounds -group layering to build "acoustic backing tracks/loops" -incorporating technology into music David graduated from Amherst College in 2008 with a double major in Music and Asian Studies. He currently resides northwest of Albany, NY

The author/illustrator of over 30 children’s books, Eric Velasquez is also the recipient of the NAACP Image Award for outstanding literature of children. His pre-K - 12 programs are admired by students and teachers alike-- Eric is as good a storyteller in person as he is on the page. During his 45-60 minute presentations, Eric generally relates his personal dual-heritage experience growing up in Spanish Harlem, accompanied by the autobiographical illustrations and music featured in his books. He also explains his writing and artistic process from brainstorming through revision, culminating in a live portrait session (projected on screen so every student can see), which is accompanied by a Q&A.

Move & Motivate with Mr. Chris is an interactive Hip Hop Dance and Music School Assembly including Social Emotional Learning (SEL) & Healthy Living Prepare your students to have the dance experience of a lifetime! Youth Motivational Speaker Chris “Zondaflex” Tyler energizes students with an unforgettable mix of hip hop dance, music, comedy and motivation, inspiring them to stay active, be positive, and be kind for a successful future. This dynamic, high-energy performance captivates audiences while delivering powerful life lessons they’ll remember long after the assembly ends! Move & Motivate with Mr. Chris isn’t just about movement—it’s about empowerment. This interactive program combines hip hop dance with social emotional learning (SEL), character education, and the benefits of healthy living, reinforcing messages on achievement, motivation, personal power, bullying prevention, perseverance, and more. Chris makes staying active fun, emphasizing how movement boosts mental focus, self-confidence, and overall well-being. Why Movement Matters With obesity rising globally, now more than ever, students need to understand the importance of staying active in a way that feels exciting and natural. Move & Motivate with Mr. Chris makes movement accessible for everyone, showing how dancing, fitness, and mindset work together to create a healthier, happier life. Chris’ passion is to inspire all students—not just through words, but through an interactive experience that gets them moving, thinking, and believing in themselves. His crazy, energetic, and engaging performance challenges youth to embrace their individuality, take responsibility for their choices, and strive for success—all while having an absolute blast! Customizable, Interactive, and Unforgettable Move and Motivate with Mr. Chris provides a fully customizable presentation based on your school’s needs. Topics include (but are not limited to): Social Emotional Learning (SEL) | Healthy Living Through Movement | Bullying & Cyber Bullying | Overcoming Adversity | The Power of Perseverance | Character Building & Leadership | Anti-Bullying & Cyber-Bullying Awareness | Teamwork & Respect | Black History | Living a Positive Lifestyle and more! Also perfect for Dance Nights, School Parties, and DJ Events—Chris brings the energy to every event! Don’t miss out! Chris “Zondaflex” Tyler is the real deal—and your students won’t stop talking about this experience! Black History Content for Chris: In his Black History Dance Assembly, Chris specifically mentions the roots of hip-hop music and dance about black history and how pioneers in the industry started a movement that is still taught today. Don “Campbellock” will be featured and students will learn how he started a style called locking while they learn some of the locking dance moves. Chris also features Sam Solomon and how he created the style of dance called popping, which is the practice of contracting and relaxing muscles to cause a jerking motion. Finally, students will hear about Kool DJ Herc who started the popular form of dance called breakdancing.

Author Ben Mikaelsen He does Zoom/Skype/Google Meet sessions 30-45 mins for $250.00. He does an introduction of himself and then talks about the book the students are reading and then opens it up for Q & A.

The Physics Bus rolls up to schools, parks, fairs, and community centers to invite hands-on science for the senses. Most of our exhibits and demonstrations are made from repurposed materials, offering direct experience with unusual phenomena in an unintimidating "you can do it" way. Themed physics presentations available by special request. Free Science Inc. also offers hands-on tinkering experiences for kids (at your school or a field trip to our site in Ithaca), and teacher workshops on how to make science & engineering fun, accessible, and personally meaningful.

We offer dynamic, bilingual programs tailored for our diverse community, showcasing author visits, writing workshops, poetry readings, and engaging cultural events. Through immersive experiences, we celebrate heritage as our superpower, focusing on Afro-Caribbean culture and exploring themes like personal and cultural identity, belonging, migration, and family values. Our programs are designed to be engaging and culturally responsive, offering a rich fusion of experiences for all.

Have you noticed in your young ladies the same thing Miss Coco Flamenco has noticed – how pre-teen and teen girls shrink inside – and overcompensate outside – while the boys just… don’t? And when there’s a phone camera involved, have you noticed the stark difference between the girls’ self-conscious primping and the boys’ in-your-face pomp? Enter The Flamaze Girls – Preciosa and Danielle – played by Miss Coco Flamenco herself! Watch in flamazement as your young ladies open up to the hilarity/honesty, the grace/guts, the Flamenco moves/freedom grooves. Miss Coco brings her 30 years of stewarding young ladies into adulthood, through her time as professor, department chair, and choreographer. She has seen joyful transformations happen within the space of a single show – countless students have started watching her show with arms crossed and that “fake-bored-girl” face… only to rush to the stage afterwards for a hug and an autograph. And perhaps a blurted-out, “I used to dance, too!” Or “When are you coming back?” Or simply, “Thank you, Miss Coco.” Your young ladies will EMBRACE their betrayer bodies and UNLEASH their sensitive souls within the time-tested safe space created by the ancient, powerful, confident women of Flamenco, and under the careful guidance of Miss Coco Flamenco herself – with the dance moves and spoken word of everyone’s newest friends, Preciosa and Danielle, of course! 7th grade girls get sulky faced – clap-clip-clap-and-stomp, they erase. 8th grade girls get crossed arms – clap-clip-clap-and-stomp, they harm. Un-flamazing girls get nutsy, but! Flamaze girls? Stomp-stomp-stomp get GUTSY!

My programs connect students and staff to the magic of art and wellness, fostering self-expression, resilience, and community pride in ways that go beyond traditional instruction. With a dynamic and inclusive approach, I create memorable experiences that invite individuals to engage, reflect, and grow. Here’s how I can bring transformative value to your school: ___SERVICES____ CUSTOM MURALS & MURAL PROGRAMS I work with schools to create vibrant, community-centered murals that serve as “activation spaces” for empowerment and wellness. My mural programs involve students and staff throughout the entire creative process—from brainstorming and sketching to the final brushstroke—fostering pride and ownership of the space. Each mural is designed to reflect the school’s culture and to become a joyful, welcoming space. • Mural Programs: Involve students and staff from concept to completion • Any Size and Location: Indoor, Outdoor, Floor, Ceiling, Windows, 3D Structures • Digital/Physical Designs for Marketing and Promotion ART & WELLNESS WORKSHOPS These hands-on workshops explore the intersection of art and wellness, focusing on skills for emotional expression, identity, and creativity. Each workshop includes wellness techniques—such as mood regulation and goal-setting—that empower participants personally and academically. Workshops can be customized to provide a comprehensive and meaningful experience. • Art Techniques: Mural Making, Printmaking, Drawing, Painting, Graphic Design, Clothing Design • Wellness for Students and Staff: Yoga, Meditation, Energy Awareness, Breathing Techniques, Sound Healing • Career Pathways: Art Entrepreneurship, Portfolio Development, Self-employment Guidance • Language Support: Customized materials for non-native English speakers (Spanish available) GUEST SPEAKING Through engaging talks and interactive sessions, I share insights from my life and career that inspire students and staff to explore their potential. With options for keynote addresses, classroom discussions, professional development, and wellness workshops, each engagement is tailored to connect with audiences of any age group. • Keynote Speaker • Panel Discussions • One-on-one, Small and Large Groups • In-classroom Experiences (All ages) • Staff Development in Art and Wellness CONSULTING I offer consulting services to help schools and organizations develop meaningful art and wellness programs, design spaces that inspire, and cultivate positive school culture. • Interior/Exterior Aesthetic Design • Art Education Curriculum & Development • Wellness Curriculum & Development • Classroom Culture & Development • Staff Professional and Personal Development ADDITIONAL SERVICES To complement murals and programming, I provide extra support in content creation and promotional services to enhance the visibility and impact of your school’s art and wellness initiatives. • Custom Social Media Content for Promotional/Educational Use • Photography and Videography for School Promotion and Documentation WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE? My programs are designed to help students thrive by nurturing their creativity, focus, and self-regulation. Through a blend of art and wellness, students gain practical techniques for managing their emotions, expressing themselves, and developing valuable artistic and entrepreneurial skills—all of which support their ability to engage fully in the classroom. From hands-on mural projects that build school pride to wellness-centered workshops that equip students with tools for emotional balance, each experience creates a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the classroom. Our approach for schools offers a meaningful way to enhance classroom culture and community spirit. Teachers and staff gain new methods to support student well-being and foster a more connected, balanced environment. If you’re ready to see your school enlightened through creativity, connection, and lasting joy; let’s give them an unforgettable experience.

Do you want your students excited about math? Do you want them thinking math is awesome…even cool? Magician Brian Richards has a math school assembly program to get your elementary students pumped up about mathematics. Math Magical is a high energy elementary math show, that touches upon addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, probability, and more. Plus, it’s customized according to grade levels and student development! Using magic, comedy, and other tools of the trade, Brian will help your kids discover that not only is math fun, but they need to Study Math to Be on A Better Path. Brian Richards will also teach your students a cool magic trick that will sharpen their math skills. They will be able to take this trick home and wow their friends and families. Bring Math Magical assembly show to your school and get your students excited about Math!

Assembly programs that are full of basketball tricks, comedy and audience participation. The kids have a blast and so do the teachers. We finish every show with motivational words on teamwork and kindness.