SCHOOL VISITS
For me, the only thing better than writing for children is sharing my love for books with them. I’ve presented at schools, libraries, and conferences across Hong Kong, and around the world. From Singapore to Mumbai, to Texas, I’ve customized presentations to meet the curriculum needs of each school and have made even large school assemblies and conference presentations feel interactive. No matter where I go, my goals are the same:
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Inspiring a love for reading and writing
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Encouraging creativity and imagination
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Promoting cultural awareness and diversity
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Cultivating empathy
Don't hesitate to get in touch with me to reserve a date on the 2024-2025 school calendar:
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Beth McNeilly, Shrewsbury International School, Hong Kong.
“I just want to tell you how many grownups here, including teachers, TAs, the lot, came to say how very much they loved your presentation, how important they felt it was, and how fantastic a presenter you are. We all feel that way about you.”
Hugh Beames – Sha Tin Junior School, Hong Kong
“Using online tools such as Zoom can provide new challenges in engaging students, however, Ritu Hemnani manages effectively, using humor, engaging tidbits about her personal history, and a confident speaking style to grab the viewers’ attention. Through her virtual visits, Ritu creates an immersive experience where students can connect with her personal stories, gain insights into different cultures, and develop a heightened sense of empathy. Ritu's ability to captivate young minds and spark curiosity is truly commendable, making her author visits a valuable addition to any school's educational program.
Pamela Reverman, Canadian International School of Hong Kong
“You always do such a great job of helping the students make connections to the learning targets for our migration unity. You bring in just the right amount of history and factual knowledge along with the magic of your family story. You are always age-appropriate and so engaging in your presentation. As teachers, we all look forward to your visit each year.”
SCHOOL VISIT AND PRESENTATION FEE SCHEDULE: 2024-2025
IN-PERSON SCHOOL VISITS
Talks: HK$1300/hour
Workshops: HK$1400/hour
VIRTUAL SCHOOL VISITS
Single Class Presentation: US$170/hour
Large Group Presentation: US$250/hour
VIRTUAL ZOOM SESSIONS:
These can be a wonderful way to introduce young people to authors living in a different country and get them excited about writing. By connecting with an author from afar, children not only gain exposure to diverse storytelling techniques but also develop a broader perspective on cultural experiences. Through these interactions, young readers can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of global literature. Connecting with authors from different countries helps children expand their horizons, fostering a sense of curiosity, empathy, and understanding of different cultures and perspectives. This exposure to international authors can ignite a lifelong love for writing and storytelling, inspiring young people to explore their creative potential and embrace the power of imagination.
School Visits
TALKS AND WORKSHOPS
SESSION 1 TALK: HUMAN MIGRATION
Human Migation is a response to challenges, risks, and opportunities. (Ages 8-12.) I will engage students in a lively discussion about the types of migration we see in the world today and the main themes of loss, resilience, and hope in both my books, Gope and Meera – A Migration Story as well as Lion of the Sky. We will explore the push/pull factors, challenges, risks, and opportunities of human migration and learn about the 1947 Partition of India.
SESSION 2 WORKSHOP: THE POWER OF WORDS
The Power Of Words in building connections and bridging worlds. (Ages: 8-18.) A popular session for preparing students for their PYP Exhibition, MYP Exhibition, and Year 12. How can words make a difference in today’s world and why should we write? I will inspire students to dig deep to find the purpose of writing by sharing about my relationship with words from the little girl who scribbled down winning poems, the university DJ who scripted her weekly shows, the teacher who scripted plays for her students, the author who wrote a book for her community, the TEDx presenter who crafted a message for future generations and the SCMP journalist who shares human interest articles that build connections, one article at a time.
SESSION 3 WORKSHOP: INTRODUCING THE VERSE NOVEL
(Ages 8-18.) Leaping into the world of Lion of the Sky, we will engage in a lively discussion about the power of
language to evoke emotion. We will explore both funny and scary poems that help us empathize with characters. We will also discover the tools used in narrative verse before students write and share their narrative poems about scrumptious food, scenes with tension, and the ultimate cliffhanger! Students will be inspired to write in verse and step out of their comfort zones to unleash the creativity that lies inside each one of us.
SESSION 4 TALK: UNVEILING MY PATH TO PUBLICATION
On this engaging journey, I will unveil the intricate steps that led to the successful traditional publication of my middle-grade novel in verse, Lion of the Sky with HarperCollins. From the inception of the idea to honing my writing skills, securing representation, landing a book deal, collaborating with editors, and mastering the art of effective book marketing, I will reveal the behind-the-scenes secrets that have shaped my career as a renowned children's book author.
SESSION 5 WORKSHOP: INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING (IN-PERSON ONLY)
(Ages 7-15.) Why is storytelling important and how can we become more effective storytellers? With the use of movement and props, I will engage students and share insights in a lively session of interactive storytelling. My storytelling strategies require willing participants, a sense of humor, and a large dose of empathy.
I bring history to life for young people and my books encourage kids to believe that nothing is impossible if you can imagine it. A school visit by a children’s author is a fabulous way to promote literacy. Kids love it when I share with them the early pages of my books. They can see how each story began, understand that the finished product with formatted text and glorious illustrations did not start that way, and they can embrace the process of revision, knowing that nothing is perfect the first time we do it.
I look forward to hearing from you!