Great time at John Polanyi

Thanks to librarian Mary Pace and teacher Polina Kukar for inviting me to John Polanyi Collegiate in Toronto.
I had a dozen enthusiastic learners to work with including the great Amir and Wei-Wei.
We talked about the best way to write blogs. We agreed on a host of tips.
1. Write from your heart.
2. Be a good listener.
3. Revise and improve your work.
I talked about a recent blog and the pleasure of writing something that connects with the reader.
I had a great time. I hope the kids did too.

Teachers and librarians: how about a free school visit?

Since it was published in 2000 my book,  M is for Maple, has been bought by more than 100,000 people for use in schools, libraries and homes in Canada and around the world.
Its success has allowed me to visit dozens of schools all over Southern Ontario to talk about the inclusive spirit of our country.
Thanks to my employer, Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, I am accepting invitations for free one-hour sessions in Ontario schools.
My presentation is geared to pupils from Grade 4 to Grade 8. 
I speak to the elements of citizenship: integrity, passion and kindness.
I use original M is for Maple storyboards and illustrations to demonstrate how students can make the writing and editing process work for them.
This fall and winter I have presented at Tecumseh Elementary School in Burlington and Perth Avenue, Kew Beach, Charlottetown, Oakridge, D.A. Morrison and George Webster in Toronto. See below.
I would be thrilled to present to your school.
To set up a visit, E-mail me at Mike.Ulmer@MLSE.com or call me at 416-523-0860.

Getting the business from students at Perth Avenue Public

I thought I knew a lot about the book business. Then I met the kids at Perth Avenue School on December 13.
Where do I start?  There was Ana who asked what I liked most about Canada (and got a five minute answer), Isis who told me about PEI, Nolan told me about his love of forests and Josh talked about his love of parks. Amir asked me about my cancer and Michelle asked why I decided to be an author. But it took Ziad to calculate how much I made from M is for Maple.
I hope to return to Perth Avenue for a book fair. I had a great, great morning.
It reminds me of a poem.

I went to see the children of Perth
To spread some cheer and spread some mirth
Instead I heard from this brilliant bunch
That M is for Maple didn't make me much.

WHAT A WELCOME AT TECUMSEH IN BURLINGTON

I visited Tecumseh Public School, December 11 and the above sign was just the beginning of a great welcome.
I was met by my buddy Mark Goulet who is a teacher/librarian at Tecumseh. He is also a very good hockey player. I know this because Mark routinely blows by me in our Sunday night hockey games.
Three students in particular stick out for me.
First, there was my buddy Mohammad. When you're with Mohammad every moment is a joy. Just a lovely young man.
Awesome Shyanne reminded me how awesome she is, which by the way is pretty awesome. Last but not least, the wonderful Shamonique who had a question for every occasion.
I was able to spend a few moments with the senior kids and we talked about critical reading and writing.
Being able to visit a great school such as Tecumseh is the best part of my job as MLSE senior writer.
It all reminds me of a poem.

I went to Tecumseh, so I could see Tiger Pride in Action
I learned right away the Tecumseh way is to give a good reaction
I met Mohammad, Shyanne and Shamonique
They were great, they were smart, they were kind
I'd return in a moment to Tecumseh School
And those brilliant, curious minds.

Awesome questions at Kew Beach

What a great morning at Kew Beach school in Toronto.
Librarian Stephanie Dawson opened up her facility for the morning. Students from Mr. MacLean-Taylor, Mr. White and Ms.Nagel's classes came together for stories, questions and fun.

The kids were wonderful, attentive and curious. We talked about the writing process and the importance of having an editor who can improve your work. Eighty new friends. Kew Beach rocks!

The Red Circle of Doom at Charlottetown School

Had a riot with 150 great kids at Charlottetown Junior Public school on Thursday.
We hit on the idea of a Red Circle of Doom where the  kids couldn't sit, the better for me to roam around and tell stories about Canada.
I visited at the invitation of librarian Michelle Colaco who was interested in sharing advice about writing with the Grade 4, 5 and 6 students.
We talked about the need to re-write and plan. The kids liked seeing sketches Mel, the illustrator for M is for Maple, used to arrive at a finished painting..
Our takeaways were about integrity, the writing process and what it means to be in the Canadian family. It seems to me that Charlottetown has got it going. What an awesome bunch of learners.

A great time at Oakridge junior public school

Is there someone here who is too big for school?

With the help of a six-foot-six bear, I met nearly 200 students at Oakridge, a junior public school in Scarborough.
We had a great time at the invitation of Ms. Papanastasiou who is doing her best to help students continue their reading despite the temporary loss of the school's library due to flooding.
My friend Carlton agrees: we have never seen more enthuastic, engaged students than the Oakridge bunch. We had two sessions in the gymnasium and Carlton was overrun by new friends.

Amidst all the excitement, two thumbs up from the bear.

We talked about integrity, doing a job well and how good writing requires a strong desire to make a good impression. I also showed the kids the storyboard we used for my book M is For Maple to illustrate the need to plan.

I have the greatest job in the world because I get to meet fantastic and eager learners such as the Grade 4s and 5s at Oakridge.




My employer, MLSE, places great value on making a difference in our community. Every employee is given three paid days to work for the benefit of others. 
If you think a teacher, librarian or principal you know would appreciate a visit from me, please forward this blog. There is no charge.
Let's Go Canada.
Mike.