Author Visits (IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL)

Darren Sardelli is a fun, animated author who knows how to get everyone excited about poetry! In his lower grade assembly, students solve poetry riddles, illustrate poems with their imaginations, become characters in Darren’s poems, learn about rhythm and rhyme, and experience the joy of words. In his upper grade assembly, students discover how to put ideas in motion, make their poems and stories stand out, learn how to empower themselves with words, use their imaginations to make objects (and life) more interesting, and participate in Poetry Challenges that get them in the mood to write. Participants will be motivated to read and write poetry, start an idea book, and think in a creative direction. 

* Perfect for PARP, National Poetry Month, Reading Celebrations, & more!

Duration: K-2nd (40 minutes) / 3rd-5th (50 minutes)

Size: 100+ Students

Funny author and poet, Darren Sardelli, makes poetry entertaining for older students. His middle school and high school assemblies are designed to motivate, educate, and demonstrate the incredible things that can be accomplished through hard work and perseverance. Darren's real-life stories connect with and captivate young adults. Through self-belief, determination, and dedication to his craft, Darren transformed himself from an unlikely writer into a professional poet. He shares his passion with students and shows them how he created a career with words. 

Duration: 45 minutes 

Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Size: 100+ Students

Are you looking for something that builds confidence, enhances creativity, and teaches a valuable skill? Darren Sardelli’s BUILD-A-POEM WORKSHOP does all this and more! Students learn how to paint pictures with words, make writing more descriptive, and write poetry that stands out. Darren demonstrates how to put ideas in motion and gives students the tools they need to feel good about writing poetry. 

Duration: 40 minutes 

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Size: 2 -3 Classes

Would you like to build momentum with poetry and watch your students transform into poets? This enlightening program allows students to think freely in a highly creative environment. Darren starts each workshop by writing a short poem with the class. After that, they write poems of their own. Topics include alliteration poetry, perspective poetry, imaginative poetry, descriptive poetry, emotion poetry, reflective poetry, and more.

Residency: 2-5 days

Duration: 40 minutes 

Grades: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Size: 2 -3 Classes

ADVENTURES IN RHYME is an interactive poetry show that teaches PRE-K, Kindergarteners, and First Graders about rhythm, rhyme, and poetry. During this action-packed presentation, each poem requires some type of participation or activity. Students act out poems with Darren, figure out poetry riddles, dance to the rhythm of his rhymes, become characters in his poems, and use their imaginations in unique ways. It’s a wonderful way to introduce poetry to young people. 

Duration: 40 minutes 

Grades: Pre-K, K, 1, 2

Size: 100+ Students

During THE FUNNY POETRY SHOW, Darren performs his hilarious poems for the crowd, talks about who and what inspires him, shares the inspirational story of how he became an author, shows his audience how writing can be used as a creative outlet, and demonstrates what people can accomplish by working hard and believing in themselves. It’s an exciting program that uplifts, empowers, and connects families through poetry. Giggles guaranteed!

SCHOOLS / LIBRARIES / CAMPS / EVENTS 

Duration: 45 minutes (followed by a book signing) 

Just like in his in-person assemblies, Darren brings poetry to life with his enthusiasm, excitement, and passion for writing. He’s developed new ways (in this virtual world) to effectively interact with students while keeping them interested and engaged. His relatable poems, lighthearted humor, and inspiring messages not only generate positivity, but also help his audience understand the power of words. This assembly motivates students to read and write poetry, start an Idea Book, and think in a creative direction.

Duration: K-2nd (40 minutes) / 3rd-5th (50 minutes)