School Programs with Bruce Hiscock These programs are about writing and drawing, nature, science, and my research travels. I like to adapt each presentation to fit the needs of the group. I always draw and stress the effort that goes into each book, especially rewriting! The talks are informal and I answer all kinds questions. My goal to stimulate each student's natural curiosity and desire and write and draw. The slide shows are often given as assemblies at the start of the day. For more information just e-mail me.

Books About Me School Programs Library Programs What's New in the Woods How-to-Draw Page  Home Page  Buy Bruce's Books	Meet the Illustrator - K-6 A look at how books are created, based on one or more of my books, your choice. I discuss the three aspects of the work, research, writing (rewriting, rewriting, rewriting), and illustration. Then I do a demonstration drawing and, finally, help everyone make a drawing of their own. For K-2, I do simple drawings, often with seasonal themes, taking suggestions from the class. With older students I draw animals, people, faces, etc. This is my most popular classroom program.
	Arctic Alaska- K-12 A slide show and talk about my recent research trip to Alaska. The slides begin with pictures of me in the Aleutian Islands in the 1950's and then move on to Denali National Park with its fabulous views and bears. After that we travel by bush plane to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the last undeveloped places in the USA . There we raft and backpack out to the Arctic Ocean, one day walking through a herd of 70,000 caribou! 1 hour.
	Canada: the Far North - K-12 A slide show about my trips in this great land. The program centers around a long canoe trip in the barrenlands I made while working on Tundra: The Arctic Land. Longer programs can include a drive up the Alaska Highway, looking for gold in the Yukon, and my work with Inuit Children in Labrador. After the pictures, I talk about how I use these trips in my books and show sketches, mukluks, carvings, and other mementos. 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
	The Book and the Studio - 3rd and up A slide show about how books are created featuring The Big Rivers. Travel with the author as he helps out during the Great Flood of '93, stopping leaks in the levees (right) and filling sandbags, and gathering information for the book. Then welcome to Bruce's hand-built studio/home, where every kid wants to live, for a tour and step-by-step pictures of how an illustration is made. 1 hour
	Make a Picture Book - 3rd and up Each student creates their own short book, writing the story and drawing the illustrations. Usually the classroom teacher supervises the writing, while I concentrate on editing, book design, and illustration. This project requires planning and at least three sessions in class.
	Oriental Brush Painting - 3rd and up Experience the eastern methods of art by drawing animals and flowers with ink and brush. Bruce comes with Japanese garb and all kinds of neat equipment. This is best done in the art room with smocks!
	Book Illustration - Middle school and up A more detailed look at how illustrators work with demonstrations of pen and watercolor methods.
	Studio Visit - A field trip to see the big rock, the big tree, and my studio. This is always followed by a classroom visit. A memorable trip for everyone and a chance to be with Bruce in nature. Only a few of these are available each year.
	Special Programs - I like to work with schools to design programs that fit your needs. For example, some schools have nature trails that offer all kinds of learning possibilities. I act as the guide and naturalist.