Monica Wesolowska is a dynamic educator and storyteller who loves young audiences. She’s especially eager to present to children who prefer numbers to words, just like Leo, the main character of her picture book Leo + Lea.
Since Leo + Lea is constructed around an amazing math pattern called the Fibonacci sequence, Monica’s presentations include kid-friendly explanations of this math pattern and its connection to the natural world. Monica also loves talking craft with young writers. A long-time teacher of creative writing, she’s been known to share early drafts of her own work, thereby encouraging children to try new things, make messes, and tell their own stories. Her book also opens up conversations about difference, being true to yourself, and finding friends.
Monica is based in Berkeley, California. Now that her own children no longer need bedtime stories, she is open to traveling. She’s comfortable working hands-on with small groups as well as presenting to large audiences. Read more about Monica and her work at monicawesolowska.com.
Program Description
Leo + Lea: Math, Art and Friendship
K-4th Grade
This presentation can be adapted from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the age of the audience.
Monica’s presentation includes a simple interactive explanation of the Fibonacci sequence, either on a white board or through animated PowerPoint, and a reading of the book. For longer presentations, she can include a writing exercise based on the Fibonacci sequence, followed by group sharing. She allows time for Q&A.
Virtual Visits
Monica is available for virtual visits. She can tailor the length of her visit to the general age of the audience, from 20-40 minutes. Her presentations include kid-friendly explanations of the Fibonacci sequence, including animated slides, a reading from her screen-shared book Leo + Lea, and, for longer visits, a writing exercise based on the Fibonacci sequence. She includes time for Q&A.
Conferences and Festivals
The Pleasure of Patterns
Monica will happily tailor the length and substance of her talk, whether as a panelist or a solo speaker, depending on the conference or festival.
In her talk “The Pleasure of Patterns” Monica talks about standard plot development, and how recognizing an unusual pattern can both challenge and enhance your plot. Using her own process of shaping Leo + Lea based on the Fibonacci sequence, she talks about what gives writers pleasure when they recognize a pattern, and how a writer’s pleasure enhances a reader’s pleasure.
AV Tech:
For short classroom visits, Monica just needs access to a whiteboard or easel.
For longer classroom visits, she can add more material using a PowerPoint presentation, but she can also stick to a whiteboard or easel if desired.
For large group visits, she’d like a podium and microphone, and a screen for a PowerPoint presentation. (She can bring her own computer.)
Ordering Books
Schools and libraries may order books at a discounted rate by visiting the Scholastic Teacher Store or by calling 1-800-SCHOLASTIC.