Member – Writer’s Union of Canada. CANSCAIP.
Red Cedar Book Award nominee, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection, The Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards (PADIBA) MG nominee, amongst many more.
Rates:
$300 plus HST for one sixty-minute session, $500 for 2, $750 for 3 and $1000 for 4 (Travel fees may apply).
Virtual Visits: $150 for one 60-minute session, $100 for each additional session on the same day, up to four sessions in one day.
Ambreen has been a teacher for thirteen years. She loves her job and her students, both of which have played a huge hand in ultimately leading her to write her middle-grade, Alina Butt series. Her books are inspired by her own childhood experience immigrating from Pakistan to England, being the new kid numerous times and trying to fit in…all with her funny last name! Now, she gets to combine both her passions of teaching and writing through her school visits. She loves to spread the message of the importance of inclusivity and diversity, believing in yourself, and becoming confident in your own voice. These themes are covered not only in her books, but are also incorporated in her engaging, thought provoking and inspiring presentations and workshops. Students leave feeling motivated, critically thinking and charged to create their own projects, with newly gained writing skills and a boost in their imaginations. In her workshops and presentations, she engages the audience through read alouds, funny anecdotes, open Q&A, and fun activities, suitable for all learners, with a memorable final product as a keepsake.
Presentation – How to Achieve ANYTHING You Want! Ideal for Grades 4 – 12 (Can be done as a whole school presentation)
Do you want to know how to be able to achieve your wildest dreams? Join Ambreen as she reveals four simple steps to being able to reach any of your goals! Ambreen will talk about her journey of becoming an author of the Alina Butt series, as well as her writing process, highlighting the importance of hard work and resilience. She will read a chapter from The Unlovable Alina Butt, speaking about what inspired her to write and why she feels this story was so important to share with the world. Through this inspiring presentation, students will reflect on their interests and gain the confidence to pursue their passion.
Workshop 1 – Turning Journaling into Story Writing
Grades 4 – 12 (Ideally maximum 20 – 30 students)
Join Ambreen for a fun and interactive session about turning journaling into story writing. Ambreen will read a chapter from The Unlovable Alina Butt, revealing how the story was inspired by her own childhood experiences, of immigrating to a new country, being the new kid, trying to fit in with a funny last name. Students will be inspired to learn that her writing journey began when her dad gifted her her very first, pink, fluffy diary as a 9-year-old – which she started journaling in every single day. Participants will think of their funniest memory, and learn how to turn that into a riveting story. Students will use their experiences and imagination to come away with the beginnings of their story, in written or picture format.
Workshop 2 – Creating the New Kid
Grades 4 – 8 (Ideally maximum 20 – 30 students)
Join Ambreen for her “Creating the New Kid” workshop! Ambreen will read an excerpt from The Unlovable Alina Butt, introducing her main character, Alina, who is the new kid, starting her first day of school in a new country. Participants will create their very own “new kid” who is being introduced to the class. They will learn how to create a three-dimensional, relatable character by coming up with diverse physical features, a distinctive personality, past experiences, and finally give their character a unique name! Students will come away with a well-developed character, the “new kid” they have created, either in written or picture format.
Required Materials:
Blackboard/whiteboard, laptop (or connecting adaptor for a Macbook), projector and screen, internet access, speakers and mic (for larger presentation).
Participants will require writing materials (lined paper and pencils, colouring pencils and crayons for younger grades), including assistive technologies for students who use them in the classroom on a regular basis.