Program / Event Details

Format: Single one-hour session per class

Audience: Elementary grades (2nd–4th grade recommended; adaptable for other grades as a read-aloud/discussion format)

Description: Students enjoy a one-hour session with Dr. Ali-Coleman focused on literacy through words, movement, and music, anchored by a reading of her verse-written book Mariah’s Maracas. Students make predictions from cover art and illustrations, engage in a guided read-aloud, and participate in discussion connecting the book’s themes to their own lives.

Ideal for:

• Author visits and literacy celebration days
• Library or media center programming
• A single class period introduction to reading comprehension and prediction skills
• Schools wanting a shorter, single-session literacy experience

Duration: 1 hour per class/session

Materials/Space Needs: Classroom or shared reading space; copies of Mariah’s Maracas (provided); audio/visual capability for read-along support

Scheduling Note: As an event, this is booked for a single date and time per class — ideal for a one-time author visit or literacy day without a multi-session follow-up.