When I was in second grade, my classmate's dad visited to read from the most recent book he'd written. It was author Andrew Clements (Frindle). The experience was honestly life-changing for me, and opened me up to the possibility of writing as a profession. Now as an author myself, it's one of my favorite things to spread my passion for creating stories and comics with kids!
Creative Collaboration in Comics!
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I walk students through the basic process of how I get graphic novels made, from conception, to pitch, to finished book! I also answer the age-old question:
"If you don’t draw the graphic novel, what do you do?” We look at different jobs people can have in graphic novel publishing and learn how being open to collaboration leads to the best book possible! Students will work together to create a single panel comic. Each student will have a chance to do each of four jobs: create a title, draw line art, color, and write dialogue. At the end, there are some funny, unique comics that could have never come from just one person. We’ll end our session with a Q&A and signing if applicable. I recommend students prepare questions before the session. |
Session Length
45mins to 1hr Age Range 2nd to 8th Grade presentation tailored to age group |
Strength in Learning Differences!
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I share my journey from struggling dyslexic student to published author! My family is full of neurodiversity and I love talking with students who learn differently. In this session, we’ll talk about how our differences are our greatest strengths.
Together, we’ll work to create a hybrid character like Lumberjackula which I’ll draw based on student suggestions. |
Session Length
45 mins to 1hr Age Range 3rd – 8th Grade presentation tailored to age group |
Spotlight on Lumberjackula!
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We’ll take a behind the scenes and in-depth look at Sam Owen and my graphic novel Lumberjackula! We’ll talk about how Lumberjackula uses dance to work through his feelings and how creating something can be a powerful way to express your feelings. Of course, dancing is encouraged! Though, I realize how unnatural that can feel for students in class, especially at certain ages.
Together, we’ll work to create a hybrid character like Lumberjackula which I’ll draw based on student suggestions. We’ll end our session with a Q&A and signing if applicable. I recommend students prepare questions before the session. |
Session Length
30 to 45 mins Age Range K to 3rd Grade presentation tailored to age group |
Writing Workshops
I love teaching and sharing my love of creative writing with kids & adults. I can tailor a workshop to fit your group’s needs!
Age Range: 4th-12th grade
Session Length: grade-level dependent.
Age Range: 4th-12th grade
Session Length: grade-level dependent.
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"His candor and vulnerability opened our eyes to neurodiversity and helped us all realize that anything is possible with the right types of supports and motivation.-- I think we can all agree the most impactful part of the assembly was when students shared with Mat their own struggles and how much his words resonated with them. There wasn’t a dry eye from any of the teachers in the room. It was a very special day and we are incredibly grateful for Mat coming to speak to us!"
Jodie Cohen - MS Principal- MA "I would highly recommend Mat for a middle school presentation. My 6th grade ELA class learned how to create a panel for a graphic novel, thanks to Mat's presentation. Mat focused on collaboration as a guiding principle in his work. After maybe 30 minutes of presentation on the steps it takes to create a novel, the presentation really took flight once students started creating. Students made their own illustrated panels, collaborating with others by working in a sequence and passing their panels down the line. Four students worked to complete each panel. This dovetailed really nicely into Mat's theme - it's the collaboration that matters as much as the artistic ability or story creation."
Susie Becker - MS Librarian - CA "Mat’s talk about strengths that come from neurodiversity was very successful with starting conversation among my mostly neurotypical classroom. His ease and humor interjected throughout the presentation had kids hanging on his every word. I would recommend having Mat in your classroom to anyone! At every stage of our processes, he’s been thoughtful, organized, and a delight. "
Marilou Francisco- Elementary Teacher – NY "Mr. Heagerty’s enthusiasm is quite contagious. His time with my students even inspired two different pairs of students to collaborate on larger comic book stories together."
Jennie Waskey- K-8 Librarian - CA |
"Students were entertained, excited, and engaged throughout Mat Heagerty's presentation and collaborative activity. His natural rapport with students was obvious as he answered questions, guided them through an activity, and shared stories about persevering through challenges. He left them excited about reading, writing, and creating! Mat Heagerty's visit is highly recommended!"
Tami Malhke - MS Librarian - ID “Mat was incredibly energetic and engaging for our students. Many of our students left the presentation wishing they could spend even more time learning about writing from Mat or wanting to start writing their own comics right away. What I really admired was that he took the time to connect with students were also dyslexic. I could tell that interaction was meaningful and inspiring to them.”
Laura Peura - Elementary Librarian – MA "His message about the importance of using your challenges and turning them into strengths was powerful and timely. Many students were able to make personal connections about the message he shared. Mat kept the large range of students from grades 5-8 entertained and engaged throughout the entire presentation. The highlight of the day was using audience participation and watching Mat create a unique character right in front of us! Make sure you have a selection of books available in the library because there will surely be a run on them when he leaves! We would gladly welcome Mat back any time!"
Sarah Murphy, MS Librarian, MA "In past years, we have had authors visit who place a cap on the amount of presentations they allow in a day. Mr. Heagerty was not only willing to meet with six classrooms, he did it with an infectious energy, adapting two different talks to fit each teacher’s desire. Students loved his comic team up project-- which the results were very entertaining."
Laurel Hutch - Elementary Principal – NY |
