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My presentation, "Empowering *YOU* to Shine!" is enjoyed by students of all ages as well as educators, parents and administrators. I have talks designed for preschools through high schools, though I typically speak at elementary schools. As the students get older I'm able to share on a more meaningful level about my life experiences and career as an author. It is a different conversation I can have with a 5 year old, 5th grader and 15 year old!
I share the message of my books, my experience as an author and several life lessons I've learned along the way.
"Empowering *YOU* to Shine!" covers:
Be Yourself: A simple though not always easy lesson I learned to embrace, having to deal with the loss of all my hair at age eleven to a condition called Alopecia Areata. Interacting with me the students experience the power and freedom that comes from "being yourself". We also have a conversation about bullying and the effects of it on peers that are often going through a challenging time.
Love: The way that we are all intrinsically the same, we all desire to love and be loved. Here I share the message of my first book, New York Times Bestseller, I Love You More.
Author/Illustrator/Publisher: My personal experience of going from having a good idea to becoming a best selling author. In the process I had to learn to embrace the editorial process and realize that it often takes many drafts to get it right. I share that our parents, teachers, editors are trying to help us create our best work possible.
Cheers!: The way we speak to ourselves and one another is so important. I have developed a set of Cheers! that we learn, teaching the students to use the power of their word and enthusiasm to set themselves up for victory in the classroom, on the field and in life!
Genius: We all have unique gifts and talents, like seeds planted in our heart. We learn the "Genius Cheer!" which will help students to awaken their own unique geniuses, so that they may share and shine them in the world.
You Are a Gift to the World: The message of my second book (released in 2011) encourages children to love and take good care of themselves, one another and the world we call home! Our children, as do we, flourish when they experience being loved and appreciated!
Click on these links for more information:
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Laura Duksta's School Program Full Description | |
Frequently Asked Questions | |
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Praise for Laura's Program
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I was planning a community event, and wow did I hit the jackpot bringing in New York Times Bestselling author, Laura Duksta!!! She spoke to our book club after school and then came back for a sensational evening event. Both presentations exceeded my expectations. Laura inspired future authors to never give up, and realize that sometimes it takes a little failure to find success. Laura also inspired others to feel good about themselves with her fun cheers! She had students, parents, and community members on their feet, and feeling great!
Many of you think that during these difficult financial times, it’s not possible to afford such an event. That’s not true. Thanks to the tremendous support from a school partner, I was also able to secure Laura’s fee with ease. I would highly recommend Laura and her program to students, parents, and teachers! What an enthusiastic author! Don’t miss out!!!
Amy, Third Grade Teacher, Weston, FL
Thank you so much for your presentation at St. Mark's. I can truly say that we were all overwhelmed by your positive message! I was so impressed with your ability to communicate effectively with all age groups. Each of the groups you spoke to from the 1 year old class to the 8th grade enjoyed your book and talk. I have seen kids doing the I Shine cheer all week and our 7/8th grade Math teacher tells me she uses the genius cheer every day at the start of class! I hope you will come back and talk to us about your next book--we are looking forward to it!
Heidi Burnett, Director, School Media Center
St. Mark's Episcopal School
Laura Duksta and Karen Keesler are great! They have a presentation that truly supports the work of educators, parents and children. Their message of love includes both affective and academic elements. Social and emotional issues discussed include dealing with personal challenges, differences in yourself and others, appreciating yourself and others, using the imagination and self-affirmation, setting goals, accepting constructive criticism, and using your talents to help others. Academic issues include keeping a positive attitude in school, exploring the creative process, drafting and revising work of any kind (including written and artistic work) and persevering to complete a project. Laura and Karen know how to tailor their program to audiences of various ages. They helped my school find the genius inside each one of us!
James McGhee II, Headmaster, Alexander School, Miami, FL
I feel it’s been a privilege to have crossed paths with these lovely ladies because of their message of love and their dedicated, compassionate method of delivering that message not only through their book and their web site, but also through their personalities. Every chance I’ve had to interact with Laura and Karen tells me that they have a strong message that needs to be heard not only in South Florida, but around the world.
Julia E. Spann, Youth Services Librarian Pembroke Pines/Walter C. Young Res. Center
In a room filled with young children and adults, Laura Duksta instantly captures your attention and before you know it, she captures your heart. She's like a wizard. A lot of magical twinkling fills the room and inside each little soul stars are born.
Mary Dewald, daughter, mother, grandmother and 5th grade teacher |
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Contact Laura
for School Visits,
Inspirational Talks,
Book Signings and More!
954.608.9119
(call in US only please)
Laura@LauraDuksta.com |
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