KERRY HANSEN

Program 2

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I Heart Horror: Why We Need Scary Stories

Time: 45-60 minutes, including Q&A, for ages 8-13

 

Assembly Description: With constant access to the internet, kids are perhaps more aware of the issues surrounding them than previous generations, often leaving them feeling anxious and afraid. They need a way to process those fears, and reading middle-grade horror may help. The right spooky book can provide a safe space for kids to see main characters like themselves battling their fears, facing setbacks, and triumphing at the end. But the beauty of a book is that they can reap the rewards without having to face off a zombie apocalypse or a nest of bloodthirsty vampires.

 

During this interactive presentation, I’ll discuss why our brains crave scary stories and how reading middle-grade horror may help kids feel less anxious about the world. I’ll end with some spooky middle-grade recommendations, from mild scares to downright scary.

 

Writing Workshop: Writing Our Fears

Time: 45 minutes to two hours, ages 8-13

  

Workshop Description: Horror often reflects what’s going on in the world in a symbolic way. We can do the same—battle our fears through writing. During this workshop, we’ll share our childhood fears, like being afraid of the dark or worrying about a monster under the bed. Then we’ll discuss what we’re afraid of now. Finally, we’ll combine our current and childhood fears to generate story ideas and face what frightens us in a safe way.

 

Option 1: After an assembly presentation, I can visit individual classrooms and lead a writing workshop based on the benefits of horror.

 

Option 2: Instead of an assembly, I can visit individual classrooms, briefly review the benefits of horror, and lead a writing workshop based on that information.