Presentations

Dean Jacobs, Author

TITLES

Grades K-12 and older: Wondrous Journey presentation

Grades K-5: I share more photos of animals and children.

Grades 6 and higher: I delve into more complex cultural issues.

LENGTH OF PROGRAMS

The Wondrous Journey presentation lasts for 1 hour.

AUDIENCE SIZE

I can present assemblies up to 350 students, but I prefer groups 75-125. Or individual classes.

ASSEMBLIES

Trip Route

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

For schools interested in a full day program...

Full day programs include visits to the classroom for:

    1. Pack your suitcase - Dean prepares to lead the students on a journey around the world.

    2. Artifacts from the journey - Special treasures acquired on the journey are shared and discussed. Plus the equipment he used.

    3. Questions and answers - Students are unleashed to ask all the questions they want.

Creative Writing Workshops for 5th Grade and Higher

This is an active workshop where students write and share their work with the class. It is a workshop for those who are hungry to write and have a desire to learn more. I share my experiences with writing a book and travel articles for newspapers. I share 5 steps for writing good stories and the students have an opportunity to practice. Positive feedback and encouragement are immediate.

Workshop size: 20 students

Length: one hour

Photography Workshops for 5th Grade and Higher

This is a workshop for anyone who wants to learn some basic information to help create an effective photo. Composition, structure, light, and subjects are discussed and example images are shown. It is the perfect opportunity to launch a photo contest in the school.

Workshop size: 20 students

Length: one hour

A WORD FROM DEAN JACOBS

"The magic of travel, of discovering new and different cultures is brought to life in my book and program Wondrous Journey. But more importantly in a world that we are told to be afraid of, I found something different. The kindness of the ordinary people in the world was the rule, not the exception. Near the beginning of my trip 9-11 occurred. Instead of stopping, I continued out of a realization that more than ever I needed to learn about the world. This is a story of an ordinary man who would stop at nothing to follow his dream and the magic that happens when one follows his heart.

"This program is fresh, new and alive with a recent view of the world. A view that defies being boxed into a sound bite, but instead it stirs the imagination of possibilities and dreams that in turn creates a hope for a brighter future.

"It is a program that includes examples of positive characteristics and cultural diversity, exposing students to many dignified ways to live life.

"I am far more interested in real things, real experiences and real people than sitting at home watching fantasies on a television screen. I take photos and write stories to what I am drawn to: it may be a small child, a landscape or some world treasure that has been photographed millions of times. Initially, I take the photograph or write the story for myself, with the larger intention of capturing a moment in life, a moment that has touched me in some profound way. However, it is my hope that others will also be touched as well in some small way when viewing my photography or hearing my adventures. Places we have heard about since childhood are brought to life through images and stories. It is such a privilege to share these moments of kindness, beauty and exploration. A moment is gone forever except for that crazy attempt to capture it on a negative or written words and keep it preserved like a genie in a bottle for all time. But as insane as it is, I love doing it, over and over. When I look at my photos and share my stories, I bring the audience to that place in time, the smell of the air, the feel of the hard ground, the taste of strange foods, the smile of a friendly face. With all of our amazing cultures in life, I have concluded we are far more alike than different. The intention of my program is to focus on what is similar between you and me, and honoring the differences through acceptance. Then our world expands, creating more possibilities and more love. I offer my photos and my program as an expression of my commitment, to move life forward in a simple and pure way, with the desire of leaving it in a better place.

"One of the greatest privileges I had on my journey was the opportunity to meet, play with and experience children around the world. Their kindness, innocence, and love have left an imprint on my heart, and their spirit is carried into each of my programs.

"Much of this magic would have been lost, except for the fact that I wrote about it and captured it with photos. The discipline of writing about the journey as I traveled kept details from fading away into the mists of time. The photos keep moments of color and smiling faces to relive and rekindle experiences.

"As a corporate man turned travel writer, photographer, and story teller, I carry a joy and magic inside that can only come when a choice is made to follow a dream. For sure I have less money in my back pocket, but now the treasure chest lives in my heart and it is not the type of treasure to be hoarded, but to be shared. It is this magic and this treasure that I wish to share with you."

FEES

Honorarium is $1250 (includes travel expenses) for the first day which is all inclusive: writing workshops and exercises, assemblies, etc. Each additional day is $750 a day. I am willing to do an encore presentation for parents for free in the evening. An autographed copy of Wondrous Journey - The World is Waiting for You will be presented to the library.

For the schools where I present, during my visit I offer a generous 30% discount on my book. It is my wish that it will serve as a reminder of how powerful a dream can be. Or the school may use the difference as a fund-raising opportunity.

SET-UP AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

    * Carousel slide projector

    * Dark room for viewing the images

    * Extension cord

    * Large screen

    * Loud CD player, with repeat function and remote

    * Projector table, and another table to set a few items on

    * Bottle of water

AUTOGRAPH INFORMATION

Autograph sessions are free. I prefer to do them right after a program or in the evening if there is a parents' program. I am willing and happy to sign autographs. It is preferred that book sales accompany the school program.

REFERENCES

CONTACT DEAN JACOBS

TESTIMONIALS