Presentations and Appearances
Hey, friend!
Check out some speaking engagements from Johnny Bell Books hosted by different schools and organizations. He has spoke with various grades ranging from kindergarten students through professional learners. Hyperlinks provide access for you to view past presentations at various schools and events
AERA Presentation on Research: Black Male Elementary Teachers
As a practitioner researcher, I was given the opportunity to gather with other scholars and share my research topic- BMETs. During the roundtable, panelist shared their research and provided deep questions. I enjoyed the fellowship with educational scholars!
PK Yonge 2/3 D.E.A.R Day
During the younger children’s special DEAR day, I was asked to come and share my experiences as an author. We discussed the writing process- kids were shocked at the number of revisions- and where authors’ ideas come from.
PK Yonge’s African Studies Class
African Studies’ Class for Seniors on Black History
I was invited to be a guest speaker to share with juniors and seniors in a Black History class. I shared some hidden facts about Black history in the United States and we discussed the importance of Black male teachers in schools.
Word of the South
Panelist
During a 45-minute session, guests listed to a selection from Johnny Bell and other award-winning writers. Following the reading, Bell answered a variety of audience questions related to his experiences as a writer and what led him to write novels.
W.T. Moore Elementary School
Character Matters, Middle School Prep, and JBB
Students were treated to Starbursts, if they got a few simple questions correct! They also learned about important character traits such as discipline, respect, and focus. The presentation ended with some tips as they prepare for middle school.
Canopy Oaks Elementary School
Kindergarteners Compare Movies and Books
Kindergarteners took a shot at some trivia questions before looking at some popular movies. They engaged in conversations about whether the ideas for movies came from books, or was it the other way around?
PK Yonge Educators’ Forum
In a round-table structure, educators were given the opportunity to see what was occurring in other classrooms. Johnny shared some examples of mini-lessons used in class to broaden students’ knowledge of historical events in our country.
Bronson Middle-High School
English 1/ Representation Matters: Here’s Why
A rural school provided an opportunity for Johnny to share why representation in literature matters. He discussed the importance of seeing diverse characters, not only by race and gender, benefits readers of all age groups.
Bronson Elementary School
Fifth Graders and The Odyssey
Johnny incorporated multicultural alternative options for fifth graders who recently finished reading The Odyssey. The students also participated in a thrilling contest of trivia questions!
Winthrop Charter School
Kindergarteners learn about Life As an Author
Kindergarteners were learning about different jobs and careers. Johnny was requested to share his experience as an author- tasks, projects, and interesting facts- to an energetic class!
Local News Interview
When the public library extended hours, the local news sought an author to share their thoughts. Johnny explained the benefits for children from the perspective as an author and teacher.
Alachua County Library- Cone Park
“Teen Tober”/ Creative Writing Workshop
The public library invited Johnny to discuss what creative writing is. During the Zoom presentation, the audience had an opportunity to create their own unique writings. We reflected on the experience and discussed how to continue writing.
Black Wellness Day
Black and Refuge through Pen and Pad (video)
In a failed attempt to serve as a presenter, I prepared a conversational piece about the benefits of writing. Although the Zoom link did not work, I created a YouTube video for your viewing pleasure. Learn how writing can be therapy!
City of Alachua’s Summer Camp
The younger group read Lebron James’ I Promise. They were captivated about the abilities they have and learned how to be the best they can be! The older group learned about the importance of Black and Brown writers and literature. They also learned the true, hard facts of Juneteenth and its two-year delay of the good news of Emancipation in Texas.
SWAG Summer Group
Activities such as Charades, show-and-tell, and a chance to become young authors were part of the events on the visit! The children enjoyed a break from their regular summer camp day activities to dive into literacy. I loved the chance to help foster a love for reading with the children of Levy County! I presented to a class of primary children and upper elementary-aged kids.
PK Yonge’s Black History Month
4th and 5th graders learn about Black History
While learning about adversity Black Americans such as Ruby Bridges and Henry Johnson, students also gained insight to key contributions. They learned the inventor of a popular card game, Phase 10, was a Black man named Ken Johnson.
Southmooreland (PA) 5th and 6th grade- Math and Science Lessons
Florida Facts related to Math and Science
A handful of fifth and sixth grader classes were excited to see if math and science lessons were applicable outside the classroom! I enjoyed the multiple presentations to various classes, sharing experiences and information of life in Florida. Utilizing technology can be tricky, but the students enjoyed having a guest speaker and learning about notable Black mathematicians and scientists like Dr. Daniel Hale Williams and Elbert Frank Cox.
Glen Springs Elementary School- Ms. Hampton’s fourth graders
A Taste of Colored Water and White Water
Ms. Hampton’s fourth grade class provided a special opportunity for me! Instead of typical boring presentations when authors only talk about their books, we collectively reviewed two stories. Both told from different children- a Black boy who is curious about tasting ice-cold water from the Whites-Only fountain, and two white boys who were told rumors about the crispness of water from the Colored water fountain in town.
PK Yonge DRS- kindergarten and 1st grade
The Basics of Reading, and I Promise
There’s nothing more invigorating than seeing the passion of young children when talking about reading! I was thrilled to inform them about the writing process. Teachers were glad to have a new voice support what they are helping students learn! I also read Lebron James’ powerful book, I Promise. Students loved “show and tell,” which included various items that went with the book, Take the Shot.
PK Yonge DRS- 6th grade ELA
Black History Month/ “Hard History Lessons”
First opportunity with middle school students took a particular twist! Sharing with three Language Arts classes in one day allowed me to share little-known facts of the sufferings and contributions of Black Americans throughout history! Students learned about the medical advances of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams and mistreatment of unknown military hero, Henry Johnson.
Rawlings Elementary School- third and fourth graders
Black History Month/Motivational Speaking
Great opportunity to share with third and fourth graders about the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans to society! Not only did we talk about the power of reading, but children were exposed to the power of positive thinking! Three important words were discussed: Focus, Responsibility, and Discipline. With these three things, anyone can accomplish anything! Looking forward to sharing these inspiring thoughts in the future!
Alachua Elementary School
Black History Month via Zoom
Thanks to Alachua Elementary School’s wonderful Media Specialist, I was able to share my experiences as a Black writer during their Black History Month. I enjoyed reading excerpts of the youth fiction novel The Dirt Court with their fourth grade students. We talked about the importance of setting goals and being self-motivated and disciplined.
“Soul Fest” Festival
Newberry High School/Community-wide Festival
Newberry High School students hosted a community fundraiser- with food trucks, information tents, and carnival-like activities for children of all ages. I enjoyed running a booth with my wife. It was a great opportunity to meet others in our community and City of Newberry Mayor, Jordan Marlowe!
Alachua Elementary School
Take the Shot book release
I had a great time sharing about my first novel, Take the Shot with fifth graders! The students hung on every word while I shared two adventure-packed excerpts of the novel. First presentation at a local school to students who could relate to the book!