Deborah’s school presentations focus on the development of stories and the intensive research involved in writing, particularly with historical novels. Her first Time Meddlers book involves North American history, specifically the First Nations and explorers of the St. Lawrence region, New York State, Ontario, and Quebec. She also discusses the elements of the science fiction story as they relate to “suspension of disbelief.” Deborah’s books are written for children from grade five to grade nine.
Program Details
All programs are 60 – 90 minutes
Programs for elementary and middle school students
- Writing Process – from Idea to Published Book, focusing on research of historical facts. Deborah brings artifacts from First Nations’ reserves to give the children some hands-on experience.
- Writing Science Fiction – How to develop current research into advanced technologies.
- Character is Key – How to develop realistic and memorable characters.
Programs for High School and College
- Writing Process – from Idea to Published Book, researching historical facts and incorporating them in a science fiction story.
- Writing Science Fiction – Esoteric technologies and how they’re developed
- Suspension of Disbelief – How to gain the reader’s trust.
Programs for educators and children’s book authors
- Why children love science fiction/Add a little humor.
- Suspense – How to grab your reader by the throat and not let go.
Novel Studies
Some schools have used Deborah’s books for novel studies. Time Meddlers incorporates various components of the curriculum and can be used for cross curriculum studies—social studies and English.
Curriculum Components
Heritage and Citizenship: Aboriginal Peoples and European Explorers
In Overall Expectations
- identify ways in which the environment molded Canadian and U.S. Aboriginal cultures;
- identify early explorers and describe their impact on the development of Canada and the U.S.;
- demonstrate an understanding of the social, political, and economic issues facing Aboriginal peoples in North America today.
Understanding Concepts
- demonstrate an understanding of the theories related to the origin of the Aboriginal peoples (e.g., migration and settlement);
- describe the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and their environment (e.g., with respect to food, shelter, cultural practices);
- describe how the Algonquian and Iroquoian nations contributed to the development of Canada and the U.S. (e.g., with respect to food, transportation, exploration, the arts, technology, government);
- identify early explorers (e.g., Viking, French, English) who established settlements in North America and explain the reasons for their exploration (e.g., fishing; fur trade, resulting in the establishment of the Hudson’s Bay Company);
- identify technological developments and cultural factors that led to the exploration of North America;
- identify some of the consequences of Aboriginal and European interactions (e.g., economic impact of the fur trade on Aboriginal peoples; transmission of European diseases to Aboriginal peoples).
Developing Inquiry/Research and Communication Skills
The novel includes a map of original place names and inhabitants of the Ottawa Valley, Quebec, Ontario and New York State, activities related to writing and reading group questions.
Applying Concepts and Skills in Various Contexts
- describe early explorers’ perceptions of Aboriginal peoples’ way of life;
- identify current concerns of Aboriginal peoples (e.g., self-government, land claims);
- identify the contributions of Aboriginal peoples to the political and social life of Canada and the U.S.(e.g., in music, art, politics, literature, science)