Quotes from Schools

Quotes from Schools:

Justin Matott shatters the mold! As an Author in
Residence, Justin breaks through the barriers of formula paragraphs and
prescriptive prompts for state tests to bring creativity and joy back to student
writing. He delivers a program that adapts to the focus of any school curriculum
and can also address specific writing skills requested by teachers. With humor
and passion, students and staff are taken on a journey from first draft to
published book in an interactive, energizing workshop setting."
Nancy Gilmore, Principal

"Justin Matott shatters the mold! As an Author in
Residence, Justin breaks through the barriers of formula paragraphs and
prescriptive prompts for state tests to bring creativity and joy back to
student writing. He delivers a program that adapts to the focus of any school
curriculum and can also address specific writing skills requested by teachers.
With humor and passion, students and staff are taken on a journey from first
draft to published book in an interactive, energizing workshop setting."
Nancy Gilmore, Principal



Justin Matott..., I repeat, Justin Matott! This was a “repeat” performance for
us. Put some spark into your next writing workshop by inviting Justin Matott
to speak to your whole school or small groups. You won’t be disappointed, we
weren’t and we asked him back for a second time. The students were excited,
engaged, and mesmerized....again!! Renee’ Sianko, Media
Specialist, Ponderosa Elementary



" I was very impressed, no, I was amazed at the way he held the children’s
attention! Justin held their attention because he tapped into each child’s
creative nature. He showed us all how to use the stories of our lives as a
basis for writing… Since his visit, I have used many of Justin’s ideas in our
workshops… His emphasis on vocabulary development has significantly improved
how we teach vocabulary during our writing workshops. Justin has a heart to
communicate. He is passionate, funny, entertaining and very capable of
teaching six trait writing. I wholeheartedly recommend Justin Matott!"
Sincerely, Chris Branson, Literacy Support Teacher



"The students and teachers thought you related well to the students and
offered good information about the process an author goes through in thinking
up and writing stories. I appreciate how you changed your presentation and
matched it to the grade level of the students." Sally
Stevenson, Library Information Specialist



"Wow!" "Awesome!" "He was funny!" These are just a few of the many positive
comments I heard from students as they walked back to their classrooms after
your assembly at our school. Responses to your Creative Writing Workshop with
our Fourth graders were equally zealous… Teachers felt their students walked
away with a better understanding of the writing process and saw the power of
the revision and editing processes. Your presence at our book fair made it a
HUGE success!" Melinda Miller, Building Resource
Teacher



"He is a charismatic speaker who electrifies the students with his quick wit
and spontaneity. He excites and motivates reluctant writers as he shares his
growth as a writer, including disappointments. In his creative writing
seminars he mesmerized the students with his acceptance of their ideas, and
together they created the basis for a class story. Put some pizzazz into your
next writing workshop. Invite Justin Matott to speak to your whole school or
small groups. You won’t be disappointed!" Susan Roup,
Teacher



"Mr. Matott started us off with a wonderful school assembly that was very fun
and educational. The highlight of Mr. Matott’s visit was the creative writing
workshop… with every child participating and wanting to write more. Even our
most reluctant writers were very disappointed when the session ended. He
incorporated the six-trait writing process and encouraged our children. I
would highly recommend Justin Matott." Mary Anne
Kindred, Media Specialist, Stratton Elementary, Stratton CO



"He brings humor, enthusiasm for learning, an excellent rapport with kids,
creativity and a passion for the writing process. His ability to engage
students and keep them interested is unequaled." Judy
Bastien, Campus Middle School, Englewood, CO



"I thought it was going to be boring to listen to some old guy talk about
writing, but it really was fun to write a story with you. I want to be an
author someday too now." Eighth grade student



"I loved your presentation! You definitely changed my mind about writing! The
creative writing was cool too. You make writing sound much more fun!"
Sixth grade student



Justin connected with our students right away with his humor and storytelling.
In our class workshops, he talked with our students, not just to them. In my
25 plus years of teaching I have never seen anyone with the kind of expertise,
charisma, and love of his craft that Justin possesses. What a wonderful day it
was! The students couldn't get enough of him! Every student (and teacher!)
deserves a day with Justin! Roy Spratt, Aurora Quest
Academy



Teachers and students alike are all ears when "Nathan" raises his hand to read
his poetry to his sixth grade classmates during Justin Matott's Author in
Residency Program. Looks of surprised gladness are exchanged between teachers
as "Nathan" (who previously sought attention inappropriately or just didn't
participate) proudly reads his work. Justin somehow manages to create a safe
environment for all writers. Matott translates his own gift for writing and
storytelling into a simple process that kids can understand. He teaches
students how to plant their own seed of a story, and with the love of a
gardener, he teaches them to prune, trim and transplant the ideas into a
finished product. Candace Story, Library Information
Specialist, Governor's Ranch Elementary, Littleton, CO

Dear Normandy Parents,

There’s an old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” I
heartily agree. On Valentine’s Day, Justin Matott, author of Ol’ Lady Grizelda,
and a whole bunch of other children’s books, spoke to the students at two
different assemblies. Within minutes of Mr. Matott’s first presentation, he had
enthralled his audience. We laughed with him as he described and mimicked his
dogs’ greetings when he came home. When he encouraged us to write about the
things we know, the happenings in our own lives, adult and child alike thought,
“I can do that!” Kindergartners, first and second graders (including teachers)
left the gym feeling better than when they entered because this wise man had
given them the gift of laughter on this special day.

As the third through sixth graders came into the second
assembly, I thought Mr. Matott would simply duplicate his first presentation but
gear it toward a little older audience. Much to my surprise, he began to
describe his childhood and how he had been bullied by his older brother and a
big kid at his school. His delivery continued to have everyone in stitches but
his message was powerful. He had always been the “weird” kid, the “geek”, a
target for taunts and beatings. Through his father, he realized he had a gift –
he was a great storyteller. Mr. Matott learned to use his gift to ward off his
tormentors. After several trials, he decided to tell his stories in print and
the rest is history.

Believe me, intermediate students can be a tough audience that
quickly become bored. Not so on Tuesday. Laughter and tears swept through the
gym as each of us recognized a part of ourselves in his story. Then to my
astonishment, they gave Mr. Matott a five minute boisterous ovation. I don’t
know that I have ever met anyone with such charisma. Signing books for students
and parents, Mr. Matott personalized his messages and again touched our hearts
and souls. Needless to say, we will bring Justin Matott back next year. Everyone
that experienced his interaction with students and staff on Tuesday, came away
with a lightness and positive feeling not always present in our daily lives. We
received a dose of laughter and it healed some of our wounds.

Enjoy the snow. We sure needed it.

Thankfully,

Elizabeth Costello