Connecting Professionals with Kids: Writing Children's Books About Your Career

Dr. Lyndonna Marrast reading to students in her son's class.

Professionals across various fields often seek innovative ways to engage with younger audiences and impart knowledge about their work. One underutilized yet highly effective method is through authoring a children's book. This approach not only fosters a connection with children but also serves as a fun, educational tool to introduce them to different professions. Here, we explore how writing a children's book can be a transformative way for professionals to connect with children during classroom visits, along with three essential tips for a successful interaction.

 The Power of a Children's Book

Children's books have a unique way of simplifying complex concepts, making them accessible and enjoyable for young minds. For professionals, creating a book about their field allows them to share their passion and knowledge in a format that resonates with children. This can spark curiosity, inspire future career interests, and even demystify what adults do at work all day. 

1. Come Prepared with Conversation Starters

When visiting a classroom, having a children's book that you've written about your profession is a fantastic icebreaker. To enhance this experience, come prepared with conversation starters that tie back to your book and profession. This might include discussing the main character's journey, the challenges they face in the book related to your field, or asking students what they think about certain aspects of your work. These prompts can encourage lively discussions and make the visit more interactive.

2. Have an Activity Sheet

Engagement shouldn't end with the conversation. Providing an activity sheet related to your book and profession can further enrich students' learning experience. This could be a simple worksheet that asks questions about the book, a coloring page of a scene, or puzzles that incorporate terminology from your field. Including your contact information on these sheets can also open a channel for further communication, encouraging students, teachers, or parents to reach out with more questions or for additional resources.

 3. Go with the Flow

While it's important to come prepared, it's equally crucial to be flexible during your visit. Allow students to lead the conversation to topics they're genuinely interested in. This student-led approach ensures that the discussion remains engaging and relevant to the children's curiosities. It can also provide insights into how kids perceive your profession, offering valuable perspectives that you might not have considered.

Incorporating a children's book into your professional outreach is not just about promoting your field; it's about building meaningful connections with the next generation. For those looking to embark on this rewarding journey, Joseine Hardrick and Any Book That Inspires offer comprehensive publishing services to bring your vision to life. From ideation to publication, we're here to support your creative endeavor every step of the way.

Moreover, for inspiration and a shining example of how impactful a children's book can be, check out Dr. Lyndonna Marrast's "Our Grandparents Are Different From Us" on her website at lyndonnamarrast.com/book. This book beautifully illustrates the diverse roles and experiences of grandparents, offering a heartwarming perspective that resonates with children and adults alike.

Writing a children's book about your profession is more than just an educational tool; it's a legacy that can inspire curiosity, empathy, and understanding in young readers. Take the leap and share your story with the world.