Home TheoryPerformance Resume School AssembliesOther AssembliesFor Writing TeachersPersonal
Steven Michael Harris is a writer whose words have been read by hundreds of thousands of students over the years and have been adapted as reprints in educational publications that have reached millions of students. Thousands of schools have hosted his presentation on writing (with many repeat invitations). This "lecture" provides a lot of useful information to guide students in their future writing efforts with an emphasis on the reasons to write that emotionally galanize the audience to write more and with enthusiasm. Better writing brings many values to our lives, and Steven Michael Harris has a way of bringing that message with great humor and drama. Many schools have taken advantage of the excitement students carry away from this assembly to launch a variety of their own writing projects.
"My job is to bond the emotion of joy with the act of writing - and to emotionally anchor into the students minds the values and rewards that writing skill will bring to them throughout their lives - at least as much as is possible in an hour-long presentation for a large group."
All that is said in this presentation is aimed at teaching, but his method of teaching uses his strong performance background. He uses professional comedic timing and a variety of tricks that are up his sleeves beyond what is usually offered by other "authors' visits". (Surprise is everything in this presentation!)
Mr. Harris has performed as a musician (instrumentalist and vocal), actor, dancer and comedian (physical and verbal). His life path has brought him much experience performing for family audiences at the highest levels as he has appeared as both a clown and as the ringmaster/announcer with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Announcing about 60 shows for that circus when he was 21 years old - and asked to continue full-time as the ringmaster - this made him the youngest person in history to assume that role for that show. He left RBB&B to act in New York City and his first audition brought him an offer for a lead in a new Broadway musical, Barnum. When that show opened, a series of original comedic bits written and performed by Mr. Harris were a popular part of the evening for the audience. During his New York years he appeared in numerous television and other live venues such as in many commercials and occasional parts in a number of daytime dramas and was asked to write original songs for Sesame Street. His interests also include various forms of dance as well as intellectual pursuits involving study and debate concerning a variety of topics having to do with the nervous system, behavior, psychology, learning and philosophy. His multi-faceted interests are pulled together in his presentations in a unique and entertaining way.
The students are seated in assembly, told only that they are about to have a lecture on writing. Some might be expecting "death for an hour." The program begins, and for the next 60 minutes they are bombarded with information about writing, language arts, publishing, creativity and more.
AND they have an extraordinary amount of fun! Students (and teachers) have rated this program higher than all other programs they've seen for both its entertainment value and its educationally-focused inspirational value. They've met an author who makes it seem especially cool to be a writer. Steven Michael Harris presents one of the best author demonstrations in the country for upper elementary, middle and high school students. (This presentation is appropriate for grades 4 and up, and must be limited to fewer than 300 students at a time.) "Embracing Writing in School and Life" has also been presented to college English and teacher education department students, teachers' conferences, district faculty inservice events or conferences, and at other related events such as gatherings dealing with gifted education and national conferences about ADD/ADHD. Like any good teacher, Steven Michael Harris uses everything in his arsenal to inspire the students about his topic and hold their focus.
Nearly a million students have enjoyed this presentation since he started developing it in 1986 after the publication of his book - This Is My Trunk. During the program Mr. Harris uses the props shown in that book as a launching pad for discussing the broad topic of writing and language.
It is possible to arrange for this presentation to appear throughout the United States and Canada depending on the volume of requests in various regions. Call or e-mail for details.
Some of his performing credits:
(A Sample from the book used in this presentation: This Is My Trunk)
(More Information with Pictures of the Performing Credits of Steven Michael Harris)
(Tips for Creating the Best Response for any School Assembly Event at Your School)
(Other School Assembly Presentations to Choose From)
(Writing Teacher Resources - Links useful to those teaching a writing class)
Secrecy is important for the success of the program!
If you wish to schedule an appearance of this presentation, please mention nothing of Steven Michael Harris' background to the students. (To keep a secret it is best to keep the secret from the other teachers as well. Good teachers tend to want to share all that they know with their students.) The students should only be told that they will see "a lecture on writing." This statement is true. The strength of this presentation is the clever use of association between the fun of the presentation and the topic of writing that is discussed. Students already have many expectations concerning lectures and the topic of writing - unfortunately many of these associations are not of enjoyment for various students. If the students are tipped about this writer's other careers, the fun the students have will be associated with him as a performer rather than as a "cool writer." Let's teach our students that writing and thinking are great ways to achieve status. You don't need to "sell" the program to the students... this presenter is very capable of selling himself to an audience. He takes advantage of the lack of expectation to give power to the early moments of the assembly.
For inquiries and bookings it is best to make contact by email: Send E-mail
Steven Michael Harris
145 Newbury St
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 318-8740
“From the very beginning he was brilliant - entering the room with that unusual (for school presentations) deadpan persona and his egalitarian distribution of 'faux' irreverence... he pulled the students into his presentation - then rewarded them handily with explosive laughter... and always used the humor to teach a point... As a gift to us teachers, he not only gave the students an emotional charge to want to go off and write - which makes our jobs easier - but his presentation included a level just for us, to make US laugh. What a treat!”
Catholic School Teacher,
Albany, NY
September, 2011
“Having you visit at the beginning of the year was a great decision! Our students wanted to go back to the classrooms and write, and the teachers grabbed the ball and ran with it - using some of your ideas and expanding the amount of writing in the building. Our scores went up because the teachers did the work, but I don’t think this would have happened without the catalyst of your presentation. Thank you!”
Middle School Curriculum Coordinator,
Washington, DC
May 6, 2011
"You made a big impression on our kids and our teachers. I wish you had brought copies of your book. This school is big on reading, and two junior high girls ran to the library as soon as you finished to check your book out...You would make a heck of an English teacher. We are, after all, performers in the classroom if we want to be successful with getting kids to learn. Consider that a high compliment from me. Thank you again for a life-changing experience for our kids."
English Teacher,
Cushing, Texas
November 19, 2010
"Thank you so much for coming to my school... You did a great job. When everyone came into the classroom, they wouldn't stop talking about you. Thanks again for coming."
Elementary School Student,
East Granby, Connecticut
February 12, 2010
"...we wish to thank you for the insightful and comedic presentation you performed for us this past Thursday. Many of the students and teachers were still talking about you the day after. Your thoughts and ideas were inspirational and thought provoking... I certainly would entertain having you speak again in a year or two... You certainly left an impression on many of the students and teachers."
Middle School Principal,
Corinth, Maine
January 29, 2010
"Steve, Thank you for going out of your way to visit Pampa. I have already had several teachers tell me how much they enjoyed your program. One group of teachers said they plan to use some of your writing suggestions in class. The students loved your program and were very excited about it. I have already written on my library listserv and recommended your visit and included your link at the bottom. I hope it will help. Best of luck and thanks again for your visit. It was such a pleasure to have you visit us!"
Elementary Library Coordinator,
Pampa, Texas
September 8, 2008
“I would like to tell you how much I appreciate you coming to talk to us on the topic of writing. Today, most people do not write as much as they should, and I am one of those. When I am assigned a writing assignment, my first response is 'UGGGGGHHHHH more homework'. Through your presentation you gave today, you have changed my point of view on the subject, by showing me that writing is as simple as thinking. You really have inspired me to begin writing more often, and not because I have to, because I want to. I am not a very big fan of public speakers, but today I met a speaker that changed my life by showing me how fun writing can be. After you left campus today, I saw at least five people do your impersonation of a barnacle. When I first saw you come onto our gym floor, my first thoughts were 'Wow! This is going to be boring'. After seeing you perform I am now regretting what I thought and wish to apologize for judging a book by its cover.”
8th Grade Prep School Student,
New Roads, Louisiana
February 7, 2007
"I have used several of your points in writing class. Because of your presentation, the students have a much clearer picture of what I mean."
Independent School Teacher,
Ligonier, PA
January 26, 2007
"Thank you for making writing seem cool! These students' eyes usually glaze over when writing is mentioned. You really engaged their attention and could have had them believing anything. Thank you!"
Catholic High School Teacher,
Abbeville, Louisiana
November 29, 2006
"Thanks for your presentation today. We are excited that you could be here with us today and know that you have impacted our children in a positive way."
Middle School Principal,
Russell, Kansas
November 13, 2006
"You were the funniest most wierd person I have ever seen. You were awesome."
6th Grade Student,
Grand Junction, Iowa
November 6, 2006
"Just wanted to say thanks for reaching out to the eighth graders at SHMS! According to the responses I got from my students, you were not the boring, old guy they expected instead you are a guy that they would like to hang out with and learn from. That is high praise from middle schoolers! As a teacher, I was truly excited by your presentation and the way you actively involved the students and stimulated their brains with your words and your movement. Not sure what led you to become who you are today, but I am thankful you are touching our youth in such a positive way!!!"
8th Grade English Teacher,
Gainesville, Georgia
October 24, 2006
"You came to our school today!!! You rock."
Catholic School Student,
Raleigh, North Carolina
October 20, 2006
" I am a Latin teacher at **** and I saw your wonderful performance yesterday. I just wanted to tell you how terrific it was and how I wish we could clone you... Thank you for promoting the need. It was entertaining, enlightening and enriching."
Catholic School Teacher,
Lynchburg, Virginia
October 6, 2006
"I loved the presentation!!! You brought home the point well to a hard-sell audience. As a writing teacher, I can say you will be a hard act to follow tomorrow in my classroom."
8th Grade Catholic School Teacher,
Cincinnati, Ohio
September 26, 2006
" I am an English teacher here at good ole WHS. I have to tell you what happened to me last Tuesday. I have planning first period and I had to spend AN HOUR of it learning how to do Powerpoint presentations for my students. Now I have been teaching 25 years and I am old and I don't take too kindly to technology - know what I mean? But I did it and I paid attention and I acted like I cared...
Then I went to YOUR presentation - TRULY powerful - TRULY to the point - where you kept those students on the edge of their seats FOR AN HOUR waiting for your every word, your every move - just like the trapeze act in the circus you love so much. AND OH MY GOD - how much technology did you use?????????
Oh that's right - the brain!!
You and I both know that true teaching is not about technology - it is a little about entertaining and a lot about loving what we do and not sitting at our desks hitting a button so the kids can copy notes. We complain because they don't read, and then we turn right around and give them MORE visual learning!!!
I just want to thank you for validating what I knew all along - that a truly good teacher needs very few tools to get the point across (maybe some tricks, but not many tools!)
I DO love coming here every day - we have GREAT students - but I was starting to feel like all this new wave of techno stuff was making me obsolete! After your fantastic presentation, I realize that maybe I am not ready to retire after all!!!!!
Thank you!"
High School Teacher,
Windsor, Virginia
September 26, 2006
"Excellent, inspired and inspiring stuff. Thank you for coming to KUA. You raised the bar for our students’ free-time endeavors. Replaced video games with writing. Great work. I look forward to seeing you continue to make peoples’ lives better."
College Preparatory Boarding School Teacher,
Meriden, New Hampshire
September 8, 2006
"I love to write... I like your idea of collecting life snippets on a tape recorder. The other day someone was talking about Rio and they used the phrase "riotous beauty." If I don't write that down somewhere I will surely lose it."
Another College Preparatory Boarding School Teacher,
Meriden, New Hampshire
September 8, 2006
"I just wanted to let you know that I loved your performance at school and your website looks cool, I just checked it out. Honestly, I think that you should come every year to the middle school because it teaches kids a different way to look at writing as well as life itself. so thank you again for coming and keep working on your barnacle move."
Middle School Student,
North Scituate, Rhode Island
September 7, 2006
"This is the best assembly presentation I have ever seen (28 years as a middle school teacher)! It gave writing teachers some hooks to use with students. It was very informative and highly entertaining (and it used no electronics except the microphone)."
7th Grade Teacher,
North Scituate, Rhode Island
September 7, 2006
"Our 8th Grade SOL (Virginia Standards of Learning) Writing Test scores went up 40 points this year! From 51% to 91%. This is not saying that it was all a result from your assembly, but your program really provided an emotional jumpstart to our school's writing emphasis this year. Thank you."
Middle School Teacher, Lexington, Virginia
May, 2006
"Just want to say thanks for your super assembly... I took your book home to share with my children and my 12-year-old said, 'I remember him!' ... He saw you out on the cape two years ago. We had a wonderful conversation as we rehashed your performance."
Teacher - Willington, CT
"You were one of the most motivating people I've ever heard. My students went right back to class and began writing."
Elementary Teacher - Houston, TX
"It was a program which appealed to all ages at different levels. I know everyone there found something to laugh at, something to work at, and something to think about."
PTA Program Coordinator - Boxford, MA
"It's been a week, and the children and teachers are still talking about your visit."
School Reading Specialist - Rocky Point, NY
"Thank you, thank you -- a million times over! How fortunate we are to have talented, caring people like you in our society! The children adored you! I don't blame them a bit!"
5th Grade Teacher - Brodheadsville, PA
"You didn't give us just a normal old boring lecture. It was fun and exciting. We never knew what was going to happen next."
6th Grade Student - Tonawanda, NY
"Guaranteed, it was one show that the parents heard about! What pleased me most is that the teachers were filled with enthusiasm and anxious to `do something' in the classroom."
Parents Group Representative - Sterling, MA
"The most valuable use of an hour I've spent in 24 years of teaching."
High School English Teacher -Pittsburgh, PA
"Mr. Harris' presentation was a wonderful success. His ability to entertain, teach the elements of creative writing, and relate to high school students was very impressive."
Teacher - Worcester, NY
"Since the colloquium, [students] were unanimous in declaring you were the best presenter so far."
College Professor - Montpelier, VT
"This is what it must be like to have been taught by Robin Williams' character from Dead Poets Society - an experience much better live than in a movie."
Teacher - Washington, DC
"Before the show I felt very sad and had forgotten how I liked to write over the summer. By the end of your show I had remembered how I liked to write and I was cracking up."
Junior High Student - Ligonier, PA
"Some of our students are writing to you, but I wanted you to know that they unanimously 'loved' your program. I personally liked your combination Howie Mandell/Steven Wright/ Steven Michael Harris kind of humor."
School Librarian - Nutley, NJ
"We now have many budding authors who think that they will follow in your footsteps."
Principal - Carthage, NY
"The best part was that everyone was sad to end the program due to dismissal time."
Elementary Teacher - Sydney, NY
"Your program held up a model of excellence for all of our students. They cannot now resist the challenge to be more creative themselves."
Gifted and Talented Consulting Teacher, Newport, ME
"What stands out for me among all the comments today is how the teachers are amazed at your ability to hold all age levels - even the 'big' eighth graders couldn't help but smile and enjoy themselves."
Parent Organizer - Greenland, NH
"Your message was extremely welcome and teachers this morning have been quick to praise your efforts in last night's performance.... you are a true original."
Independent School Librarian - Canaan, NH
"...I could understand what you were getting at, I think. 'Don't make writing drab, boring - use your imagination, have fun with it, enjoy what you are doing.'"
High School Student - Muncy, PA
"Laughably spectacular"
The Arizona Republic - Phoenix, AZ
"Hope the rest of your trip was as successful as your stop at our school. Our headmaster was most impressed, as well as his 10-year-old daughter."
Cultural Arts Coordinator - Suffolk, VA
"Your presentation was wonderful! I was especially interested in it because my husband and I are planning to write some books soon.... Not only did you inspire me personally, but you gave me some ideas to use for writing in my classroom."
High School Teacher - Des Moines, IA
"I can not offer enough hyperboles to thank you for making available such a superlative presentation. The students thought it was the best of the year."
Independent School English Teacher - Richmond, VA
"School consensus ranks your presentation as one of our best ever. Through your efforts many seeds were planted about writing as a career."
Middle School Vice Principal - High Bridge, NJ
"Best thing we've ever had in our school - and that's saying a lot!"
Independent School Teacher - Fairfield, CT
"You're the most talented and funny person I've ever met."
High School Student - Richmond, VA
"Again, a wonderful program! After seeing you last year with the 3rd and 4th grades, I wondered how 7th and 8th graders would react. I certainly found out -- they enjoyed it even more, if that is possible."
Parents Group Coordinator - Sterling, MA
"...a twelve-year-old trapped inside of a man's body.... The assembly ended, as you know all good things come to an end. Even though sometimes we wish they wouldn't."
6th Grade Student - Parkersburg, WV
"I can't begin to tell you of the very positive impact that your presentation had on our students. There has never been a reaction such as this with any program that we have presented... I would highly recommend you to any school. Your humor and excitement about writing were abounding and the purpose of your program was extremely evident throughout the entire hour. Your expressions and body language kept the audience as well as teachers totally focused at all times. "I would not hesitate to have you return to our school at some future date, and if there is anything I can do to help you promote your fine writing program, just let me know."
Elementary Vice Principal - Dracut, MA
"Everyone was in agreement that it was the best program we have ever had at our school."
Librarian - Stamford, VT
"I've not seen the faculty so enthralled nor our kids so smitten."
Independent School Headmaster - Newport, RI