Kathy MacMillan

School and Library Programs
See complete program descriptions, rates, availability, and booking information at https://kathymacmillan.com/book-an-appearance/

For All Ages:
Read, Sign, and Play: In this high-energy author storytime, Kathy MacMillan shares her books, along with American Sign Language songs and action rhymes.

Stories By Hand: Interactive storytelling programs that teach basic American Sign Language for all ages. Many themes available, including:

• ASL ABCs
• Flying Fingers of Fall
• How Do You Sign “Snow”?: Winter Signs
• Once Upon a Sign
• The SIGN-a-long Sing-a-long
• American Sign Language Safari
• Signs of Spring
• Signs Under the Sea
• Summer Signs

For Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers:
Little Hands Signing: Interactive theme-based storytimes that combine age-appropriate signs and activities with solid information for caregivers. Many topics available, including

• First Signs
• Bedtime Signs
• Celebration Signs
• Family Signs
• Feelings Signs
• Food Signs
• Nice Play Signs
• Playtime Signs
• Safety Signs
• Weather Signs

For Ages 6 and Up:
She Spoke: Learn about inspirational women who spoke up for change.

For Ages 12 and Up:
Meet the Author: A lively conversation with author Kathy MacMillan, highlighting the book(s) of your choice.

For Adults:
Sign with Your Child: Research shows that signing with all children stimulates language development, eases communication, supports early literacy, and defuses frustration for parents and children alike. Kathy MacMillan, author of the Little Hands Signing series, introduces the whys and hows of signing with children and shares hands-on activities you can use throughout the day. 

Workshops and Webinars
See complete program descriptions, rates, availability, and booking information at https://kathymacmillan.com/book-an-appearance/

Writing Workshops/Webinars (for ages 12 to adult):
• Choices and Consequences
• Cultivating Craft
• Formatting Your Manuscript for Submission
• Kidlit Market 101
• Middle Grade/Young Adult Fiction Revision Workshop
• Picture Book Revision Workshop
• Professional Communication for Authors
• The Secrets of Show, Don’t Tell
• So You Want to Publish a Book
• Storybuilding
• Storytime Bootcamp for Published Authors and Illustrators
• Taking off the Training Wheels: From Fanfiction to Original Fiction

Professional Development Workshops/Webinars (for adults):
• Create a Calmer Classroom with American Sign Language
• Hands Up!: American Sign Language for Library Staff (6-week series; Beginner, Intermediate, and Review levels available)
• Little Hands Signing in the Classroom
• Little Hands Signing in Storytime
• Multicultural Storytime Magic
• Sign, Baby, Sign!: Signing with Babies and Toddlers
• Storytime Stuff (fresh ideas and practical tricks to liven up programs)
• Welcoming Deaf Patrons to Your Library
• Welcoming Deaf Kids and Families to Your Library
• Working with a Sign Language Interpreter

"In her presentations at libraries, child care centers, and schools, storyteller Kathy MacMillan always makes her audience members part of the show, whether it’s getting them to move their hands like butterflies, pretend to dig for treasure, or act like dinosaurs. Incorporating music, costumes, props, and, most importantly, movement, MacMillan’s goal is to keep her audience engaged while providing them with an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL).” - Baltimore's Child

"I have had the pleasure of working with Kathy MacMillan at the Kent Island branch of Queen Anne’s County Library [at] signing story times for babies through age 5 and their adult caregivers...Kathy MacMillan presented a series of story times engaging families with sign language skills woven into a developmentally appropriate story time. The program overwhelmingly benefited the adult participants, who gained tools to support communication with their child while emphasizing the power of communication to resolve conflicts regardless of age. Children enjoyed her book, song, and sign selections, and I enjoyed watching the children engage with those signs, and further develop small motor skills with unfamiliar finger movements." - Elaine Sarlo, Youth Services Librarian, Queen Anne’s County Library

“Kathy does a fantastic job of making it an enjoyable event, even for the birth to 24 month ages. My daughter is 20 months old and being a typical toddler doesn’t sit still for long. Kathy is able to present things in a manner that keeps my daughter’s attention.” – Cassandra H.

“Thank you so much for your spirited and entertaining sign language program…you managed to hold the attention of a very rambunctious group of 80+ with a combination of positive reinforcement, good humor, and solid information.” –Selma Levi, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD

“Thank you very much for your entertaining and informative performance. I think the kids really enjoyed how interactive and “hands-on” it was. My daughter retold the whole thing at the dinner table tonight!” –Melody Dean Mudd, White Marsh Elementary School PTA

"Kathy is extraordinarily talented at connecting with her audience and educating in a creative and engaging fashion. She knows how to hold the attention of her audience, keeping them engaged through hands-on activities, breakout sessions, and her use of American Sign Language." - Kristina Ganyon, President, Calvert County Family Daycare Association

"Kathy is an amazing instructor. She made learning online very easy and comfortable. She replied quickly when students had questions and she responded with feedback with videos to help sign better." - Workshop participant