Interview with author and coach Michael Mitchell | Author Interview

hjbookblog

Sep 27

Hosting author and coach Michael Mitchell on my blog today. His book School's in Session is available for purchase now.

What made you pen down School's in Session?

The name really came from an idea I had around 20 years ago of a board game for children similar to the principles in the book, taken place in school with values to help students navigate their attitudes and feelings about what it means to do school and value others.

How did the title come to be?

The title came to be due to all the experiences in teaching in a school setting where not so desirable attitudes on the part of children were directed towards their peers and other adults. I wanted to help aid young people in a way to respect and value people.

What do you like the most about writing for children?

What I like the most about writing to children is the tremendous opportunity to impress values and principles in them at a very young age to inspire them to make a difference in the lives of people around them.

How important is it for a child to read?

It is vitally important for a child to read because reading is the foundation for learning. In the book, you'll find vocabulary words, which brings alive comprehension and understanding of any type of reading material they'll ever read.

How can a parent raise a reader?

A parent can raise a reader by working with them at a very early age (before Kindergarten), letters, sounds, and other strategies to prepare them before they begin school, to give them a head start into the wonderful world of reading.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Interesting enough, though I'm retired, I still involve myself in many things that young people are involved in. I'm drawn in conversation with young people when I see them because I'm intrigued about their lives. I attend all types of functions they are involved in and take tremendous satisfaction in what they do and how they are doing in their lives. Because I am a physical education teacher, I am an avid sports fan and love to attend sporting events and watch all types of sports on television. Also, an avid fan of the Arts.

Are there any new projects underway?

I am in the process of writing a sequel to the first book and taking off from the end of the school year and the exciting adventures our characters encounter to adventures in the summer.

I'm Michael "Coach" Mitchell. I emphasize Coach because for 40 plus years in education, with most
of those years spent as a Physical Education Teacher. I have an Associate Degree from Penn
Valley Community College in 1976. A Bachelors Degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City in Health and Physical Education in 1978. I went on to receive a Master's Degree in Teaching from Webster University in 2003, followed by a Master's Degree in Athletic Administration, from William Woods University in 2007. I have five wonderful children, a wife of 45 years and at present 11 grandchildren. I've worked in the Kansas City Missouri School District, Freedom Christian Academy, and ended my career in the Raytown School District where I retired after 21 years, in 2019. Little did I know, I would be still working part-time at my Church School, Life- a- New Preparatory Academy, where I'm presently working since 2020. I've always had a heart for young people.

I've worked in Summer Sports Programs, various other schools, Summer Youth Employment
Programs, coached at the High School level, and a time at the Boys and Girls Clubs. While working
in these capacities with young people, coupled with my religious convictions, I decided to move upon the burden inside of me to write a book, to help them as much as I can to navigate through their relationships in this difficult world, we live in. I want to encourage young people and adults alike to take a good look at our attitudes about self-centeredness and focus on the feelings of others. It's with this mindset Mymei and Weourus were born. I pray you to enjoy the journey and that your life will be touched in some way to help this world to a better place to live. There will also be Words of Wisdom at the end of every chapter. These will be words to ponder that will help us in our dealings with others.

Connect with Michael on:

Website

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