Author visits
Author Visits
Darren Patterson and The Orange Barrels love taking trips around the United States to interact, educate, and increase the imagination of our children. They teach children that learning is fun and can happen anywhere. Look out for them at a school near you.
During a visit from The Orange Barrels we have fun interacting with students and staff. We do our best to have one or two of the Barrels in costume to have fun with the students. We also play our educational, entertaining, and catchy theme song.
We reinforce the importance of reading, writing, and other subjects, especially geography and mathematics. The Orange Barrels travel from city to city and state to state, we discuss how long this can take and how far we travel (math) and what fun and interesting facts you can learn along the way (social studies). We also reinforce classroom and school rules since The Orange Barrels help reinforce rules when helping traffic flow.
PTA/PTO Title 1 funds District funds Community/local business and service clubs Share the visit with another schools to reduce cost The Amber Brown Grant - Applications must be submitted from November 1 – April 15 Donors Choose Make it part of your school library budget—perhaps funded by the lost/late books fine. Some schools put the visits into their cultural affairs budget
During a visit from The Orange Barrels we have fun interacting with students and staff. We do our best to have one or two of the Barrels in costume to have fun with the students. We also play our educational, entertaining, and catchy theme song.
If you would like to have them come to your school for a fun and educational day contact
dp@theorangebarrels.com for availability and rates.
What people have said about The Orange Barrels visit.
"The children of Campus International School (CIS) really enjoyed it! It was fun, interactive and educational.
As a Board Member, and parent of a CIS student, I am excited to invite you in the near future to return and work with our students as the Orange Barrels™ books can initiate inquiry in the areas of geography and social studies for our young scholars."
- Ericka L. Abrams, MPH, CLC
"I loved The Orange Barrels visit! The students were very engaged and excited about all of the activities that went along with The Orange Barrel book. Students were coming up to me at the end saying that they wanted to finish their activities."
- Bridget GibsonSummer Camp TeacherPalmetto, GA
“Our visit from the Orange Barrels was wonderful! Darren interacted with all the kids so well. Being able to connect with 2 year olds up to middle schoolers is not easy, but Darren kept them all excited and engaged! It's so great to see kids excited about the books and geography. I would highly recommend a visit from the Orange Barrels - it will not disappoint."
-Carolyn Mccord, 4th Grade Writing Teacher
The Atlanta Academy
"The students were very excited to talk with a published author. Giving your background was a great addition. The students really enjoyed the characters dressed up as barrels. It got them engaged in your talk. The students have enjoyed having the book in class."
- Patricia Fairman Educator: First Grade Teacher
Campus International School @ CSU Cleveland, Ohio
“The Orange Barrels in Ohio” is an excellent book for elementary age children. Children take a virtual field trip through Ohio. The book offers such rich historical lessons of the national landmarks of Ohio. The inclusion of the maps also, helps with teaching geography skills about Ohio to younger children. This book is a great way to teach students the important facts that make their state special. The language is written in “kid friendly” terms, so it is easy and interesting to read. The addition of the guided reading questions at the end of the book opens up to have extended conversations in a classroom setting. Also, students have an opportunity to share where they would like to visit next and make their own book. This book would be beneficial to any teacher in any state."
-LaWanda Webb, Ed. S
Teacher Review
“From the moment my students picked up Patterson’s first book, “The Orange Barrels in Georgia,” until they put it down, they immersed themselves in discussion about other states that they would like to explore. This book presents some interesting facts to children in an ingenious way which they will remember. As one travels along with the construction barrels, I really like how real-world connections could be established. Thanks to Patterson, primary teachers will find his series to be a must-use during their social studies instruction. Parents will even find themselves wanting to read each book to their own children."
James Davis, 5th Grade Teacher
Atlanta Public Schools
“These are not the typical state books that only seem to circulate once a year in libraries, they incorporate fun facts that interest students and make learning about states fun. Students across all grade levels enjoyed the author's presentation and loved when the Orange Barrel made an appearance. One of the highlights was when the author led Middle School students in Reader's Theatre, it was a fun visit."
- Melissa Singh, M.S. L.I.S.
Library Media Specialist
Darren Patterson
Darren Patterson has over 13 years of experience as an educator with most of it teaching his favorite subjects, history and geography.
His love of Social Studies was instilled in him by his father's love of learning and reading about history. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in History from Cleveland State University.
Teaching at all levels; elementary, middle, and high school, Darren brought the world to the classroom. When not in the classroom, he loves hanging out with family and friends, watching or playing sports, experiencing new food, and traveling. He especially enjoys visiting his hometown - Cleveland, Ohio!
Darren created The Orange Barrels series so that children can learn about history and geography in an educational and entertaining way. The Orange Barrels series gives Darren the opportunity to share United States and abroad with his readers, along with Pops Barrel, Mimi Barrel, Donaven, and Danielle!