Frequently Asked Questions

What grades are your programs suitable for? There are two types of programs I perform:  programs in schools and programs that are held in libraries or other such locations.  

School programs are suitable for K-8.   The size of your audience will usually determine how many programs you will need and which grades to invite.   If you have a small private school with 100 students K-8, then I say bring everyone.   If you have a K-6 school with 600 students, I would say have two programs:  K-3 and 4-6.   Some schools invite Ben to speak to a specific grade, say 4th, 5th, 6th.  Other schools decide to have Ben speak to upper elementary grades only, say 4-6.  I do not recommend my program for Pre-K, though many come every year and do fine.  I would recommend a maximum audience size of 350, though I frequently speak to larger, sometimes much larger, groups.

Library programs:  Generally I speak to people of all ages, though every year when I go to Florida in January I speak to many groups composed entirely of senior citizens.  My preference is to not have very little children or babies in the audience, since what I do requires concentration on my part, and a certain basic knowledge on the part of audience participants.  I do not place requirements on the audience composition, however.    Anyone who knows how to behave in a group is welcome to come!

Do you tailor your program for particular grade levels?

Yes, I do, and this is one of the reasons I enjoy performing what is essentially the same program over and over and over.  I have spoken to 400 kindergarteners before.  I have spoken to audiences comprised of people all over 70.  I have spoken to 350 7th graders.   If the group is composed of people of different ages, say a K-8 program, there will be something in the show for everyone.  I will aim the general content toward the upper grade levels, but the little kids will learn and have fun too.  If I have the luxury of an audience of the same grade level, or even K-2, 3-5, I will put the program exactly on the level of the participants.   For K-2 I will slow the program down, repeat things more, leave out some advanced facts, and entertain more; for 3-5 I will speed up the show, provide more facts and challenging things to remember and do.

If we book your program, what is needed in the way of preparation for your visit?

School programs:  Most school assembly programs will need to have a sound system set up.  I bring my own cordless handheld microphone, which I can plug into your system in less than five minutes, if your system is set up and ready to go when I arrive.    If your school doesn't have a good sound system, I have a complete portable system I can use.   If acoustics are very poor, a problem I run into seldom, an alternate site is the best bet.

I am frequently asked, "Should our teachers do anything special to prepare the students for Ben's visit?"  Students should be advised of my coming and given some information about Ben Franklin's life, times, and accomplishments.  This is a program they can and should look forward to.  I do not give out specific lessons because I prefer classes to do their own research rather than learn information I have provided.  This way, every year, I learn new, interesting things from my audiences.

I recommend students do not take notes during the program.  The program is designed for them, and teachers, to be able to remember just about everything I say.  Taking notes bogs down the process.  I think it is great to do an after-program exercise, like have students write down everything they learned, or compose a letter to Ben Franklin.

How can a school / library without much money afford your program?

Every year a few schools save 25-30% off my single program fee by finding another school and  booking together, thereby earning the two program rate.   For example, if my fee to your area is $400 for one program and $600 for two--that's a $100 savings or 25% if two schools book together.

I am happy to offer this savings to schools, provided both programs can be booked the same morning or the same afternoon.  I would not be able to offer the discount if one program was to be held in the morning, the other in the afternoon.

Libraries may also find a considerable saving by "going partners" with other libraries.   I generally speak at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM at libraries. My single program fee for these two spots this year would be $600.  If two libraries went together to book the spots, the cost would be $500.  I do not mind traveling to different branches in a library system, or even to different towns or counties, in most cases.  

Both schools and libraries are welcome to find community sponsorship to pay all or part of the program.  Wal-Mart, Piggly Wiggly, your local newspaper--these and many more businesses in the community care about education and they routinely sponsor events that help the community.  Hundreds of my programs have been paid all or partially by sponsors.  At least two retired principals have paid for my shows at their former schools!   If you get sponsorship, it's a great idea to also invite the media.  If the event is covered and the sponsors are mentioned, it makes them happy and more likely to be there when you approach them the next time!

When and how do we pay for Ben Franklin's visit?

Payment can be made the day of the program, or any time before.  Once we agree on a date and time, I send a written confirmation which contains all the information you will need to make payment.   

Can you provide a color photo we can send to the newspaper for publicity purposes?

I have a great photo I can send as an email attachment.  Simply send me an email, request a photo, and I will send it along.   

Shall we invite the news media?  

I would like to encourage all schools and libraries to alert the media when Ben Franklin is coming!  Having people from the newspaper or television station at the program increases the fun for everyone.  Ben is glad to provide interviews in the few minutes before the program is scheduled to start.  It's fine for anyone to take pictures or video my program.