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Diverse Characters- Every day Situations

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Diverse Characters- Every day Situations

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I'd love to share with other attendees books that have diverse characters completing every day activities. Allow the opportunity for ALL students to see themselves in books.
https://twitter.com/jroth080

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Tweets by jroth080

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Anyone interested in how comics can be used in the classroom? I’d like to dialogue with others about the makeup of a comic using simple steps. Maybe students could write an opinion piece using comics! Or a poem! Maybe a writing prompt using comics!
frankwdormer.com

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Videos + Classroom Activities: Tools to Expand on Books

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Videos + Classroom Activities: Tools to Expand on Books

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How can we reinforce curriculum and engage kids with content and materials based on books? I'm making videos that explain the research and writing process for a new nonfiction book, OUT OF THE BLUE: HOW ANIMALS EVOLVED FROM PREHISTORIC SEAS (trailer attached, more on YouTube: Elizabeth Shreeve Books and my website). Kids learn in different ways--visual, auditory, kinetic. Any great new ideas for classroom activities that connect across the board? Anyone interested in a panel on this topic?
@ShreeveBooks
eshreeve@gmail.com, www.elizabethshreeve.com

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Video Trailer for Out of the Blue: How Animals Evolved from Prehistoric Seas

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Humor + nonfiction picture book = kids laugh while learning. My book, A Brief History of Underpants, covers history from the first fossilized pair until today. I'd love to be part of a nErDcampCT panel, to show how some fun puns about buns engage kids to learn about people all around the world, seeing how we all have similar needs and have found ways to cover up throughout history. STEAM, inventions, archaeology, textiles, multicultural, diverse. I'm Christine Van Zandt, christinevanzandtauthor@gmail.com, Twitter @ChristineVZ

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High School Book Clubs
I would love to hear how high school book clubs are keeping students interested and engaged. I find that our club always starts out strong and then as the year goes on we lose steam. Students are reading for class and studying for exams. I find that it is very difficult for me to keep the students excited even if they came into high school as readers. Like many of you, I dont have any budget for my club so it's hard to get author visits in and I can't afford to have an author come in for a certain amount of books purchased. My school is small and I could never sell a set amount of books.  Thanks!
Jen Crutchfield
@jenverfield

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I'd love to see a discussion on trying to bring more STEM topics from literature into the classroom. I'd love to talk with educators about what it might look like to utilize a book across topics. For ex: explore a book through both a science class and english class utilizing different parts of the book for each class's goals for education.
Twitter: @LorielRyon email: Lorielryon@gmail.com

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Join authors Chris Baron, Shari Green, Rajani LaRocca, and Kip Wilson for a discussion about verse novels in the classroom. Why is poetry such a powerful tool for storytelling? How can verse novels help inspire less-than-enthusiastic readers? What makes verse such a great vehicle for addressing tough topics? Come share your experiences and questions about novels in verse.

sharigreenbooks@gmail.com
@sharigreen

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Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Culture in the Library Learning Commons

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Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Culture in the Library Learning Commons

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Research based practices and evidence targeting a need for employing diverse and inclusive programming along with curating a diverse collection across all grade levels.  A list of resources is provided for assistance in ideas for programming and curation of a strong diverse and inclusive library collection in all formats.  jdeloma@seymourschools.org
@DelomaJO

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Research adds layers to a novel or a school project, but usually that illicit groans from students. But research can be fun! Really! For my Great Shelby Holmes series, my research includes reading, watching TV, studying forensics, and eating chocolate chip cookies. Would love to discuss fun and interactive ways educators can bring into the classroom to make research fun.
(Any authors who want to join this panel please contact me on Twitter or through my website!)
Twitter: @elizeulberg
email: elizabeth@elizabetheulberg.com

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DIVERSITY PLUS: DIVERSE STORY FORMS, NOT JUST DIVERSE FACES
Conversations about diversity in the arts usually focus strictly on the identities of the characters and authors. However, values are not universal across all cultures, and thus what a satisfying story looks like is not limited to one model either. This session uses case studies from books, films, and other mediums, and in-class exercises and games to demonstrate that elements that we consider staples of European/Western storytelling, such as the three-act story structure, the empowerment arc, and individual heroism, are not universal across all cultures. The session shows how works by beloved creators such as Shaun Tan and Hayao Miyazaki are already introducing kids to diverse story forms drawn from other traditions in a way that is accessible and entertaining.
Henry Lien

@henrylienauthor

www.henrylien.com

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Harry Potter has dominated the KidLit fantasy landscape for two decades. Now, authors of diverse backgrounds who grew up reading Harry Potter are producing fantasies of their own. In 2019, Kirkus Reviews wrote an article about the “current effervescence of non-European fantasy, a burgeoning that’s made me really aware of the thematic limitations of the traditional canon.” This panel of diverse middle grade authors explores both the legacy of Harry Potter in their own work and the ways that they sought to differentiate and personalize the fantasies they created.
Henry Lien
@henrylienauthor
www.henrylien.com

Anna Meriano
@AnnaMisboring
www.annameriano.com

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With the protesting and uprising of late, my staff continues to offer suggestions on ordering books on race, racism and social justice. I now have a list of over 30 titles! While I would love to get all, budgeting just wont allow. Would love to discuss and narrow down a list of books other high school librarians think most valuable for their staff and students.

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From the Spark to the Shelf: Answering questions about the path to publication

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From the Spark to the Shelf: Answering questions about the path to publication

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As a debut author with a recently-released picture book, I've had a lot of questions lately about the whole process. Everything from "how did you get your idea?" to "how do you deal with rejection?" to "how much communication do you have with the illustrator?" etc. etc. I'd love to answer your questions about any and all parts of the process... For your own information and to pass along to your students!
Elisa Boxer
email: boxerelisa@gmail.com
twitter: @eboxer

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Fresh Out of the Oven: Hot New, Relatable Reads          

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Fresh Out of the Oven: Hot New, Relatable Reads          

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Join Middle Grade authors Torrey Maldonado, Supriya Kelkar, and Mae Respicio and picture book author, Simran Jeet Singh, as they discuss their newly released or soon-to-come books. Kids deserve to see and hear themselves, worlds, and voices in literature. Whether it is friendships, race, generational discussions, understanding others' cultures, or learning how to overcome obstacles, these authors present real, everyday issues that our students face. Learn about their newest titles and why they matter in our students' lives.

Rebecca Reynolds, Emergent Bilingual Teacher will be moderating and can answer questions at @Melady2000 or at rreynolds@biddefordschools.me

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The Process of Writing a Picture Book - with picture book authors and questions/discussions with and by educators - Bring back information to your students about real authors and their processes. Some authors participating: 

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The Process of Writing a Picture Book - with picture book authors and questions/discussions with and by educators - Bring back information to your students about real authors and their processes. Some authors participating: 

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Carol Gordon Ekster
Christy Mihaly
Jenna Grodzicki
Lisa Rogers

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Using Picture Books in Upper Elementary Classrooms- Discussion and sharing by both authors and educators on ways to use picture books, both fiction and nonfiction, in upper elementary classrooms in all areas of the curriculum. 

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Using Picture Books in Upper Elementary Classrooms- Discussion and sharing by both authors and educators on ways to use picture books, both fiction and nonfiction, in upper elementary classrooms in all areas of the curriculum. 

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Twitter: @cekster
email: cekster@aol.com

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What are the best reading strategies for transitional readers and what types of books and topics work best? As students move from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" between second and fifth grade,  how can teachers, books, and strategies support that journey?
If you'd like to get in touch ahead of time, contact me on Twitter @davidakelly or email davidakelly@gmail.com

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In many classrooms the teacher decides the pre-writing process for students. The truth is there is no one way authors pre-plan. Some authors even plan a different way every time. Come to this session to find out how to give your students real world flexibility in preparing to write fiction and hear how published authors plan.
Twitter: @SMozer
Email Mozerstacy@gmail.com

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Connecting students with primary documents - locally- to help us all develop a better understanding of our history. I could not lead this- but I think it is a conversation that needs to start happening and I'd love to know what others may be doing with primary documents and younger students.
email: jfriedman@footeschool.org

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I'd love to join a conversation about using picture book bios- in the library- and expanding the lesson with book and database research.
email: jfriedman@footeschool.org

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What are some great new poetry books and novels in verse? What are some creative ways to integrate poetry into the learning day? How do you connect student voice to poetry writing, or integrate poetry into projects? Do you use technology tools such as Flipgrid, or writing notebooks? Share and learn more about some new titles and ways to make poetry come to life for elementary students.
email: Jill_Dailey@whps.org
Twitter: @JillPDailey

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How can school librarians support our readers and connect them with books in a distance teaching environment?  Come share tips and tricks for connecting with and growing readers in a virtual library environment.

Twitter: @KateMCandido
Kcandido@milforded.org

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Join authors Janae Marks and Suzanne Nelson to discuss how can we use books that highlight themes of empathy and understanding as a jumping off point for developing school-wide or district-wide community service and social action projects? We'd love to brainstorm and discuss how we can all help readers turn ideas into concrete practice to help their communities and schools foster the spread of empathy, acceptance, and understanding beyond a book's pages.
Twitter:
@snelsonbooks
@JanaeMarksBooks
Email:
suzenelson@gmail.com
janaemarksbooks@gmail.com

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Relevance of student choice and YA Novels in the English Classroom

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Relevance of student choice and YA Novels in the English Classroom

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I would like to foster a conversation about how to encourage teachers to use student choice, including reading YA novels in the English classroom. While I understand why the canon was used, how can we encourage teachers to offer students choice? I did have coordinate two successful "independent" reading units like this and would like to share what I learned. We based the unit on Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher's book 180 Days-Two Teachers and the Quest to Engage and Empower Adolescents.                                         email: v.hulse6981@gmail.com         Twitter: @MrsVHulse

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Middle Grade Mayhem: Navigating the Ever-Changing Tide of Young Friendships

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Middle Grade Mayhem: Navigating the Ever-Changing Tide of Young Friendships

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Join MG authors Mike Jung, Jo Knowles, Paula Chase Hyman, Jessica Kim, and Debbi Michiko Florence to discuss how books can help students navigate challenging friendships, toxic masculinity, and first crushes.
Twitter:
@Mike_Jung
@JoKnowles
@thatMGbookchick
@jesskimwrites
@DebbiMIchiko

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Opening Eyes to the World Around Middle Schoolers

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Opening Eyes to the World Around Middle Schoolers

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How can we build and promote literature with diverse cultures, and use these books as a starting (or continuing) point to talk to students about events in the world? Discussion will include great books to include in one's collection
Twitter @mlanemedia
email: mlane@colchesterct.org

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Picturebook Research: For Fact AND Fiction

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Picturebook Research: For Fact AND Fiction

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Picturebook authors & illustrators Leslie Bulion, Jennifer Thermes, & Deborah Freedman will discuss how and why we research for our non-fiction and fiction illustrated books. For students in K—middle grade.

Twitter:
@jenthermes

@LeslieBulion

@DeborahFreedman

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Middle grade books can be too young and YA books too mature for Middle School readers. Let talk about how to build the best collection for our stuck in the middle students.
Twitter: librarylisa
email: lpolack@ellingtonschools.net

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Oh, yeah, we WENT THERE: Deciding What's Age-Appropriate in Middle Grade Fiction

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Oh, yeah, we WENT THERE: Deciding What's Age-Appropriate in Middle Grade Fiction

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Four middle grade authors/educators (Jake Burt, Supriya Kelkar, Dusti Bowling, and Barbara Dee) discuss timely and tricky texts, how to decide if they're age-appropriate for your classroom, and how to use them with students.
Twitter:
@jburtbooks
@supriyakelkar_
@Dusti_Bowling
@Barbaradee2

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Megan Dowd Lambert’s Whole Book Approach presented in Reading Picture Books with Children: How to Shake Up Storytime and Get Kids Talking about What They See (Charlesbridge,  2015) offers a great way to supercharge storytime and give even pre-readers a chance to interact and examine a picture book. Authors and illustrators know the secrets in their books. These hidden gems can engage readers beyond a simple storytime reading. Teachers and librarians know what makes storytime big, bold, and fun and what can make it flat, boring, and hoo hum. Let’s chat about best practices for a dynamic storytime.

Twitter: @kcareywrites
email: kcareywrites@gmail.com

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I am a reading specialist who works with reluctant readers and learners. Distance learning has not been great for most of my students. As a result, we are expecting the gap to widen because of school closures plus summer. While this can be a topic for any grade level, I teach middle school, so I am interested in talking about ways we can reach out to middle school students during the summer to minimize the loss of learning, especially now.
Twitter: @RodriguezCindyL
email: cindyrodriguez71@gmail.com
or cindy_rodriguez@whps.org

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Changing Core Book Lists to Include Diversity and Anti-Racism

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Changing Core Book Lists to Include Diversity and Anti-Racism

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I am interested in talking about how and why we should change core book lists in our schools. What is the process? What are the challenges? We talk a lot about culturally relevant teaching during PDs, but then we go right back to teaching the same books we've been teaching for 20+ years. How can we work to include books that include diversity and tackle racism and anti-racism specifically?
Twitter: @RodriguezCindyL
email: cindyrodriguez71@gmail.com
or cindy_rodriguez@whps.org

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@ would like to speak about embedding strategies to support students dealing with trauma and mental health issues. As the world deals with COVID-19 and unrest in the world, students may be experiencing high levels of anxiety and uncertainty. As the Supervisor of Special Services for the Easton Public Schools, we have seen an uptick in trauma and mental health issues prior to the major events in the world. This is an extremely important topic that teachers can address in a meaningful and effective manner in the classroom. I will also recommend books for all levels that support this work in the classroom.
karadibartolo@gmail.com
@dibartolok (twitter)
kara.dibartolo (Instagram)

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What are the best books and resources to bring diverse perspectives to children. I would love to talk about inspiring inclusion, compassion and empathy with elementary students using both fiction and nonfiction books.
Twitter: @technojohnson
email: bajohnson@colchesterct.org

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Creating fictional worlds for distant planets and future worlds means inventing new settings and social systems. Let's explore what this involves for us as writers!
Twitter: @CaraghMOBrien
email: cob@caraghobrien.com

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What are your favorite ways of sharing nonfiction with PreK-2 students? If you'd like to get in touch ahead of time, contact me on Twitter @jluss or email jlussier@rsd13.org

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I would love to talk to others about how they create and nurture a culture of reading both in person and virtually (aka distance learning).

Twitter: @MsThomBookitis
email: joyfullearning@melissathom.com