Literacy Now

Conferences & Events
ILA Membership
ILA Next
ILA Journals
ILA Membership
ILA Next
ILA Journals
  • Join us Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. ET, for our first-ever Google Hangout "on air," which will be streamed on International Reading Association's YouTube channel. Our one-hour panel will include "writing thief" Ruth Culham and acclaimed authors Kate Messner, Lisa Yee, David Harrison, and Varian Johnson.

    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    What Do You Want to Know About Mentor Texts?

    by Morgan Ratner
     | Sep 29, 2014

    Join us Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. ET, for our first-ever Google Hangout “on air,” which will be streamed on International Reading Association’s YouTube channel. Our one-hour panel will include “writing thief” Ruth Culham and acclaimed authors Kate Messner, Lisa Yee, David Harrison, and Varian Johnson. Jayme Gravell, International Reading Association’s social media strategist will moderate the discussion.
    Ruth Culham is a recognized expert in the writing assessment field and is known for conducting lively teacher workshops. Her current book, The Writing Thief, gives insight on how to use reading to practice writing skills. Writing “thieves” read extensively and use great texts as models for their own writing. The book uses text citations, narratives, and informational teaching concepts to give advice on making the most out of writing instruction. It also provides updated literacy research and thoughts about Common Core State Standards.
    Culham’s work draws from over 90 different books to show how adept readers can acquire proficient writing skills and reach their full potential. It discusses how to find the right mentor texts to share with students and how to incorporate traits of writing, such as organization, voice, and word choice, into various styles.

    • Messner’s book, The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. was the winner of the 2010 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers.
    • Yee’s novels, including Millicent Min, Girl Genius and Absolutely Maybe, have won several awards.
    • Harrison is a well-known writer in the literacy world as an author of more than 75 books. His literacy program is the award-winning Sky High on Reading. 
    • Johnson is the author of The Great Greene Heist, a Publishers Weekly Best Summer Book of 2014.

    Culham will kick off the event with an exercise from The Writing Thief. The panel will go on to discuss the importance of finding great mentor texts and using reading to promote writing abilities. No pre-registration is necessary. Send you greatest challenge in using mentor texts to social@/ by Oct. 10 and your issue might be addressed by our panel. Settle in for the stream and work through Culham’s exercises and get the advice of not just one expert, but five. Watch the Hangout live and find out how you can win a free virtual visit from one of our authors.
    The Hangout will be aired on the IRA YouTube page at 8 p.m. Oct. 28, but will be archived to watch any time. The virtual visit contest, however, is only available during the live stream.

    Morgan Ratner is a communications intern for the International Reading Association.
    Read More
  • IRA 2014 Annual ConferenceThe International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana from May 9-12. Here are some useful resources for you as you navigate the greatest event of the year!
    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    IRA Annual Conference Quick Links

    by Sara Long
     | May 07, 2014

    IRA Conference LogoIt’s finally here! The International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana from May 9-12. Here are some useful resources for you as you navigate the greatest event of the year!

    Useful Links

    Helpful Reading Today Online Articles

    Sara Long is a content manager at the International Reading Association.

    Read More
  • In partnership with Steelcase Educational Solutions and myON Reader, the Digital Classroom is a presentation space that offers short, 20-minute presentations focusing on technology tools for the classroom.
    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    Digital Classroom: A New Exhibit Hall Experience

    by Wes Ford
     | May 06, 2014
    Steelcase eno interactive whiteboard
    The Digital Classroom will have a Steelcase
    eno interactive whiteboard like the one shown here

    Regular conference goers will see a new feature at the International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference in New Orleans: the Digital Classroom.

    In partnership with Steelcase Educational Solutions and myON Reader, the Digital Classroom is a small presentation space away from the formal meeting rooms and sessions, smack right in the middle of the excitement of the Exhibit Hall (Booth #1010 to be exact)—and with good reason. Digital Classroom sessions are not your typical fare. They are short, 20-minute presentations focusing on technology tools for the classroom.

    The Digital Classroom is playing host to a myriad of presentations across the three days that the Exhibit Hall is open (Saturday, May 10 to Monday, May 12). Session topics are varied, from a daily presentation of digital tools on IRA’s own ReadWriteThink.org site to exploring the classroom potential of myON Reader to learning how the Literacy Learning Exchange can help build team collaboration.

    Short and sweet, these sessions are designed to inform and inspire. Many of the sessions are presented by actual classroom teachers who want to share their successes and their resources with fellow educators. This space is designed to combine the learning potential of the conference session with the energy and excitement of the exhibit hall to create an enticing, fun experience for all attendees.

    Sessions

    The Digital Classroom has a full and varied schedule through the days the Exhibit Hall is open. Keeping track of all the events and sessions can be a challenge, but don’t worry, just grab the IRA 2014 Conference App (downloadable for iOS and Android devices) to help keep you organized.

    Open the app, click on “Sessions,” and then sort by day. Type “digital classroom” into the search field; this will filter the list to make it easier to find the session you want. All of the Digital Classroom sessions are labeled as such just before the session title. Clicking on the star icon to the left of the session title will add that session to your itinerary. (Note: These short sessions can only be added to itineraries in the app, not on the online iPlanner).

    Here is a list of all the Digital Classroom sessions and times. Full descriptions of sessions can be found in the Conference App.

    Saturday

    • 10:00–10:20 Using ReadWriteThink.org Tools to Engage Your Students
    • 10:40–11:00 Kipp Academy Students Share Reading Success 
    • 11:20­–11:40 eno...Giving You Even More Teachable Moments
    • 1:00–1:20 Jumpstart Your In-School PD With the Literacy in Learning Exchange
    • 1:40–2:00 Learning About Natural Resources Through Technology:  Bridges to Understanding
    • 2:20–2:40 Lift Off to Literacy: International Literacy Day 2014
    • 3:00–3:20 Connect Digital Reading to Instruction
    • 3:40­­–4:00 What's in Your Classroom Library?
    • 4:20-4:40 eno...Giving You Even More Teachable Moments

    Sunday

    • 10:00–10:20 Using ReadWriteThink.org Tools to Engage Your Students
    • 10:40­–11:00 Where Will You Take Your Reading?
    • 11:20–11:40 Twitter-a-ture: Creating Content and Connections Using Twitter
    • 1:00–1:20 Jumpstart Your In-School PD With the Literacy in Learning Exchange
    • 1:40–2:00 Tech-enomics:  Technology Connections in an IRA Bridges Economics Unit for Grades 3–5
    • 2:20–2:40 Lift Off to Literacy: International Literacy Day 2014
    • 3:00–3:20 Getting to the Core of Instruction Through Close Reading
    • 3:40–4:00 myON: MAGIC INSIDE-METRICS INCLUDED!
    • 4:20-4:40 eno...Giving You Even More Teachable Moments

    Monday

    • 10:00–10:20 Using ReadWriteThink.org Tools to Engage Your Students
    • 10:40–11:00 Personalize the Reading Experience
    • 11:20­–11:40 eno...Giving You Even More Teachable Moments

    Our Sponsors

    The Digital Classroom is a joint project through IRA’s partners Steelcase Educational Solutions and myON Reader.

    Steelcase has been an industry leader in furniture and technology for over 100 years and has a robust line of educational solutions, which brings their understanding of efficient and effective workspace design into the classroom setting. They are providing a Polyvision eno Interactive Whiteboard for use during the Digital Classroom sessions, a working example of technology integration into the educational setting. To learn about the digital whiteboard specifically, come to any of the eno sessions in the Digital Classroom.

    myON is a complete literacy solution that reinvents student reading. Offering over 7,000 books online, myON tracks student reading, offer suggestions based on previous experiences and recommendations, and tracks student progress through a variety of metrics. To find out more about myON Reader, come by the Digital Classroom for one of their presentations. You can find their sessions and times by filtering the session list using the term “myON” (one word, no quotes).

    Wes Ford is an associate editor at the International Reading Association. 

    Read More
  • Show your conference badge for deals at the Hard Rock Café, Red Fish Grill, Poppy’s Time Out, the Crazy Lobster, Bubba Gump, and the Sun Ray Grill.
    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    Show Your Badge for Delicious Deals

    by Chelsea Simens
     | May 05, 2014

    Whether you’re soaking up historic sites in the French Quarter or checking out the art scene in the Warehouse District you’re never far from fantastic food in “N’Awlins.” From its cultural blending of Cajun, Creole, Haitain, and French foods, New Orleans has emerged as a top food destination. While you’re down South make sure to try NOLA favorites such as crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, seafood gumbo, and red beans and rice. Overwhelmed by amazing options? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re helping you make the most out of your visit by offering exclusive deals. Show your badge from the International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference at any of the restaurants below prior to ordering and take advantage of these special offers.

    Although the French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in NOLA these restaurants always feel like a new experience. Bourbon Street is hopping with live music and great eats so make sure you make the most of it by eating at the Hard Rock Café, located at 125 Bourbon Street and receive $5 off a $25 purchase when you show your IRA 2014 badge. If you’re fishing around for good seafood, you have to swing on by the award-winning Red Fish Grill, located at 115 Bourbon Street, for a complimentary glass of specially selected wine with the purchase of a dinner entrée.* You can also reel in a great deal at Poppy's Time Out and the Crazy Lobster in the Spanish Plaza near Port of New Orleans and enjoy a free fried pickle appetizer with the purchase of an entrée. If you believe that shrimp is the fruit of the sea then you have to go to Bubba Gump, located at 429 Decatur Street. Receive a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of two entrees when you show your IRA 2014 badge.

    Falling in love with those French Quarter favorites is easy, but don’t spend all your time there. Check out the Warehouse District as well for some great deals! Make sure you head on over to the Sun Ray Grill at 1051 Annunciation Street and enjoy a free bottle of house wine with two entrees. Choosing what to eat might be difficult with unique selections such as Goat Cheese Fritters, Crawfish Bruschetta, and Hoke Poke.

    The International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference will be held Friday, May 9 through Monday, May 12, 2014 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Visit www.iraconference.org for conference details or to register. 

    *Offer valid at dinner only. Not available with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one offer per table. Expires May 13, 2014.

    Chelsea Simens is a strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.

    Read More
  • IRA Central includes book signings and merchandise on the Bookstore, events in the IRA Theater, and services in the membership area.
    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    IRA Central: Your One-Stop Shop for the Bookstore, Membership Area, and IRA Theater

    by Chelsea Simens
     | May 02, 2014

    IRA CentralWith so many awesome activities jam-packed into the IRA 2014 Conference it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, lost, or torn about where to go and what to attend. Well fret no longer! This year, for the first time ever, the IRA debuts IRA Central!

    But what exactly is IRA Central? It’s your one-stop shop that combines the bookstore, membership area, IRA author signings, and sessions in the IRA Theater.

    IRA Bookstore

    The bookstore offers so many great deals you’ll never want to leave. When the bookstore opens at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, you can purchase select books at a discount and get the first crack at the official IRA merchandise. There’s also member pricing for everyone, meaning all regularly priced books will be sold at member price…20% off! If you don’t want to wait in line you can use Order Express which allows you to purchase books with FREE shipping and no sales tax.

    Don’t forget to use your Bookstore Bucks! They are in the IRA Coupon Booklet and can be used at the Bookstore.

    IRA Author Signings

    The following IRA authors will be signing their latest books at IRA Central. Here is the book signing schedule:

    Saturday, May 10

    Sunday, May 11

    Monday, May 12

    IRA Theater

    IRA CentralNew this year! These IRA authors will present on topics from their recent and upcoming books in this unique theater built into IRA Central. Here is the IRA Theater schedule:

    Saturday, May 10

    • 10:00-11:00 a.m. – Timothy Rasinski, Valerie Ellery, Lori Oczkus, & Danny Brassell (The Art of Ending Your School Year Literacy Strong)
    • 11:30-12:30 p.m. – Doug Buehl (Tracking Argumentation as Readers)
    • 1:00-2:00 p.m. – Jennifer Scoggin (Reclaiming Your Happiness in the Classroom)
    • 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Mark Weakland (Learning to Turbocharge the Basal: A True Story)

    Sunday, May 11

    • 10:00-11:00 a.m. – Jennifer L. Altieri (Creating Powerful Content Connections)
    • 11:30-1:00 p.m. – Tony Stead & Sylvia Pantaleo, with Diane Barone & Marla Mallette (The Importance of Children's Literature - Authors of Articles Published in The Reading Teacher Share Ideas)
    • 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Ruth Culham (Psst…Want to Become a Writing Thief?)
    • 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Cathy A. Toll (Enduring Essentials of Literacy Coaching)

    Monday, May 12

    • Monday, May 12, 10:00-11:00 a.m. – Michelle J. Kelley & Nicki Clausen-Grace (Teaching Students to Effectively Read and Write Informational Texts)

    IRA Membership

    At IRA Central’s Membership area you can become a member or renew your membership during the conference for a chance to win the daily Golden Ticket, worth $100, that can be used towards your purchase at the IRA Bookstore. Discover IRA’s new benefit, IRA Bridges: Instructional Units for the Engaging Classroom and pick up samples of Reading Today and our peer-reviewed journals, The Reading Teacher, the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, and Reading Research Quarterly. Like what you see? Take a few steps to easily add a journal subscription to your membership. For each journal added, you’ll receive bonus Bookstore Bucks that can be used at the IRA Bookstore.  

    IRA CentralAs if that’s not enough, you can also receive discounted member insurance programs at the Membership area on Saturday. Here you can learn more about IRA's Member Insurance programs, with savings on a range of plans, including professional liability insurance.

    We’re thrilled to announce the new, streamlined IRA Central and hope you enjoy all of its benefits. Make sure that IRA Central is on your itinerary for IRA 2014!

    Chelsea Simens is a strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association. 

    Read More
Back to Top

Categories

Recent Posts

Archives