Literacy Now

One of the most exciting features of the Annual Convention is the assembly of popular, award winning authors who attend. Here is a sampling of some of the hundreds of authors who will participate in professional development sessions in Chicago.

Monday’s Primary Literature Luncheon features Peter H. Reynolds, lauded author and illustrator of the delightful children’s books The Dot, Ish, and Rose’s Garden. Reynolds has also illustrated books for authors Judy Blume, Megan McDonald (Judy Moody), Ellen Potter, Eleanor Estes, and more. 

Jacqueline Woodson will speak at the Tuesday Young Adult Literature Luncheon. Woodson has won many awards including the Caldecott Medal, the Coretta Scott King Award, the Newbery Honor Medal, and the National Book Award, among others. She has touched the lives of readers of all ages with her books The Other Side, Beneath a Meth Moon, Show Way, and many more.

On Wednesday, Christopher Paul Curtis speaks at the Book and Author Luncheon. Curtis is the award-winning author of The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963; Bud, Not Buddy; and more. Bud, Not Buddy, is the first book ever to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award.

These author luncheons are ticketed events and sell out fast. The cost is $60.00 per person per event. Visit www.iraconvention.org for ticket details.

The author panel entitled Series Favorites: Heroes, Scamps, & Sidekicks on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. features Goosebumps series creator R. L. Stine, Guardians of Ga’Hoole series author Kathryn Lasky, and Franny K. Stein and Dear Dumb Diary series writer Jim Benton.

Bad Kitty series author Nick Bruel participates in a featured author session on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Also at that time, Michael Buckley (The Sisters Grimm series) joins a dozen other influential presenters at the Children’s Choices: Visual Literacy through Graphic Novels & Picture Books session.

Shannon Hale (author of the Princess Academy series) joins Annie Barrows (Ivy & Bean series) at the Early Literature Author Panel on Monday at 2:00 p.m.

On Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., join Jane Yolen (Owl Moon), Marilyn Singer (Tallulah’s Tutu), and Children’s Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis (Doodle Dandies) for Reading and Writing Rollicking Rhymes: Using Humorous Poems to Introduce Students to An Often Intimidating Form of Literature—Poetry.

Patricia McCormick, author of Never Fall Down and Cut, is part of the International Authors Panel on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. 

Bullies, Brats, and Bystanders: Combating Negative Peer Pressure with Young Adult Literature at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday features Heather Brewer (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod), Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer), Siobhan Vivian (Not That Kind of Girl), and Jay Asher (Thirteen Reasons Why).

Rita Williams-Garcia also participates in the Closing General Session on Wednesday at 2:30 with Laura Numeroff (If You Give a Mouse a Cookie), Esmé Raji Codell (Educating Esmé: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year), and Linda Sue Park (Storm Warning).

Authors, dates, times, and details are subject to change. Visit www.iraconvention.org and use the “Event Search” on the “Program Grid” for more information.

by Jen Donovan

One of the hottest events at the IRA Convention this year will be the Author Luncheon Series. The line-up consists of some of the most dynamic and influential voices in young adult and children’s literature today. Their award-winning books are read in classrooms and top the best seller lists. These luncheons fill up fast so don’t forget to register today to save your seat! 

On Monday, April 30, at noon, convention-goers will have the opportunity to attend the Primary Literature Luncheon featuring best-selling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, sponsored by Simon and Schuster. His two best-selling books, The Dot and Ish, encourage children to be themselves and embrace creativity. These books are filled with wonderful watercolor, ink, and tea illustrations that make the stories especially original and special. Reynolds’ unique illustrations can also be found in the book Someday by Alison McGhee and in the Judy Moody Series.

The Young Adult Literature Luncheon will take place the next day featuring Jacqueline Woodson, multiple award-winning author and one of the finest writers in young adult literature. Some of her award-winning titles include The Other Side, Locomotion, Miracle’s Boys, and Hush. Her latest book, Beneath a Meth Moon is a powerful and beautifully told story of a young girl’s journey with addiction after losing her mother, grandmother, and her home in Hurricane Katrina. Woodson will offer a fresh new take on how to use her books in the classroom. Brought to you by Penguin, this event will take place Tuesday, May 1 at noon. Don’t miss the chance to hear this fantastic speaker!

On Wednesday the Book and Author Luncheon will feature speaker Christopher Paul Curtis, one of the most important authors in children’s literature today. His book Bud, Not Buddy is widely read both in and outside the classroom. It was also the first book ever to win both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award. The Mighty Miss Malone is his latest title, due to be published this spring. This new book, published by Random House, promises to join the ranks of his other award-winning titles and educators anxiously await its release. Christopher Paul Curtis will be speaking about his books on Wednesday, May 2 at noon. 

This series presents a rare opportunity to hear three of the most talented writers in children’s and young adult literature. Each speaker will have something new to offer listeners about teaching their novels in the classroom. Regardless of the genre, their books will move and inspire readers of all ages. Space is limited, so sign up for these luncheons today!

To find information about the luncheons and more programs at the Annual Convention, visit www.iraconvention.org.

Jen Donovan is an intern in the Strategic Communications Department of the International Reading Association. 

Administrators and teachers looking for informed guidance on many unique challenges presented by the Common Core State Standards should plan to attend the International Reading Association (IRA) 57th Annual Convention in Chicago. Over 50 sessions related to the Common Core will be offered throughout the convention.

Here are just a few of the many exciting opportunities available. To review the full slate of Common Core sessions and to register, visit the convention website at www.iraconvention.org.

On Sunday, April 29, join us for the *Reading Research Institute 2012: Research that Makes a Difference in the Age of Common Core Standards from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with Susan Neuman and Linda Gambrell.

On Monday, April 30, 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., presenters Jessica Hoffman; Richard Beach, Jr.; Audrey Beard; Susan Bennett-Armistead; Judy Carson; Jean Casey; Rebecca Norman; Kathleen Paciga; Thomas Schultz; Karen Wixson; Deborah Rowe; Nancy Roser; and Lesley Morrow speak about *Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Early Literacy Instruction: Designing Instruction, Preparing Teachers, and Recognizing Programs of Excellence.

At 1:00 p.m. that day, Timothy Shanahan presents *Making Sense of the Common Core State Standards, and Kathy Headley and Victoria Gillis share *An Inquiry into the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy: How Connections with NSES Science Teaching Standards Energize Disciplinary Teaching and Learning, Grades 6-12. 

Facilitator Aria Razfar leads the *English Learners Panel Discussion: Current Research and Impact of Common Core Standards with Kathy Escamilla, Georgia Garcia, and Deborah Short at 2:00 p.m. on Monday. Keynote Speaker Elizabeth Moje’s *Research Address: The Role of Disciplinary Literacy Learning: Delivering and Expanding on the Common Core State Standards is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, May 1, attend *Teaching and Assessing Close, Careful, and Critical Reading of Complex Informational Texts: The Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects with Sheila Potter, Michael Beck, Deanna Birdyshaw, and Roger Farr from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. At 2:00 p.m., Nancy Boyles presents *Getting to the Heart of the Common Core State Standards: Designing and Implementing Powerful Comprehension Instruction. 

Wednesday, May 2 brings many informative sessions, including *Common Core Sense: Literacy Practices to Support the Standards with Brenda Overturf at 9:00 a.m.,* Common Core State Standards: Seizing the Moment to Strengthen Your School’s Literacy Instruction with Kathryn Au and Taffy Raphael also at 9:00 a.m., and *SIG: Beyond the Common Core: Pathways to Lifelong Literacy with Kelly Gallagher, Cris Tovani, Carol Booth Olson, and Lori DiGisi from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. At 11:00 a.m. Carol Jago and Mary Jo Fox speak about *With Rigor for All: Helping Students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 Meet Common Core Standards for Reading Literature. And at 1:00 p.m., presenters Scott Filkins and Christopher Belt share *Using IRA/NCTE Standards for Assessment and the Common Core Standards to Assess Secondary Readers for Learning and Growth. 

These are just a few of the hundreds of sessions at the IRA 57th Annual Convention in Chicago from April 29 through May 2, 2012. Dates and times are subject to change. Visit the Annual Convention itinerary planner/program grid online tool for updated information. For more details or to register, visit www.iraconvention.org. 

*Handouts for the above links may not be available, check back frequently as they are being uploaded by the presenters.

This year's International Reading Association (IRA) Annual Convention is a professional development event that cannot be missed. Here are a few of the hundreds of informative sessions that deal with "hot topics" effecting reading teachers and specialists. 

LITERACY AND LEARNING

On Tuesday, May 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Michael Grave from the University of Minnesota (Emeritus) and James Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia present Words, Words Everywhere; But Which Ones Do We Teach? Insights from the Multi-faceted, Comprehensive Vocabulary Instructional Program and Beyond. That day at 11:00 a.m., join Deborah Shefren and Sarah Weisberg for The Forgotten Literacy: Importance of Talk in the Primary Grades. 

LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGY

At 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 30, Kristin Ziemke Fastabend from Chicago Public Schools presents The 21st Century Literacy Workshop—Using iPads to promote reading, writing and collaboration in the primary classroom, and Tamie Lynn Pratt-Fartro from the University of Mary Washington and Kristina DeWitt from Liberty University present You Want Me to Blog in PE? A Study of How Adolescents Skillfully Make Connections between In-School Learning and Out-of-School Living at 3:00 p.m. that day.

TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)

Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey from San Diego State University present Implementing RTI with English Learners on Monday, April 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Tuesday, May 1, at 11:00 a.m., come to Enhancing Adolescent English Language Learners’ Literacy and Identity Development through the Approach of Writers’ Workshop with Elizabeth C. Lewis and Lauren M. Amoros from Dickinson College.

ASSESSMENT

Attend Making the Most of Writer’s Workshop: Conferencing with Students Keeping the Common Core in Mind with Sarah Cordova from the Distinctive Educator’s Institute on Monday, April 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Scott Filkins and Christopher Belt from Central High School in Champaign, Illinois, present Using IRA/NCTE Standards for Assessment and the Common Core Standards to Assess Secondary Readers for Learning and Growth on Wednesday, May 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

TEACHING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN READING AND WRITING

On Tuesday, May 1, at 11:00 a.m., join Beth Olshansky from the University of New Hampshire for Picturing Writing: Engaging Diverse Learners by Treating Pictures and Words as Equal Languages for Learning. And on Wednesday, May 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Jauquita Hargus from Texas A&M University-Texarkana speaks about Integrating Reading and Writing: Using Children’s Literature as Model Texts to Study Author’s Craft to Develop Critical Writing Skills. 

These are just a few of the hundreds of sessions at the IRA 57th Annual Convention in Chicago from April 29 through May 2, 2012. Dates and times are subject to change. Visit the Annual Convention itinerary planner/program grid online tool for updated information. For more details or to register, visit www.iraconvention.org. 

This article was printed in the February/March 2012 issue of Reading Today. Click here for more information about viewing the digital versions of Reading Today issues.

The International Reading Association (IRA) 57th Annual Convention has hundreds of informative sessions on today’s hottest issues. Here is a sampling of sessions that present important literacy topics. 

STRUGGLING READERS

On Monday, April 30, Thomas Gunning from Central Connecticut State University presents Mystery Passages and Manipulatives: Active Learning Techniques that Build Essential Comprehension Skills from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. At 4:45 p.m. that day, Christopher Paul Curtis and Randon Singer present Struggling Readers and the Common Core State Standards: How Can I get Them College and Career Ready?

TEACHING ELEMENTARY LEARNERS

Join presenters Timothy Rasinski from Kent State University, Alicia McCartney from Gwinnett County Schools, Brod Bagert, and David Harrison from Drury University for Using Poetry for Word Study, Fluency, and Comprehension Instruction on Monday, April 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. The Differentiated Difference: The Tale of Two Schools from 3:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. that day features Beverly Tyner, Brian Alaback and Jodie Broussard from Brentwood Elementary, and MaKeysa Rhymer and Denny Wilson from Oakcrest Elementary. 

TEACHING EARLY LITERACY AND BEGINNING READERS

Don’t miss Better Books for Guided Reading: Exploring the Ways Text Selection Relates to Comprehension, Word Recognition, and Student Independence with Jan Miller Burkins (Jan Miller Burkins Consulting & Literacyhead.com) on Monday, April 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. On Tuesday, May 1, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Author/Literacy Consultant Miriam Trehearne and Christine Gordon, Professor Emeritus University of Calgary, present Writing, the Cornerstone of an Effective Early Literacy Program in Preschool-Kindergarten: Thousands of young learners learn to read through writing and love it! 

TEACHING ADOLESCENT LEARNERS

At 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 30, attend Reading, Writing, & Thinking through a Historian Lens: Integrating Disciplinary Literacy into Social Studies Instruction with Doug Buehl from Edgewood College and Jeremy Buehl from Madison Metropolitan School District. At 3:00 p.m. that day, catch Valerie Ellery and Jennifer Rosenboom’s Sustaining Strategic Readers: Techniques for Supporting Content Literacy, Grades 6-12. Maureen McLaughlin of East Stroudsburg University of PA presents The Common Core Standards: Teaching Middle School and High School Students to Comprehend Informational Text on Wednesday, May 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

These are just a few of the hundreds of sessions at the IRA 57th Annual Convention in Chicago from April 29 through May 2, 2012. Dates and times are subject to change. Visit the Annual Convention itinerary planner/program grid online tool for updated information. For information on registration and housing, visit www.iraconvention.org.

This article was printed in the February/March 2012 issue of Reading Today. Click here for more information about viewing the digital versions of Reading Today issues.