Explore a multitude of storytelling strategies that Media Specialists and Librarians can use to wholly and authentically integrate research, reading, and writing with Social Studies and Science.

Learn to tell stories with style and confidence! In this hands-on, highly interactive introduction to the art of storytelling and its applications in public library children’s services, we’ll explore the ways in which storytelling can enliven and enrich library programming; how to choose and develop an age-appropriate story; and, effective use of voice, body language, gesture and facial expression.

Recent research lays a theoretical basis, providing new insights and perspectives on children’s programming strategies and expectations, while engaging demonstrations and discussions put theory into practice. You’ll leave with new program know-how and ideas, plus a renewed commitment to children’s programming!

Learn the goals of lapsit programming, gain an understanding of the target audience, learn about the materials, activities and resources that really work, and get a handle on logistics. You’ll leave with basic program know-how, plus ideas for expanding and enhancing existing lapsit programs!

eaningful, experiential character lessons can be taught effectively and non-didactically through storytelling! Learn to use storytelling to infuse character education throughout the curriculum, resulting in character education instruction that is meaningful and non-confrontational, and which is accessible to all learning styles and applicable to multiple intelligences.

Learn effective methods for teaching students of all ages how to learn-and-re-tell or create-and-tell stories, thus improving both written and oral communication skills as well as impacting critical thinking skills, increasing poise and enhancing self-esteem, and learning to accept and appreciate the creative efforts of others. Participants will learn: How to create, learn and tell stories; How to coach student tellers; Sources for instructional support; How to integrate student storytelling into the curriculum; and, How to develop student telling as an extra-curricular activity.

ecent research provides new insights and perspectives on the ways storytelling helps lay the best possible foundation for learning in the early childhood classroom. Participants will explore relevant research and its practical applications, engaging in demonstrations and discussions that put theory into practice.

High-energy, fast-paced and interactive, this workshop is jam-packed with creative, cost-effective programming ideas for all ages! Sherry brings the collaborative manual to life with hands-on demonstrations of innovative approaches to enliven the summer schedule from beginning to end, including school visits, puppet shows, kick-offs and grand finales, storytimes for preK, book-related programming for K-3 and “tweens,” workshops, crafts, and storytelling! Participants will be energized and inspired by Sherry’s demonstrations of low staff-intensive, low-cost summer reading program ideas for every size library and every size kid. Sherry has led Summer Library Program workshops for the Florida State Library, Louisiana State Library, and Georgia Public Library Services, each customized to the theme and resource requirements of the program and the state

This hands-on workshop will explore a variety of ways to transform passive storytimes into active, exciting and rewarding adventures.

nvestigate various storytelling strategies that librarians can use to engage elementary students in scientific inquiry and creative design strategies.

primer in all the basic skills you will need, including but not limited to choosing, preparing and sharing picturebooks, storytelling, fingerplays, puppetry, flannelboards and other novelties, props, creative drama, crafts, and arranging for guest speakers.

n this highly interactive workshop, we examine the current research on reading motivation and engagement, and explore simple, practical and transformative suggestions for creating literacy-rich and motivating classrooms and libraries.

Recent research has provided startling and encouraging new insights into how to develop proficient readers. Learn about the research findings and how they can be applied in the home, at school and in the library, then create practical strategies for fostering a love of reading and helping kids develop the skills they need.

earn how the precepts of brain-based educational research can be applied easily and effectively through storytelling, thereby positively affecting test scores and competencies. Participants learn: basic precepts of brain-based research; techniques for applying these precepts through storytelling; ways in which storytelling can help children achieve their learning objectives; ways to use storytelling as an assessment tool for critical thinking skills.

hrough demonstrations, lecture, role play and skits, participants will explore the ways in which each staff member can make young patrons’ library experiences successful and satisfying through positive interaction, appropriate reference techniques, and realistic expectations.