Day 2 Schedule

Session Title:   Uncovering Unsung Sheroes:  An Ode to Women in Hip-Hop

Session Description:   In this workshop, we will explore the contributions of women in hip-hop and highlight their often-overlooked impact on the genre. Using the ELA and Social Studies common core standards, we will examine the cultural and historical context in which these women emerged and analyze the themes present in their music. We will also discuss their challenges in a male-dominated industry and how they paved the way for future generations of female artists. Join us for a dynamic and engaging discussion as we uncover the Unsung Sheroes of Hip-hop. 

Session Title:  Using Book Ban Data To Support You 

Session Description:  At this point, there are many lists of banned and challenged books. How can librarians use this information to educate and inform their community - inside of the school and out - and what are practical resources out there you can access quickly to support access in your library? 

Session Title:  Kids Love Nonfiction: Let's give them what they want! 

Session Description:  Many librarians and teachers I speak with are not finding the info-licious new nonfiction by a diverse array of authors about a huge array of topics being published today. Enriching educators' knowledge of nonfiction would support the current emphasis on informational reading and writing in state ELA curriculum standards and help teach content area curriculum in science, math, and social studies. More importantly, a knowledge of nonfiction would honor the growing body of research which indicates that 75% of children like nonfiction as much as or more than fiction. 

Session Title:  Sketchnotes Unleashed 

Session Description:  Transforming reading experiences with Canva’s creative power, enabling students to visually express their thoughts and reflections on literature through engaging and memorable sketchnotes. 

Session Title:  Gamify your Library Orientation! 

Session Description:  Engage students by using Google tools and free websites to turn your library orientation into an interactive game or digital breakout! 

Session Title:  Integration and collaboration within a specials schedule rotation 

Session Description:  How do balance your daily library classes and collaborate with classroom teachers? This is the ultimate struggle for school librarians. Specials (or Unified Arts) schedules can be very restricting but that does not mean collaboration is impossible! Join me for tips and ideas to successfully integrate library resources in the classrooms with a variety of schedule models. 

Session Title:  Using Picture Books to Discuss Social Justice and Equity Topics with Young Learners 

Session Description:  Picture books are a central part of elementary classrooms and play a key role in the lives of young learners. They are also multidimensional, sophisticated, beautiful and accessible ways to springboard important, relevant and timely conversations. In this workshop, we will consider practical ways we can use picture books with young learners to teach social justice and equity topics. Participants will have the opportunity to consider how to select picture books critically for their students and learn cross-curricular ways on ‘how’ to put the work into action for this critical, intentional and ongoing work. 

Session Title:  It Ain't Kid Stuff (Using Picture Books With Middle School & High School Students) 

Session Description:  Alice Faye Duncan is a National Board Librarian who writes picture books for young scholars.  During this presentation, she will demonstrate a variety of ways that library leaders can use picture books to inspire reading and writing with preteens and teenagers. 

Session Title:  Let's Create Your Professional Development Plan 

Session Description:  Have you heard of the Personal Development Plan? Writing your personal PDP can help you plan to meet your long-term career goals and will assist in identifying the skills and actions you need to reach them. In this workshop we will briefly cover goal setting, identifying strengths and weaknesses, creating an action plan, and developing a timeline for success. Participants will also learn to use resources such as mentors, networking, and online tools to help them reach their goals. At the end of the workshop, participants will have an outline to develop their professional development plan that they can use to create a PDP and assist with their future career decisions. 

Session Title:  Making a Loving Library: Incorporating mindfulness into your programming 

Session Description:  In a post COVID world, we see our students struggle with their emotions daily. In this session, I’ll show how I incorporate mindfulness and SEL into our programming. See how I build a safe space for stressed put students. Also learn how my maker activities give students a chance to reflect and relax. 

Session Title:  Read Aloud, Read Proud, Why Read Aloud Anyway? 

Session Description:  One of the unforeseen benefits of the pandemic was the ability to access and share videos of authors reading their books. These videos proved to be instrumental in a virtual classroom, however the connection between reader and listener was missing. As we transition back to physical classrooms and libraries, educators continue to rely on these videos, but their impact pales in comparison to the experience of reading a story themselves. In this session, we will discuss the importance of modeling healthy reading habits, the significance of reading the picture, the ability to interact in real-time, and other compelling reasons why read-alouds remain crucial. Discover how read-alouds can bring the magic back to the classroom, fostering engagement, imagination, and deep connections between readers and listeners. 

Session Title:  Understanding and Using ChatGPT 

Session Description:  Generative AI like ChatGPT is only going to become more embedded in our information workflow in schools and libraries. Given the impact the new technology will have on students’ college and career plans, it is critical that school librarians understand how the technology works and how to use it as a tool for enhancing productivity. 

Session Title:  START YOUR ENGINES: Rev up for a great school year! 

Session Description:  Get ready for the new school year by setting a strong yearly goal, incorporating instruction standards and reading joy plans, and taking advantage of your Librarian PLC! 

Session Title:   Refresh Your Middle Grade Magic with Dhonielle Clayton and Julian Randall

Session Description:  Join authors Dhonielle Clayton and Julian Randall for a discussion about magic in middle grade. Long a staple of every library collection, middle grade fantasy is undergoing a revolution thanks to authors bringing their own cultural perspectives to this kid-friendly genre. Come for the conversation about integrating inclusive middle grade picks into your collection, stay for the personal stories about how The Marvellers and the Pilar Ramirez series came to be.