Literacy Workshops

“Adventurer’s Round Table: D&D Tips, Advice, and More"

Nataka "Knack" Whittle

Hail and well met to those who have signed up to this session! Whether this is the first time you've heard of D&D, or if you’re a veteran adventurer from days of old, we’re all here to talk roleplaying games. Though originally a short game was planned, this has changed due to time constraints and the unavailability of the original host. One way or another though, we shall strive on!

In this session, we’ll be re-treading basics as well as going over more advanced tips and tricks regarding TTRPGs, whether you’re running it or playing it. Your Game Master for this time will be Knack Whittle, a cartoonist and player/study-er of D&D for over a decade.”

Literal Literacy. - Elementary/Librarian/Parent/Educator Session 

Lecturer/Author Angelo Menefee

"As a youngster growing up,  I remember my parents tried hard to instill values into me. They taught me respect, honesty, love and the value of hard work. 

Now I'm doing my part to help children everywhere learn those same values that helped shape my life.

When I was a HVAC Engineer at Temple University Hospital,  a doctor in the emergency room commented to me that he was discouraged by the increase in the numbers of small children who were being treated for gunshot wounds and violence. It made me want to do something to help them.

All four of my multi-cultural activity books encourages the parent-child bond while teaching the child valuable lessons in life. Children and their parents need to work together to help make the world a better place for everyone. 

I always say that you can start teaching your children values when they are as young as 2.   Read to them, be a good role model, give them structure and help them learn how to love."

Bilingual StoryTelling - Adriana Camacho- Church

Elementary Session but open to all based on bilingual connections.

Stories help us build a strong sense of identity and community, build our courage and resilience, and help us reach our potential.  Adriana Camacho Church's picture books are for ages 4-8 and audiences consists mostly of ESL and bilingual children.  This session is a completely interactive book presentation.  This 30 minute presentation consists of:singing and a digital presentation of the award winning books and highlights about Adriana Camacho Church as an author.  

Adriana Camacho-Church’s bilingual picture books are based on her grandmother. In Grandma, Where Will Your Love Go?/¿Abuela adónde irá tu amor? A granddaughter wants to know how she will feel and see her grandma’s love after grandma has passed away. Grandma has an answer for her. Grandma’s Hair is Ankle Length/ El Cabello le abuela le llega hasta los tobillos is about the power of storytelling. Grandma’s white and black strands are symbols of her triumphs and struggles. Grandma passes her stories down to her granddaughter. The granddaughter asks, “Grandma, will my hair have stories to tell?” Grandma says. “It already does it has the whispers of your ancestors.” 

Book Talk – Unlocking Your Child’s Potential - Dr. Eugene Hayes

 Educators/Parent Session

This session will highlight key insights from Unlocking Your Child’s Potential, emphasizing how parents, educators, and mentors can help children thrive academically, personally, and professionally. The presentation will focus on:

• Raising Awareness: Exploring the book’s content, purpose, and its impact on child development.

• Providing Actionable Insights: Sharing practical strategies and tools to support children's growth and success.

• Encouraging Engagement: Creating an interactive discussion where attendees can share experiences and ask questions.

• Inspiring Action: Motivating parents and educators to apply key principles in real life to nurture resilience and maximize potential.

• Creating Buzz & Expanding Impact: Leveraging social media, marketing, and partnerships to extend the book’s reach and foster long-term connections.

“Successful Indie Publishing: Bringing Your Book to Market."  - 

Author/Publisher Chris Kennedy

Middle/ High School/ Educator/Parent Session

This workshop will help attendees navigate the intricacies of independent publishing, from start to finish, showing them what to do and what to avoid in order to bring their book to market and become a successful self-published author. 

Have you ever worried about how your students are interacting with people and information online?  If so, please join us as we review the newly released UDLib/SEARCH

 In this session, we will explore effective use of search engines, evaluating images, videos, and text-based sources, online safety, digital communication, and digital ethics.  Collectively, this skill set will empower students to think critically and make informed decisions about what they share about themselves online and how they evaluate digital information.

Presenters:

Dianna McKellar, UDLib/SEARCH Middle School and High School Coordinator.  

Bio: Dianna McKellar is a librarian at the University of Delaware Library and has been with the UDLib/SEARCH Program for 25 years.

Molly Olney-Zide, UDLib/SEARCH Elementary School Coordinator      

Bio: Molly Olney-Zide is a librarian at the University of Delaware Library and has been with the UDLib/SEARCH program for over 3 years.

"Autism And Creativity: How Tomboy And Tomgirl Was Born".  - 

Author Gavin Thomas.

Middle, High School, Educator, Parent Session

This session will explain different aspects of how Tomboy And Tomgirl was inspired, ranging from unconventional (usually more girly or indie) interests growing up, life with autism and the frequent misunderstanding from others that comes with that, how I got into writing.  The biggest message I would want to share, having written the Tomboy And Tomgirl book series, is "Embrace your uniqueness". 

Can You Do That In A Picture Book? - Author/Illustrator Timothy Young.

Elementary Session

From his emotionally charged “The Angry Little Puffin” to his controversial “I Hate Picture Books!”, author/illustrator Timothy Young has pushed the envelope of what you can put in a picture books. He’s even published a book titled “untitled”. His characters are not always in charge of their emotions and he often pokes fun at other author’s books in his books. Find out how he’s gotten away with it…so far!

How To Get THAT Kid To Read! - Karen Willey, National Board Certified English Teacher

All audiences 

Join an informal discussion about tips on kids to love reading again! We’ll look at why kids today don’t like to read and address ways to bring them back. Engaging books, spirited discussion and ready to use takeaways will all be included! 

Creating Creatures and Characters - Author/Illustrator Timothy Young.

Elementary Session

Author/Illustrator Timothy Young has been designing creatures and characters for his books, for animation and for toys his whole career. He will explain his methods, show examples and will then share an interactive way for participants to create their own original creature and character designs. Drawing materials are provided.

Coffee, Chaos and Creativity.  ALL AUDIENCES- soothing, creative art!

ALL AUDIENCES! - Karen Letonoff 2024-2025 Art / Teacher of the Year!

Don't Cry over Spilled, well anything!, again! Turn your coffee (or any spill!) into a crerative brain break letting your inagination flow.  This brain break art project is great for all age groups.   The possibilities are endless and a art competition will be built into this among all attendees!

"Raising Readers: Tips to Support Early Literacy." - 

Author Lina Miller.

Educator/Parent Session

After noticing a gap in available books for new readers, Lina Miller created Decode by Heart to address the need for decodable, engaging books that help students apply their reading skills. Her books feature simple, decodable sentences and lovable characters, designed to support young readers on their journey. Passionate about instilling a love of reading, Lina believes that with practice and family support, children can learn to "Decode by Heart." 

All Things Book Club - Kathy Kay, National Board Certified English Teacher

All audiences

In this session, we will discuss how to start a student based book club, different ways to select books, meeting schedule, and other fun activities. 

Steaming Full Speed Ahead- Middle/High/Librarians/Educators/Parents - The Woodbridge High Girls Who Code Club 

Learn how coding, robotics, creativity, AI, 3d Printing, and more equipment can be fit into a smaller than small school day to motivate students, create collaboration among grade levels, as well as promote your library and school.  In addition, learn about the makings of a state-wide Steam Me! Creativity contest in the works that would include all schools to participate at Festival of Words!

So, You Want to be a Writer?

Middle/High School Session

Aggie L. Jae has used nature and pictures to inspire her writing. In this interactive workshop, you will hear how Aggie used a farm and created her setting. Then, you will have an opportunity to use pictures to create your own story.  The Water Door won the Mom's Choice Gold Award in 2024!

For her stories, Aggie draws upon the amazing living things in nature, scientific facts and theories, and her life memories to inspire her writing.  In this interactive workshop, you will discover how she used therse tools to enhance her magical story.

 “From a Blank Page to a Book in Your Hand” using the "The Crow's Tales Series" / Caw! Caw! Writing of The Crow’s Tales.  -  Authors Victoria E. Pannell & Thorir Sigfusson

Elementary/Middle School Session

You've just read an amazing fantasy, mystery, or humorous graphic novel, and now you're thinking, "I want to write something like that!" YOU CAN! While many authors still use traditional publishers, self-publishing is becoming increasingly popular, giving authors more control of their writing journey.

 “From a Blank Page to a Book in Your Hand” is the title of our presentation. Aimed at ages 8 to 12, a planned activity will be part of this presentation. We begin by talking about our three books, which are props for the session. Whether you're interested in writing short stories or a world-building fantasy, indie authorship opens the door to a universe of possibilities. Join local Seaford, Delaware, award-winning middle-grade authors Pannell & Sigfusson as they share their stories, dive into the nuts and bolts of self-publishing, and motivate you to turn your blank screen into a book.

Building a Ghost Story From the "Ground up". - Author Kelly Lidji.

Midde/High School Session

Ever sat around with your friends and told stories just to scare each other? Maybe there’s one about a house or building in town that’s been abandoned for years. How does a house get haunted? And once it is...why do the ghosts remain? Who were they? 

Building a ghost story from the "ground up" is easier than you think. How to Make  a Ghost, if you will. The ins and outs of writing in a dual timeline will be discusses, AND the trick of getting them to come together. 

Building Better Readers: Vocabulary Instruction and the Importance of Content Knowledge / Why Your students Can't Write and What You Can Do About it: An Introduction to Sentence-Level Writing Instruction Across All Grades and Content Levels - Presenter Woodbridge District Literacy Specialist James Weiler.

Librarian/Educator/Parent Session

Ever wonder why students can comprehend one text but not another? This session demystifies reading comprehension by introducing the primary issue - knowledge - and offering solutions through vocabulary and content-rich instruction according to recent reputable literacy research.

Everything Graphics, comics and more!

Captain Blue Hen Comics will delve into the in's and outs of creativity tied to graphics in a variety of realms, events, how to get involved on many levels.  If you have a specific type of graphic interest, Captain Blue Hen Comics has the connection for you to find your inner craving.  A variety of resources, ideas, topics, and opportunities will be preented with all things graphic!

Tapestry: Weaving a narrative out of individual stories. - Author Chris Maddox.

Secondary / Librarian / Educator Sessions

 Any novel or over-arching narrative is composed of scenes or individual stories that have to be told, then woven together as a cohesive unit.  Much like a tapestry is a collection of pictorial stories, so a novel is comprised of stories that revolve around your main character.  How you approach the individual stories will help you as you weave the bigger narrative.