Session Descriptions
LITech Conference Schedule
8:30 - 9:00 Check-In
Coffee & Small Breakfast Provided
9:00 - 9:10 Welcome Speech
9:15 - 10:00 Morning Choice
Featured Speaker: Tim Rasinski (PAC) or
Featured Presentation: Schantz MakerSpace (Gym)
10:10 - 10:40 Session 1
10:50 - 11:20 Session 2
11:30 - 12:00 Session 3
Sessions below are color coded by category.
Feel free to attend any session that has your interest regardless of category.
White = Literacy
Light Blue = Technology
Royal Blue = Un-Conference
Session 1 10:10 - 10:40
This session will focus on the pedagogical strategies used to effectively engage students with literacy in the high school classroom. We will discuss the following within the session: Flexible seating, Technology Integration, Read Alouds, Collaborative learning, Vocabulary and Lexile levels, Hands-on learning, Self-selected reading (7-12) Rm. 120
Choice Matters: Fostering Independent Reading in Your Classroom - M. Thomas (Literacy Coach, WCS)
“... Students who read more, understand more, and are more likely to continue reading when they have the opportunity to choose what they read.” -Allington and Gabriel In this session you will discover why providing time for students to read during the school day is one of the most powerful ways to grow your readers. You will also learn strategies to effectively implement this time during your reading block, and how choice plays a huge role in the engagement of your readers. (K-12) Rm. 109
No More Worksheets - M. Richard (Administrative Intern, WCS)
What are the rest of the kids doing? Examples of hands-on, math and literacy centers, brain breaks and morning bins will be shared. We will also discuss strategies to keep students on task and accountable for doing their best independent work. (K-4) Rm. 100
Computer Science First StoryTelling - A. Garey (Technology Resource Teacher, WCS) & A. Tomassetti (3rd Grade Teacher, WCS)
This session will be an overview of our third graders journey through CS First Storytelling. In Storytelling, students learn concepts of computer science and combine them with literary elements to create fun and interactive stories. Each activity taught the students something new and they were able to create a unique story each session. Come see how we did it, student reactions, projects that were created and more. (3-8) Rm. 105
Quizlet - C. Leggett (Technology Resource Teacher, WCS)
Keep students engaged and motivated with Quizlet. Create your own classroom sets of terms and definitions, play Quizlet Live, and give your students materials to help them learn in a more fun and more efficient way. Quizlet is both an app and a website. (K-12) Rm. 124
Need Coaching? - J. Miller (Literacy Coach, Aurora City Schools)
Are you a new coach? Does your coaching need re-ignited? Bring your questions for a discussion with experienced Literacy Coach. (K-8) Rm. 104
Un-Conference - R. Furlong (Director of Technology, WCS) Do you have that tool you've been wondering how to use? Do you wonder how other districts are using/dealing with it? Bring questions and ideas to collaborate with others. (K-12) Lounge
Session 2 10:50 - 11:20
From Young Writer to Published Author - M. Campbell (Author)
Marcy will share her journey toward her first published book, beginning with the books she made as a young child! She’ll share the inspiration for her writing life in general, as well as for her debut picture book, “Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse.” She’ll also discuss her process, from idea to finished product, and answer questions about the children’s publishing industry. (K-12) Rm. 105
WOW! Vocabulary IS Important! -J. Stevens (Literacy Coach, WCS)
Learn a quick and effective research based instructional strategy that will foster ROBUST vocabulary in your classroom. These 7 steps will help your students deepen their understanding of complex text as well as develop their academic language. (K-12) Rm. 109
Promoting Curiosity and Asking Better Questions - S. Parker (Gifted Intervention Specialist, WCS)
Students have natural inquisitiveness, curiosity, and intuition. We’ll explore models of instruction that build on student curiosity and develop thoughtful questioning. Asking questions is a basic tool for teachers. We’ll dive into some fascinating stats on questioning in classrooms and then look at simple ways to get better at asking questions that push students’ thinking. (K-12) Rm. 120
Fostering a Culture of Literacy Through Visible Learning - J. Miller (Literacy Coach, Aurora City Schools)
By making thinking visible, students can discuss and reflect on their own thinking, as well as, the thinking of their peers. Visible thinking is about teaching students “thinking routines" to improve thinking and comprehension abilities. Come explore the theories, research, and effective classroom strategies necessary to engage the hearts and minds of your young readers and writers. (K-12) Rm. 104
Google Classroom - C. Leggett (Technology Resource Teacher, WCS)
Using all of the Google Classroom features does not always lend itself to your grade level and subject area, but you can use this wonderful tool to coordinate and run your classroom. Using Google Classroom as a one-stop-shop website for your students is an awesome way to communicate forms, websites, handouts, images, etc. to them. Come learn a bunch of ways Google Classroom can help you. (2-12) Rm. 124
Face It. You'll Never Be as Entertaining as a Video Game. Now What? - R. Furlong (Director of Technology, WCS)
Trying to keep today’s students engaged in class content can be exhausting! Are you tired of trying to not only teach but also entertain? Come to this session to learn why video games and apps are so good at capturing our attention and then get ideas on how to incorporate these same elements into your classroom. (K-12) Rm. 123
Join us for a question and answer session to arm yourself with instructional strategies that support your most struggling readers and writers. A great session for intervention specialists and Title teachers. (K-6) Rm. 100
Un-Conference - A. Reed (Technology Resource Teacher, WCS)
Do you have that tool you've been wondering how to use? Do you wonder how other districts are using/dealing with it? Bring questions and ideas to collaborate with others. (K-12) Lounge
Session 3 11:30 - 12:00
Constructivist Approaches to Phonics and Vocabulary Instruction: Word Study that Works! - T. Rasinski (Featured Speaker, Kent State University)
Word decoding, vocabulary, and spelling are essential skills in learning to read at every grade level. Students who struggle in reading and other content areas do so because of difficulty in word decoding and understanding the meaning of key vocabulary. In this session Dr. Rasinski will share effective and engaging methods for helping students learn words and take delight in words. (K-12) PAC
Hook Your Students with the Best New Read Alouds - Wayne County Public Library
Join the Wayne County Library as they share some of the best new read alouds that will ignite your student’s interests. (K-12) Rm. 100
Put the Power Back in Your Read Aloud - E. Hofstetter (Literacy Coach, WCS)
As Cynthia Rylant says “Read to them. Take their breath away.” In this session you will bring the magic of literature alive through your interactive read alouds. Deepen understanding of quality texts through modeling and rich discussion that engages students of all ages. (K-12) Rm. 104
Immersive Realities in the Classroom - A. Reed (Technology Resource Teacher, WCS)
Come learn how to immerse your students into a reality where they can learn most effectively using virtual and augmented reality. This session will present examples for all age ranges using both virtual reality goggles and a device for augmented reality. (K-12) Rm. 105
Classkick - C. Robinson (Intervention Specialist, WCS) & A. Garey (Technology Resource Teacher, WCS)
Are you tired of the same old technology applications? Do you love fostering student interaction but feel like your classroom management is pushed to the limit at times? Are you sick of running back and forth to the copier? Classkick is a formative assessment tool that allows teachers to create assignments that adhere to both personal learning and cooperative learning. This customizable application is for all content areas and grade levels. Classkick is a total participation technique that motivates all students, even those feeling a lack of confidence in your classroom or struggling with a specific concept, to seek help and advance at their own pace. Did I mention it’s free? If you’re looking for a new way to implement differentiation in your classroom, quickly assess students, keep students engaged, and provide personal feedback, it’s time for you to kick start Classkick. (K-12) Rm. 120
Un-Conference - C. Leggett (Technology Resource Teacher, WCS)
Do you have that tool you've been wondering how to use? Do you wonder how other districts are using/dealing with it? Bring questions and ideas to collaborate with others. (K-12) Lounge