ILA's New Digital Experience Is Here! Learn More

Literacy Now

News & Events
ILA Membership
ILA Next
ILA Journals
ILA Membership
ILA Next
ILA Journals
    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    Let Our Annual Convention Invited Speakers Inspire You

     | Mar 28, 2012

    by Jen Donovan

    The 2012 IRA Annual Convention has an exciting line-up for this year’s speaker sessions. From authors to educators, these guest speakers include some of the most inspiring voices in the field of literacy today. Sessions will feature innovative new teaching strategies and address critical literacy issues in the classroom. Join these speakers in the 2012 celebration of literacy as they explore some of the most current and important issues in literacy education.

    Monday, April 30

    Literacy education expert Ellin Keene kicks off the speaker sessions with “Talk About Understanding: Enhancing Students’ Understanding through Discourse.” The dynamic Mary Bigler will also be speaking on Monday, encouraging enthusiasm in the classroom with “Teaching Reading with Pizzazz!”

    Tuesday, May 1

    The series continues with award-winning professor of reading Peter Afflerbach and his session about “How and Why Formative Assessment Fosters Students’ Reading Development.” Valerie Ellery, international reading consultant and award-winning author, will follow with her ideas on “Creating Strategic, Motivated, and Engaged Readers.” Distinguished literacy educator Dick Allington will also be featured on Tuesday with his session on “Why Summers Matter: Closing the Achievement Gap.” Beverly Tyner, best-selling author and literacy consultant, will wrap up this day of speakers with “The Literacy Jigsaw: Addressing the Common Core Standards.”

    Wednesday, May 2

    The final day of the IRA speaker sessions includes Debbie Diller, a literacy education expert, with “Use What You've Got: Creating Literacy Work Stations That Meet the Needs of All Readers with Rigor and Relevance.” Author and International reading consultant Janet Allen will conclude the sessions with her thoughts on “What Should Be Common in the Common Core State Standards?”

    Educators, literacy consultants, and convention-goers alike should not miss this chance to be inspired by some of the best in the business. Each speaker offers something different and valuable to take away from their session, ensuring that every listener will leave the convention with new insight on facing the challenges of teaching literacy today.

    To register for the IRA 57th Annual Convention in Chicago, visit www.iraconvention.org

    Jen Donovan is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association. 


    by Jen Donovan The 2012 IRA Annual Convention has an exciting line-up for this year’s speaker sessions. From authors to educators, these guest speakers include some of the most inspiring voices in the field of literacy today. Sessions will feature...Read More
    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    Get to Know the 2012 Convention Authors: Christopher Paul Curtis

     | Mar 27, 2012

    by Jen Donovan

    Christopher Paul Curtis, award-winning author, will be speaking at the 57th Annual IRA Convention on Wednesday, May 2, as part of the Author Luncheon Speaker Series. 

    Christopher Paul CurtisReading Today Online: You have said that the feeling of being deeply cared about comes earliest and most indelibly from teachers. Why have teachers been such an important part of your life?

    Christopher Paul Curtis: I believe the magic of teaching is revealed in the fact that I cannot put my finger on what it is about the student/teacher relationship that so often sparks such a lasting impression, but many of us have felt it. For me these feelings were first discovered in third grade with Miss Henry followed closely by sixth grade with Mr. Alums. I truly felt as though they cared. I felt a strong need to please them, and this wasn't just because I was a needy nerd (which I most definitely was not, regardless of the scuttlebutt). Even the cool kids, the tough kids, the hard to reach kids felt something special about these two teachers. I believe much of this was because children are as sensitive as bloodhounds when it comes to sniffing out an adult who is on their side, and the best of teachers are able to convey this to a large group of children. The best teachers are able to fulfill some need that a student has. For some students it was a need to feel cared for by an adult, for others it's the need to be told good job, for still others it's the need to know at least one adult is willing to listen.

    RT: What led you to focus your writing career on younger readers? Do books have a special impact on this audience that makes a difference in their view of the world?

    CPC: I never have felt I am a children's writer. A good story can be read by all and when I write I do not aim my books at one particular group. I'm not stupid, I know the books I make are geared to young people, but I also know if I start writing to them it will be reflected in the writing and I will be in trouble. I write to myself and then adjust the writings to be appropriate for wider audiences. I feel very strongly that children who are the ages my books are marketed to are open and susceptible to new ideas. Their minds have not become hide-bound and they can accept things that will make an older person cringe. I'm aware of this and feel a special responsibility. I also feel particularly fortunate to be in the position I'm in, and as I mature as a writer I hope I'm better able to take advantage of this.

    RT: The depression and the early civil rights era are the background setting for your books. Is there something about crisis and conflict that animates your artistic vision?

    CPC: A good story needs conflict and crisis. I've also been a history buff and can't think of anything more full of conflict, color, and crisis than American history. Examining an event through the eyes of a young person is a blast. It's as simple as that, that's why I love historical fiction.

    RT: What's in store for people who come to hear you at the IRA convention?

    CPC: At my IRA speech I will be discussing the impact movies have had on me as a writer. Ranging from watching at drive-ins from the back of a 1960 Ford Falcon station wagon through the pictures my father used to take me to try to discourage me from asking to come to the movies with him, I'll walk down memory lane about some old flicks. 

    This Author Luncheon is sponsored by Random House. Visit www.randomhouse.com/features/christopherpaulcurtis for more information on Christopher Paul Curtis. Author luncheons are ticketed events and require pre-registration and an additional luncheon fee. For more information about the 2012 IRA Annual Convention in Chicago from April 29 to May 2, visit www.iraconvention.org

     

    Jen Donovan is the Strategic Communications intern at the International Reading Association. 


    Christopher Paul Curtis Will Be There…Will You?

    Convention Register Button




    by Jen Donovan Christopher Paul Curtis, award-winning author, will be speaking at the 57th Annual IRA Convention on Wednesday, May 2, as part of the Author Luncheon Speaker Series.  Reading Today Online: You have said that the feeling of being...Read More
    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    Meet the Authors Attending the 2012 IRA Annual Convention

     | Mar 27, 2012

    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.

     

     


    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....Read More
  • ILA Membership
    ILA Next
    ILA Journals
    ILA Membership
    ILA Next
    ILA Journals
    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    Author Luncheon Speaker Series

     | Mar 26, 2012

    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! 

    Peter H. ReynoldsOn 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.

    Jacqueline WoodsonThe 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!

    Christopher Paul Curtis

    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.

    Convention Luncheon

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



    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...Read More
    • Blog Posts
    • Conferences & Events

    Common Core Offerings at IRA Chicago

     | Mar 23, 2012

    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.

    Annual Convention SessionOn 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.

     


    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...Read More
Back to Top

Categories

Recent Posts

Archives