Participants may choose one of three options at each session on site. Assessing literacy development in the classroom - Discuss and view the effective uses of technology, project development, and documentation as inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Journal writing - Learn about new designs and ideas to stimulate expression in this important form of intra personal literacy. Supporting literacy development with the arts - Discover the benefits of using music and clay to support literacy development. Heroes, Heroines, and the High Road - Consider the elements of socially valuable literature that encourage young readers and writers to formulate good reading and writing habits and to make positive choices.
Topics are subject to change.
Keynote Speaker Lester L. Laminack is professor and head of Elementary and Middle Grades Education at Western Carolina University. He was the 1991 Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award recipient. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy education and is active in state and national literacy organizations. A prolific writer of journal articles, publications for teachers, and children's books, his titles include Learning with Zachary , Spelling in Use, Volunteers Working with Young Children, The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins, and Trevor,s Wiggly-Wobbly Tooth. Lester is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of English and has recently been appointed as coeditor of the NCTE journal Primary Voices.