Tag Archives: Children’s Literature Workshop

Children's Literature Workshop

Time is running out!

Registration is now open for the Children’s Literature Workshop (CLW), but the deadline for a reduced Early Bird registration fee is June 2, 2014, so now is the time to get your registration done!

 Get more details about this event or register now!

RedClock. potzuyokoThis year, for the first time, this event will offer the Gertie Geck Love of Reading Award.  The award is in memory of beloved media specialist and librarian Gertie Geck, and it will be given to someone who exemplifies that pure love of reading that only Gertie could exude. The recipient of the award will receive a complimentary CLW conference registration,  $100 to spend at the book vendor booth, and special recognition  at the conference.

The Gertie Geck award application and instructions are at : http://tinyurl.com/n7oc8f9

CMLE still has CMLE scholarships available for those who need them from the twelve county service area (Aitkin, Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright counties) Apply today!

 

 

34th Annual Children’s Literature Workshop!

CLW Keynote Speaker-Avi
CLW Keynote Speaker-Avi

St. Cloud State University (SCSU) is hosting the 34th Annual Children’s Literature Workshop (CLW) on June 17th & 18th. This year’s keynote speaker will be award winning writer Avi. Author of more than 60 books, Avi’s work includes picture books, adventure, fantasy and historical fiction.  He will be joined at the event by Laura Purdie Salas, author of more than 100 kids and teen books, and Julie Riemer who will be discussing the best in new books. Participants will attend interactive small group sessions with MN author Debra Frasier, MN author Sheila O’Connor, Children’s Literature Network co-founder Vicki Palmquist, and Library Media Specialist Laurie Conzemius. Wrap up session will showcase MN author, singer, and songwriter Dennis Warner.

In addition, this workshop offers book discounts, CEUs and an optional credit (1) from SCSU. There are special rates for students and groups of 5 or more from the same organization-click here for additional information and to register.

Children’s Literature Event

Some rights reserved by withremote
Some rights reserved by withremote

Are you looking to escape the winter weather and gather with like-minded professionals, friends or book enthusiasts? You should consider attending the 21st annual Hubbs Children’s Literature Conference. The University of St. Thomas is hosting this event on Saturday, February 23, 2013; from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..  The conference cost is $60 per person and $20 per student. You can register in advance or at the door the same day. Topics for the day will include; Diversity in Children’s Books, Enhancing Understanding of Literature among Tweens, How a Picture Book is Developed, and more….

Children’s Literature Workshop Recap: A CMLE Scholarship

The following was submitted by a CMLE scholarship recipient.

 Submitted by: Jenny Hill, St. Michael Elementary School Media Specialist

On June 25th and 26th, I had the privilege of attending the 33rd annual Children’s Literature Workshop thanks to a generous scholarship from Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange.  This year, the conference changed venues and was held on campus at St. Cloud State University instead of the Holiday Inn as it has in the past.  The conference featured two key note speakers, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, author of the Caldecott Award winning book Snowflake Bentley and MN Newbery Honor winner Margi  Preus who wrote The Heart of a Samuri.

My favorite part about attending conferences such as these is gaining the opportunity to hear authors talk about the creative writing process.  Martin stressed that writing is challenging for everyone—it’s just that authors don’t mind doing the work.  Preus agreed.  She shared her beliefs that she herself is not a good writer, but she is good at rewriting and loves the work she does as an author.  This reminded me of what MN author John Coy wrote in his 2012-2013 Maud Hart Lovelace nominated book Top of the Order.   “The word RE VISION is a very simple word with two parts…it means to see again” (2009, p. 144).  I was reminded after hearing these authors speak that much of the work of writing is that of re-visioning:  examining stories from multiple angles until a story comes into focus.

Another thing I enjoy about the Children’s Literature Workshop is having the opportunity to learn from presenters during break-out sessions.  This year I attended a session about Google Lit-Trips.  I hope to project Google Earth on my SMART board in the media center this year to help students gain a stronger sense of the setting of their books.

I also attended a session on the award winning books of 2012 including Jack Gantos’ Newbery winner, Dead End in Norvelt, and Chris Raschka’s book A Ball for Daisy, which won the Caldecott.  I aim to promote this books this year on our school news broadcast during a segment that I created called Book Talk Tuesday.

 Finally, I attended a session where I learned how to create text sets, or groupings of books around a similar theme or genre.  I think that grouping texts in this way, whether through displays in the school library media center or through lists of recommended titles, will help readers discover their next great book!

Want to attend the Children’s Literature Workshop next summer?  It will be held on June 17th and 18th at SCSU!

What’s New in Children’s Literature Workshop Summary: A CMLE Scholarship

The following was submitted by a CMLE scholarship recipient.

Submitted by: DeAnn Redfield, St. Cloud Christian School 

Do you love children’s books and anxiously wait for each year’s new books to be announced? Are you looking for a great professional development opportunity to find out about new children’s books? Peggy Sharp’s program “What’s new in Children’s Literature and How to use it in your Program 2012” offered through the Bureau of Education & Research is highly recommended. The program includes an extensive resource handbook that contains annotated bibliographies of new children’s literature. The handbook has book sharing ideas, student activity resources, and “Top Ten Picks of the Year”.

Benefits of attending this seminar include previewing new children’s books, both fiction and nonfiction; learning about trends in delivery of stories and factual information such as e-readers, apps, trailers, and social networking sites; and exploring teaching strategies to help students get the most out of a book without destroying the joy of reading.

My library will benefit because I learned so much about new children’s books and instructional strategies to incorporate them into the school’s curriculum. Having a resource book to take with me is an added benefit. While I was learning about Peggy Sharp’s top ten books of the year, I made my own list of ideas to use in my library program. Librarians are encouraged to have a wish list of books to order if extra funds find their way into the budget. I am prepared with a list of twenty great books to add to my collection – Peggy’s favorites and my own.

More information about this event can be found at the following site: http://www.ber.org/seminars/CourseInfo.cfm?seid=BE22F1-STC