For those of us who needed to transition from vacation to school mode, the Pembina Escarpment Reading Council's event Engaging Literacy Practices for Middle and Senior Years on August 30, 2022, in Carmen, MB, provided that opportunity. The day highlighted the daily practices of four dynamic teacher experts in literacy practices. It was filled with practical strategies to engage pre-teens and teens in reading and self-discovery.

Lori Emilson – A Picture Book Taught Me This
Lori, a newly-retired Literacy and Curriculum Support Teacher, guided participants through Lakeshore School Division’s “Book-a-Day” program. This program encourages teachers to read a quality picture book everyday to their students, to build diversity in libraries, and for students to read four new books every month. Lori highlighted favourite picture books that demonstrate diversity, teach theme, and illustrate beautiful language to students of all ages.

Tara McLauchlin – What to Read Next: A Guide for Diversifying the SY and MY Canon
Tara, a Literacy Coach in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, advocated the use of choice reading in the English Language Arts classroom and adding diverse texts in both classroom libraries and teaching texts. Using an “if you like that, then you’ll love this” format, Tara shared ideas to supplement those “die hard” core texts that have traditionally been taught in ELA. She shared current books and graphic novels that pair nicely with the classics to add diversity and student voice in the class. Tara recommended two professional reads: the article "Got Diverse Texts? Now What?" by Dr. Tiffany M. Nyachae and the book Literacy is Liberation by Dr. Kimberly N. Parker. 

Ellen Bees and Stacey Bradley – Engaging Students in Literacy
Ellen, a Middle Years Teacher, and Stacey, a high school Continuous Improvement Coach and teacher-librarian, both demonstrated their passion for literacy and shared a plethora of book titles. They also highlighted classroom strategies to engage students in literacy across all content areas. These strategies include selective varied texts, offering thematic book clubs, and using technology in the classroom to access podcasts, audio and digital books. Ellen and Stacey recommended several picture books, including I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner (ill. by Michaele Goade), Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex (ill. by Laurie Keller), and If I Go Missing by Brianna Jonnie and Nahanni Shingoose.

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About the Author – Leslie Dickson is in her 19th year of teaching Middle and Senior Years English Language Arts and Social Studies with the Winnipeg School Division. She is currently working in a teacher support role. She spends her time with her dogs, reading, watching movies,  traveling, and spending time outside. She is also a Past President of the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg.

The Manitoba Reading Association is pleased to announce that Cris Tovani is coming to Winnipeg in 2023! The best reading strategy in the world won't work if students are disengaged. Now, more than ever before, students want authentic reasons to read, write, and discuss. Cris Tovani shares planning structures and literacy strategies that will help teachers anticipate and remove learning roadblocks.

The in-person registration rate is $150, with a virtual option for $100. The event will be held at the Victoria Inn Winnipeg on April 21, 2023, from 9:00-3:30. Coffee, snacks, and lunch are included. Registration is open now! Click here to register!