Help for Parents of Struggling Readers - 1747

This short course will help parents understand why some students in grades K–8 struggle with reading and study skills. Parents will become familiar with important reading and study skills and learn
techniques they can use to help their children.

Instructor: Linda L. Jones
Audience: Parents and teachers of students in grades K–8, especially those who have children who are struggling with reading
Four classes: Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9 p.m., October 6, 13, 20, 27
Registration Deadline: September 29
Cost: $100

Register online | Download registration form (.pdf)

Improving Study Skills in the Middle Grades - 1746

In this short workshop-style course, teachers will explore a variety of strategies to help students improve their study skills. The course will emphasize study techniques that are especially helpful for struggling readers in grades 4–8.

Instructor: Linda L. Jones
Audience: Teachers in grades 4–8 who want to improve their students’ study skills, especially those of struggling readers
Two classes: Friday, November 6, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m., Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration Deadline: October 30
Bring: Bag meal
Cost: $100

Register online | Download registration form (.pdf)

Reading Methods to Start Fictional Stories - 1748

Fiction writing intrigues students more than any other medium, but it’s a writing mission that’s hard to tame. We will break the fiction writing process down into a number of engaging activities that will excite students (and class participants). Using children’s picture books as models, the class will move through character, character traits, motivation, conflict, climax and finally resolution. They will study each important aspect of writing and then apply these to creating a story.

Instructor: Susie Wilde
Audience: Teachers looking for CEU Reading Renewal Hours and teachers who love children’s books and
want to learn more about books and writing
Two classes: Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday, September 27, 1 – 5 p.m.
Registration Deadline: Spots still available in class
Bring: Bag meal
Cost: $100

Register online | Download registration form (.pdf)

Reading Methods to Spark Sparkling Writing - 1749

Ask students about what makes writing work and they’ll tell you “supporting detail,” but often they can neither identify nor create these elements. Using children’s picture books as a model, the instructor will demonstrate style facets such as vivid verbs, description using the senses, dialogue and similes. Then onto creating! Participants will focus on the story ideas produced in “Reading Methods to Start Fictional Stories.” Using collaboration, they will produce a first draft of an original story.

Instructor: Susie Wilde
Audience: Teachers looking for CEU Reading Renewal Hours and teachers who love children’s books and want to learn more about books and writing
Two classes: Friday, October 2, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration Deadline: September 25
Bring: Bag meal
Cost: $100

Register online | Download registration form (.pdf)

Reading Methods to Connect Content Areas - 1750

One key to making learning meaningful comes from connecting educational experiences. This course will unite non-fiction picture books with a non-fiction link. Participants will break into study groups, each group defining a different course of study like art, science and social studies. Each group will examine a variety of newly published children’s books and offer suggestions for activities they might stimulate. Together the class participants will complete a resource based on the books they examine.

Instructor: Susie Wilde
Audience: Teachers looking for CEU Reading Renewal Credit and teachers who love children’s books and want to learn more about books and writing
Two classes: Friday, October 16, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration Deadline: October 9
Bring: Bag meal
Cost: $100

Register online | Download registration form (.pdf)

Reading Methods to Unite Main Ideas and Supporting Details - 1751

While students can define these terms, they have little sense of how to use them. During the class, participants will examine these key facets of writing by examining newly-published children’s books. The instructor will provide a series of lively activities that zero in on these two concepts and offer opportunities for examining and creating ideas.

Instructor: Susie Wilde
Audience: Teachers looking for CEU Reading Renewal Credit and teachers who love children’s books and want to learn more about books and writing
Two classes: Friday, October 30, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m., Saturday, October 31, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration Deadline: October 23
Bring: Bag meal
Cost: $100

Register online | Download registration form (.pdf)

Reading Methods to Accent Fun and Understanding - 1752

This class suggests playful methods to help children understand and discuss what they’re reading. A series of activities gets them beyond the typical student comment: “it was a good book.” Using picture books for all ages, the instructor will give participants a sense of what makes books work by suggesting a child-friendly vocabulary and methods to encourage reflection.

Instructor: Susie Wilde
Audience: Teachers looking for CEU Reading Renewal Credit and teachers who love children’s books and want to learn more about books and writing
Two classes: Friday, November 20, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m., Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration Deadline: November 13
Bring: Bag meal
Cost: $100

Register online | Download registration form (.pdf)