Workshops and Conference Offerings
I have been a teacher and trainer throughout my teaching and library career, presenting at large state conferences, university programs, and in more intimate settings. I enjoy interacting with people and sharing knowledge with others.
I’ve spoken to school librarians, pre-service teachers, graduate students, parent groups, and certified educators. I led professional development for central Ohio school librarians and trained educators in writing methodology at local, regional, and state events.
My years of classroom experience combined with my M. Ed. Curriculum and Supervision give me a solid base of relevant experience to share with workshop/conference attendees. I plan hands-on sessions whenever possible and can customize presentations to fit your specific needs.
Check out these field-tested and new offerings or contact me to create a presentation to meet your group’s professional development.
I’ve spoken to school librarians, pre-service teachers, graduate students, parent groups, and certified educators. I led professional development for central Ohio school librarians and trained educators in writing methodology at local, regional, and state events.
My years of classroom experience combined with my M. Ed. Curriculum and Supervision give me a solid base of relevant experience to share with workshop/conference attendees. I plan hands-on sessions whenever possible and can customize presentations to fit your specific needs.
Check out these field-tested and new offerings or contact me to create a presentation to meet your group’s professional development.
Current Presentation Offerings
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The STEAM of Picture Books: Inquiry into Picture Book Creation
Picture books go beyond typical literacy constructs. They are the heart of many STEAM elements: design process, art as object, visuals, and economics. An inquiry-based model of examine picture books will be demonstrated by a professional children's writer to empower learners as effective users and creators of picture books in many formats and genres. Methods to engage students with mentor texts that showcase STEAM across disciplines, and a model for examining picture books as professional writers do will be presented. Attendees will leave with resources to collaborate with kid lit writers in partnerships to extend the power of the medium. |
"I appreciated your book recommendations and resources." Anonymous attendee |
"I attended your workshop at KSU on April 8th. It was great a session. Thanks!" Anonymous attendee |
Nonfiction Is Bewitchin’
Presented as a pullout session for the Mazza Museum Summer Conference Take a picture book walk through today’s non-fiction. Curricular areas include science, narrative/natural science, biographies for mighty girls, and STEM-connected topics. Learn research techniques that professionals use to create these exciting texts and share them with your student researchers. Thanks for your excellent presentation. S. Thompson You brought a fantastic presentation to Mazza, Kathy! Great information for everyone to hear. M. Houts |
A Petri Dish of Picture Books: Women in Science
Presented as a breakout session for The Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth
Mighty girls will see their dreams reflected in outstanding picture books that emphasize design, invention, discovery, and life challenges that feature strong women. STEAM lesson ideas, and research skills used by children’s authors that students can replicate in the classroom will also be featured.
Presented as a breakout session for The Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth
Mighty girls will see their dreams reflected in outstanding picture books that emphasize design, invention, discovery, and life challenges that feature strong women. STEAM lesson ideas, and research skills used by children’s authors that students can replicate in the classroom will also be featured.