EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE AND MORE
Culturally Diverse Picture Books as Mentor Texts: A Writing Workshop
Astute and well informed teachers, who embrace and account for the role of culture, and the presence of languages other than English, are more likely to be effective educators of children of color. In addition, when these teachers understand and espouse the powerful role of culturally relevant children’s literature in the lives and hearts of young children, they can effectively teach them. This workshop is an exploration of the Beauty and Wonder of diverse children’s books and how in the hands of thoughtful teachers, Black and Brown children can thrive and flourish as they see themselves in books.
Teachers, will explore instructional practice using high-quality award winning picture books and scholarly literature. Timeless truths ignite reflective writing as these sessions engage participants through thought-provoking discussions.
Future Teachers of Color Club SUNY New Paltz, 2024
Notable Contemporary Picture Books as Mentor Texts: A Writing Workshop
Children’s literature supports language development, cognitive growth, emotional understanding, and vocabulary development. Using carefully chosen dynamic contemporary picture books, I will guide the writing and discussion of these books while creating a transformative writing experience exploring their timeless themes of hope and imagination. This powerful workshop seeks to inspire teachers, and librarians to expand their repertoire and deepen their understanding while collaborating with others.
Steptoe to Steptoe: The Power and Purpose of Black Children’s Literature A Writing Workshop
In this session we will develop a deeper understanding of the power and purpose of Black children’s picture books by rediscovering the relevance, poignancy, and historical significance of these texts. We will examine Stevie by John Steptoe, the first modern Black picture book, and Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe, his son, and the winner of the 2017 Caldecott Award; the highest picture book honor in the United States. Additionally, we will examine the work of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, a nationally renowned Black children’s literature expert.
“It was not until the late 1960s and the early 1970s that contemporary African American children’s literature came into its own, but it’s roots stretch back much earlier, and its evolution can be traced through the history of a people who have had to overcome formidable obstacles on their journey across the American hope-scape. African American children’s literature bears witness to that journey as a means to offer children and youth wisdom and insights that can serve as a part of a foundation on which they can build their own futures. In a sense, African American writers are building, in the words of Langston Hughes, temples for tomorrow.” -Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop
