Camp Read-a-Lot
Camp Read-a-Lot is a literary conference designed for librarians and teachers who read and evaluate current children's literature and then come together to discuss the books. In addition, the conference featured presentations by prominent Minnesota children's authors. This year's program focused on three levels including early literacy, Grades 2-4, Grades 5-8 and Grades 9-12. Speakers included David LaRochelle, Ralph Covert and John Coy. In addition, Leah Larson and Andrea Egbert from the State Department of Education were on hand to present a facilitation workshop.
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It is hopeful that the majority of those attending will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits toward their licensure. Other benefits include an exposure to children's literature that is new or recently published. In completing the assigned reading, each should have a new understanding of reading material that they may not have been familiar with. This year's Camp will feature books for Early Literacy on day 1 and grades 2-5 on day 2. Participant evaluations will be collected.
There were 57 attendees on day #1 and 26 on day #2. The speakers were exceptional and provided a variety of areas of expertise for the attendees. The break out sessions where the books from the reading lists are discussed were well received and participants were actively engaged in discussing the books together. In all, 25 attendees earned continuing education credit hours for their participating in Camp Read a Lot. The authors David Larochelle and John Coy discussed aspects of writing and publishing their books. Ralph Covert spoke on using music in education as well as the process of writing. Leah Larson and Andrea Egbert spoke on facilitation skills.
Prairielands Library Exchange, Pioneerland Library System