Professional Development Workshops
Our Professional Development Workshops are available to anyone interested in learning more about books and early literacy. We have presented for corporate brown bag lunches, civic groups, church groups, and university classes. For more information about arranging a workshop, please contact Sandi Koebler at koeblers@mybwb.org or 412-361-8560.
Busy with Books
This workshop instructs early childhood educators on how to choose age-appropriate, high quality books that promote children’s literacy development. Topics include: how to build a book collection, meaningful activities to support the story, and strategies for involving parents.
Hot Off the Presses: Selecting Books that Engage Children
This workshop features ways to select the best books for your classroom that will engage children and encourage language development. You will have the opportunity to explore some of the newest and best books available for young children.
Sounds of Language: Fun Activities for All
Research shows that children who can hear and distinguish sounds are better able to master the tasks needed to learn to read and write. This workshop provides activities to support language and literacy development.
Books Celebrating the African Heritage
Early educators are introduced to age-appropriate books that can help enhance the self-esteem of preschool through elementary school-aged African American children. Participants also receive advice on using these books to generate a respect for this rich culture in all children.
Books, Growth, and Healing
This workshop provides ways participants can use picture books to promote healthy development. Early educators and social service providers learn to select quality books that can help children cope with stressful situations and develop strategies to encourage meaningful responses to books. The power of the story, rather than bibliotherapy, is emphasized.
Windows on the World: Promoting Understanding through Multicultural Children’s Literature
Literature is a powerful medium for understanding the world and a mirror in which children can see themselves reflected and a window through which they can explore the world. This workshop will discuss the importance of including multicultural literature in both diverse and homogenous classrooms and introduce participants to wealth of multicultural books.
Interactive Read Alouds
There are many benefits to reading stories with children. One of the best ways to engage children is to offer read alouds that are interactive. This workshop provides the framework to build vocabulary and comprehension skills using high quality children’s books.
Reading with Dad: Book Club for Fathers
Everyone knows the importance of spending time with their children as they grow and learn. Research indicates dads’ involvement in their children’s education makes a significant difference in their children’s academic performance. By reading books and discussing them together, fathers can share special time with their children while helping them develop a love of reading and important language and literacy skills. This session will highlight some of the benefits of father involvement and will provide an overview of a successful literacy program called the Reading with Dad Program.