Yesterday, I just attended a day in the International Reading Association Conference in San Antonio, Texas. It was my first time. I was blessed to listen to Rick Riordan, the author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians, as the first keynote speaker. This conference blew me away! Definitely, I will attend it next year in New Orleans, Louisiana. During Riordan’s speech, it was refreshing to hear why we are reading teachers to create writers like Rick Riordan who was reluctant reader and cheated in every literature assignment until a his 11th grade teacher introduced him to Greek Mythology. After that, he even became an English teacher and taught middle and high school for 11 years.
Another session that I wish any reading teachers would attend was Fountas and Pinnell’s lectures. They were one of the pioneers of small group instruction, part of the workshop model, Balancy Literacy. Looking at their research data and listening to the practice, it was just amazing to see that it works with all types of students because we treat each student as a unique individual, just letting the students pick a book that they want to read and teach a small group instruction to fit the students’ specific needs. After all these special moments, I really recommend anyone who teaches reading and writing to attend this conference next year. You can find information about this conference in the link below.
http://www.reading.org/annual-convention/2013/
http://www.heinemann.com/fountasandpinnell/
http://www.rickriordan.com/home.aspx
P.S. I attended just one day because my students are taking the state test this week. I wish I could have attended the 4 days.
