RCGW MTS PD Day Conference 2023
Event is FULL - Currently not accepting registrations
Conference Title: Teaching Tough Topics in Challenging Times
Location: Centro Caboto Centre (1055 Wilkes Avenue)
Date: October 20, 2023
Program
08:00 am - 08:50 am - Registration (coffee and light refreshments provided)
08:50 am - 09:15 am - Welcome and Introductions
09:15 am - 10:10 am - Keynote Address: "Teaching Tough Topics in Challenging Times"
10:10 am - 10:30 am - Morning break
10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Session 1: "Making Reading and Writing Connections (You can't Have One Without the Other)"
12:00 pm - 01:00 pm - Sorrento's Buffet Lunch
01:00 pm - 02:00 pm - Session 2: "Stop the Hate for Goodness Sakes"
02:00 pm - 02:15 pm - Afternoon break
02:15 pm - 02:45 pm - Conclusion of "Stop the Hate for Goodness Sakes"
02:45 pm - 03:00 pm - Closing Remarks and Book Draws (Winners must be in attendance to claim their prize)
The Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg is thrilled to have Dr. Larry Swartz join us for a full day of timely information, thought provoking questions, and concrete resources for the classroom. Dr. Larry Swartz has explored literature-based learning with students and teachers for more than 30 years in North America, England, New Zealand, and China. As a classroom teacher, consultant, and instructor with OISE/University of Toronto, he has inspired colleagues and children alike to learn in new and exciting ways.
Keynote Address: Teaching Tough Topics in Challenging Times (All grades)
Larry will demonstrate how to lead students to become caring citizens as they read and respond to quality children’s literature. It will focus on topics that can be challenging or sensitive, yet are significant in order to build understanding of social justice, diversity, and equity. Racism, Homophobia, Bullying, Religious Intolerance, Poverty, and Physical and Mental Challenges are just some of the themes that will be explored. Larry promotes the belief that by using picture books, novels, poetry, and nonfiction, teachers can enrich learning with compassion and empathy as students make connections to texts, to others, and to the world.
Session 1: READIN’ and WRITIN’: You Can’t Have One Without the Other (grades 3 - 8)
In this session, Larry will offer participants a range of practical strategies and lessons intended to help teachers and students discover and investigate the reading / writing connection. He will provide an overview of The Functions of Writing, consider the essentials of a writing program, and provide as an overview of 65+ ready-to-use lessons to enrich the literacy program. Recent examples of children’s literature will be featured in order to encourage the use of mentor texts as models and springboards for student writing.
Session 2: STOP THE HATE FOR GOODNESS SAKE: A Literature Approach to Change (grades 4 -10)
In this practical session, Larry will provide an overview of why? what? and how? classroom teachers can disrupt discrimination, promote hope, foster healing, and inspire joyful learning. A series of lessons will be introduced to encourage discussion and reflection through various response modes. Children’s literature will be shared as resources to support classroom experiences of discussing the issue of hate and discrimination and consider suggested ways for teachers and students to take action.
Membership and Conference Fees
RCGW Conference Fee ...................................$120
RCGW Membership Fee .................................$20
RCGW Membership & Conference Fee .......$100 ($20 SAGE membership / $80 conference Fee)
RCGW Student Fee* ........................................$50 ($10 SAGE membership / $40 conference Fee)
*Student Fee is for those currently studying towards a bachelor's degree.
Registration fee includes lunch.
Cancellation Policy: Refunds are available until Thursday, October 12, 2023. After October 12, refunds will not be issued, except due to illness or family emergency. Requests must be submitted no later than Monday, October 30, and include medical documentation. Conference fees, less a $20 cancellation fee, will be given for cancellations received in writing.
If you need Conference or Registration Information, please contact Elizabeth Logan at: rcgwsecretary@gmail.com or text 204-226-2476
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FULL - Keynote Address: “Teaching Tough Topics in Challenging Times”
The Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg is thrilled to have Dr. Larry Swartz join us for a full day of timely information, thought provoking questions, and concrete resources for the classroom. Dr. Larry Swartz has explored literature-based learning with students and teachers for more than 30 years in North America, England, New Zealand, and China. As a classroom teacher, consultant, and instructor with OISE/University of Toronto, he has inspired colleagues and children alike to learn in new and exciting ways.
Larry will demonstrate how to lead students to become caring citizens as they read and respond to quality children’s literature. It will focus on topics that can be challenging or sensitive, yet are significant in order to build understanding of social justice, diversity, and equity. Racism, Homophobia, Bullying, Religious Intolerance, Poverty, and Physical and Mental Challenges are just some of the themes that will be explored. Larry promotes the belief that by using picture books, novels, poetry, and nonfiction, teachers can enrich learning with compassion and empathy as students make connections to texts, to others, and to the world.
Presenter: Dr. Larry Swartz
Time: 9:15 am - 10:10 am
Suitable for: All grades
FULL - Session 1: READIN’ and WRITIN’: You Can’t Have One Without the Other
In this session, Larry will offer participants a range of practical strategies and lessons intended to help teachers and students discover and investigate the reading / writing connection. He will provide an overview of The Functions of Writing, consider the essentials of a writing program, and provide as an overview of 65+ ready-to-use lessons to enrich the literacy program. Recent examples of children’s literature will be featured in order to encourage the use of mentor texts as models and springboards for student writing.
Presenter: Dr. Larry Swartz
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Suitable for: grades 3-8
FULL - Session 2: STOP THE HATE FOR GOODNESS SAKE: A Literature Approach to Change
In this practical session, Larry will provide an overview of why? what? and how? classroom teachers can disrupt discrimination, promote hope, foster healing, and inspire joyful learning. A series of lessons will be introduced to encourage discussion and reflection through various response modes. Children’s literature will be shared as resources to support classroom experiences of discussing the issue of hate and discrimination and consider suggested ways for teachers and students to take action.
Presenter: Dr. Larry Swartz
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Suitable for: grades 4 -10