Connections ESC Region 11 Fall Library Conference 2024

Join Kids Discover and see firsthand how Kids Discover Online supports science and social studies curriculum-related subject matter for Grades K-8 with interactive content and a reading experience that will pique students’ inherent curiosity and love of learning.  

Join us for an exciting session that's all about powering up your library with the latest in PebbleGo! Whether you're new to PebbleGo or a seasoned user, this session will provide a refreshing refresher on the platform's key features and functionalities. Discover a treasure trove of brand-new resources and ideas designed to invigorate your library programs. In this dynamic session, our team will walk you through the latest enhancements in PebbleGo, showcasing innovative ways to incorporate its rich content into your library curriculum. Dive into interactive lessons, explore creative project ideas, and unearth valuable tips for maximizing PebbleGo's potential as an educational powerhouse. Leave with a renewed enthusiasm for PebbleGo and free trials to explore expansion options. It's time to take your library to the next level with the PebbleGo Power Hour!"

Ready to amplify your impact and showcase your expertise? Join us for an inspiring session where you’ll discover a variety of creative programming ideas designed to captivate students, teachers, and families alike. From small-scale activities to larger initiatives, you’ll explore projects that foster literacy engagement, strengthen community ties, and promote inclusivity on your elementary campus.  Learn how to design and implement innovative programs that bring families into the library experience, create memorable learning opportunities, and build a vibrant, supportive community culture. Whether you’re aiming to increase student involvement or inspire collaboration with teachers, this session is packed with practical ideas and resources to make a lasting impression!

With more schools adding Pre K, and Librarians being expected to service these students, where does one start? Let 2 seasoned Pre K Librarians get you prepared and ready to go with Pre K library Lessons, strategies, and more.

Come see various approaches to integrating social and emotional learning into the library through initiatives, programs, stations and resources. You will see how to integrate free-play stations in the library, such as a "home center." Learn about FREE guests that will come to your campus. Most of the information is geared towards elementary librarians but ideas for secondary librarians are included as well. This session will show ways to develop your library into becoming "The Heart of the School."

Link to session

Use the Bluebonnet list to build a reading culture at your school! Learn what resources are available and how you can use them.

Looking to enhance your library visits with early learners? Join us for a dynamic session filled with simple, effective strategies designed to strengthen your instruction and transform your library into an engaging and welcoming space! Learn practical procedures and routines that facilitate smoother visits, boost student engagement, and make lesson delivery easier. In this session, we’ll cover efficient operational ideas, collaboration tips, and essential management tools to help you plan and deliver successful lessons. You’ll also discover storytime secrets, including captivating lesson hooks to increase excitement and strategies for improving classroom management. Perfect for librarians working with young learners and ECSE students, this session will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to infuse more passion and energy into every library experience!

Reading Blackout is an optional reading incentive program designed to motivate and reward students for reading a variety of books.  Students begin reading books from the categories on the reading blackout card…it’s like a scavenger hunt.  After a book is read, the title is written in the square.  When the card is filled, the card is returned to the library.  After each due date, students receive prizes during library class. Students who complete all six reading blackout cards, receive an invitation to the Purple People Party.  

Are you looking for fresh, innovative maker ideas for your youngest students? This session is packed with engaging and creative story-supported maker activities designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of literacy in early childhood classes! Discover a wealth of hands-on projects that will excite your students and encourage them to explore, create, experiment, collaborate, and problem-solve. These maker activities, rooted in storytelling, provide meaningful learning experiences that connect books with the joy of making. Join us to gather practical ideas and resources to empower your youngest innovators, building a foundation of literacy and learning that will grow with them throughout their school years!

This session will help teachers and librarians encourage kids to love reading, discover the 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Award Reading List books, learn ways to connect these titles to readers, and gain some practical activity ideas to create and use in their own classrooms. Will also feature cover reveals of 2025-2026 nominees.  

Capture the attention of your early learners with tried-and-true strategies that transform library time into a magical experience! This session is designed to equip you with engaging, effective methods that keep young children focused, excited, and eager to participate. You’ll leave with a treasure trove of storytime ideas, interactive activities, and best practices that foster a love for reading while strengthening classroom management. Perfect for librarians working with early learners, this session will ensure you’re ready to create a library environment filled with more giggles and fewer wiggles!