Connections ESC Region 11 Fall Library Conference 2024

Explore captivating read-aloud titles designed to ignite curiosity, foster self-awareness, and make reading a joyful, playful experience. Featuring engaging picture books from our friends at Capstone, this session offers access to printable and downloadable resources, along with creative strategies to deepen student engagement through visually rich texts. Learn how to select the perfect read-alouds and discover tools that enhance literacy development through expressive, thoughtful storytelling. Perfect for bringing out the best in every reader!

Need to revive your library and boost circulation? We propose a two-pronged approach that will breathe new life into secondary school libraries. Reviving secondary libraries means creating a safe, comfortable haven for teen readers while igniting a passion for literacy. Participants will walk away with bold, practical strategies for vibrant displays, student-centered spaces, and intentional literacy programming that renews energy and increases circulation in secondary libraries.

Books are heavy and computer keyboarding takes a tremendous amount of postural endurance. Come to this session to learn some simple yet effective exercises tailored specifically for ibrarianship from Dr. Amy Godard, DPT.  Amy is a certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Postural Restoration Certified (PRC), Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), as well as many other areas of physical therapy  Here's to being your best self this year!

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

Bullet journaling offers a versatile system that helps educators balance personal and professional life by providing a clear visual structure for tasks and goals. By dedicating sections for work-related planning and personal reflections, educators can prioritize their time effectively. This practice encourages mindfulness, allowing for better stress management for your work life, family life, and personal life.

In this session, participants will explore practical strategies for creating a welcoming and inclusive library space for bilingual families, with a focus on Spanish-speaking communities. We will discuss how to curate diverse, culturally relevant collections, implement signage and communication tools in multiple languages, and develop programs that engage both students and their families. Attendees will learn how to foster an environment where all languages are celebrated and every family feels represented. Through real-world examples and resources, the session will equip librarians with actionable steps to increase access, provide bilingual support, and build strong relationships with the communities they serve. Whether you’re just beginning to learn a new language or already have bilingual programs in place, this session will offer insights to make your library a true hub of inclusion.

I would like to teach and engage attendees in practical ways to heighten student engagement surrounding books and encourage a love for reading in the school library. Through strategies and activities like dynamic shelving, book scavenger hunt bingo, and an activity using the Post-it Note app to highlight the importance of reading, I’ll share methods that encourage students to connect with books on a higher level. Additionally, attendees will learn how to use pixelated book covers to spark critical thinking before I give book talks and will gain insight into how students can become creators by designing their own "book teaser" slides for their very own book talks with their peers. In conjunction with this, I will demonstrate the effectiveness of "First Chapter Highlights," where students craft one-pagers that introduce and promote books they are reading. These engaging activities not only boost book awareness, but also create an interactive, student-centered library environment. My hope is that librarians in attendance will leave with practical and ready-to-use activities and strategies to take back to their school libraries!

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.  

Are you the only certified librarian in your district with multiple campuses? Are your other campuses staffed by paraprofessionals? Does your to do list grow by the minute? Come to this session to hear tips and tricks, network, and meet other solo librarians in the area.

Your staff can be a huge asset as you promote the library and love of reading to students! Join us for ideas to get your staff involved to create a culture of reading on your campus!