Judy's Workshops
BER Seminars • Winners! • Books Kids Will Sit Still For • Selecting Books for Children • Literature and Library Skills • Booktalking & Reading Aloud • Multicultural Books • Once Upon a Time • Storytelling • Hi Ho Librario • Keynote Speeches • Parent Programs • Musical Booktalk •
JUDY FREEMAN'S KEYNOTE SPEECHES
In all of her book-filled, energetic, entertaining presentations, Judy Freeman introduces her audiences to some of her favorite recent read-aloud language-rich children's books, along with plenty of practical ideas for bringing kids and books together. She has been the keynoter at scores of IRA, EMA, ALA, AASL, and NCTE conferences, dinners, and programs, at university reading conferences, public libraries, and schools.
See a video of an excerpt of Judy Freeman's keynote speech at the 32nd annual Irma S. and James Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature on Thursday, May 20, 2004, at the Harvard Club in New York City. (www.bankstreet.edu/news/2004BlackAwardWinner.html )
During her presentation highlighting her latest favorite titles, she demonstrates ways to integrate books into the classroom and school library through curricular and literature appreciation tie-in activities that include reading aloud, booktalking, storytelling, creative drama, music, writing, and illustrating.
Judy's speeches are hands-on, motivating, upbeat testimonials affirming the power and glory of the written word. Judy says, "I consider myself a 'verbivore'-one who is smitten with the study of words."
To that end, she brings new favorite books to show and tell and sing about, and talks about ways she's used them with children. She tells anecdotes about readers and their mentors; relates true tales about the leading teachers and librarians she's met in her travels across the U.S. in her quest to be a Children's Books Troubadour; discusses trends, triumphs, problems, and controversies in education and the quest for literacy; and shows her audiences how to have a ball with books and the children who love them.
Some of the essential questions she can address include:
  1. What are criteria for selecting the best books to read aloud?

  2. How and why should teachers, librarians, and parents reevaluate their oral reading techniques?

  3. What are the components of an exemplary children's book?

  4. How do we develop connections between children's books and the range of possible uses in developing a literature-based curriculum in our schools?

  5. What is the role of the school librarian and library in getting children to read?

  6. What else can we do to inspire our children to become readers and lifelong learners?