Ro Menendez
CHILDREN'S LIBRARIAN~
ABAR EDUCATOR~ SPEAKER~
KIDLIT EDUCATOR GUIDE DEVELOPER
Diversifying the Library's Collection to Represent All Voices
Event: North Texas Library Expo 2018
Sponsored by: Irving ISD, Richardson ISD, Plano ISD, Region 10 ESC & Region 11 ESC
October 27, 2018
Singley Academy, Irving TX
Description:
Having a rich and diverse collection in the elementary school library goes beyond ethnicity and race. We will explore the complex meaning of diversity in literature and what Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop meant when she insisted that children should be exposed to books that are "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors." This workshop will provide tools for evaluating collections, book talks on many recent books that exemplify the #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement goals, and curriculum applications that will help librarians raise awareness of the need and also practical application of diverse stories with classroom teachers.
The Elementary Library: Portal to Family Engagement
Co-presented with: Lana Lozure, Librarian Richardson ISD
Event: North Texas Library Expo 2018
Sponsored by: Irving ISD, Richardson ISD, Plano ISD, Region 10 ESC & Region 11 ESC
October 27, 2018
Singley Academy, Irving TX
Description:
Our new AASL Standards Framework for School Libraries calls for our safe spaces to create pathways for students to branch out beyond the school walls to make meaning of our world. The first community students can safely experiment networking with is our school families, their diverse backgrounds, life experiences and knowledge can provide real-world applications to supplement what students are learning in the classroom. Library events can serve as an engaging two-way portal: exposing our students to networking and including families in their children's learning experiences and environment. Presenters will share events that have engaged families, made them part of the learning community, and continue to be a source of relationship building and learning.
Diverse stories are for every one of us: Diversifying Your Read Alouds
As Part Of Your Daily ELAR Instruction
Event #EDLIT2018
Sponsored by Mesquite ISD
August 15, 2018
Description:
A discussion of the “Big Eight” Social Identifiers of Diversity will widen our view when selecting stories that reflect our students. Steps to take in order to have a diverse and inclusive classroom and school library will be discussed as well as a sampling of books that address all social identifiers to begin generating a list of books and authors to explore and add to lessons. Connections to K-2 Mesquite ISD Literacy Framework that these stories exemplify will offer attendees ways to integrate diverse stories with classroom lessons.
Help - I Need Books! Tips for Title I Teachers Seeking Books
+ New Ideas for Student Engagement
Copresented with:
Meg Medina, author
Alison Morris, Sr. Director of Collection Development, First Book
Ashleigh Rose, Middle School Educator, Washington DC
Event: #NerdCampMI (Nerd Camp Michigan)
July 10, 2018
Western High School, Parma, MI
Description:
Shared ideas on how I have used First Book to increase the amount of engaging books my students have at home and to diversify our library collection, especially when using personal funds to support my students' literacy skills and love of reading.
Give Reading the Spotlight it Deserves! - Reading Celebrations Throughout the Year
Co-sponsored by Region 10 Library Services and Dallas ISD Library Services
Friday, August 11, 2017
Molina High School, Dallas, TX
Description:
We will explore all the ways reading can be celebrated throughout the school year to generate and maintain a passion for books, reading, and sharing the stories that matter to us all. Why invest in celebrating locally and globally the tremendous power of reading? Feedback given by students and teachers will be shared of how giving reading the spotlight has engaged and helped our readers develop their reading identities further and think of reading as a joyous and worthwhile pursuit. A list of celebrations, dates, connections and ideas will be shared to get attendees ready to celebrate with their readers at school!