MID-State Reading Council
an affiliate of the Illinois Reading Council
President's Message
It’s the last week of October and that means colorful leaves, flannel shirts, pumpkin spice lattes, and the Illinois Reading Conference. You know, all things fall. But in all seriousness, I have been lucky enough to make the annual Illinois Reading Conference a part of my fall traditions, and it is worth it every year. If you, too, count yourself among the lucky to attend the conference, you know the struggles ranging from getting approval to go, creating multiple days’ worth of substitute plans, driving back and forth, possibly presenting, to footing many costs yourself. However, after all of the struggle, you also know the impact for your students’ reading and your teaching practice makes it all worthwhile. There is nothing more energizing than being around fellow book nerds.
This year was no exception. One of the sessions I attended was the Illinois Reads “Speed Dating” event. In just an hour and a half, attendees got a book to be signed by an Illinois author and met four of the authors on one reading list. Listening to these Illinois authors talk about the stories they have written, I was reminded that the Illinois Reads book list is a great resource we have for highlighting the talent in our home state. Every author was excited about doing school visits and some even offered free Skype sessions. If you are looking for a way to infuse excitement into your literacy program as we head into the cold Illinois winter, consider checking out the Illinois authors on the 2018 Illinois Reads list. They are sure to engage the readers and writers in your classroom.
Speaking of Illinois Reads authors, check out the Carnival of Reading flyer below. On November 2, featured author Julia Durango will be sharing her fun and humorous picture books. Hope to see you there!
Happy Reading,
Claire Michaels