2018 Literacy Expo Workshops - Middle Country Central School District
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~ 2018 Literacy Expo Workshops ~
Session 1: 6:20 pm – 6:50 pm
Workshop 1.1 – The Evolution of a Little Dragon Room 109
Deborah Cuneo – Published Author
When creating a picture book character, what you start out with is not always what you end up
with! Join Deborah as she shares some of the art and creative processes that lead to the final,
visual character in her new book - Little Dragon and the New Baby - Sky Pony Press 2018
Workshop 1.2 – How to Create a Magical World Room 107
Melissa Kuch – Published Author
From Harry Potter to Percy Jackson, magic in literature is something draws in readers. But how
do you start writing your own fantasy novel? Join author Melissa Kuch as she speaks about
writing her magical YA novel series, The Hypothesis of Giants, and how she incorporates magic
into her writing. This workshop will be interactive, and students will get the opportunity to try
their hand at writing their own magical story.
Workshop 1.3 – Blending Fiction with Facts Room 110
JoAnn Vergona Krapp, Published Author
JoAnn Vergona Krapp is a children's book author and school librarian who teaches creative
writing workshops for grades 3-5. In this workshop, Ms. Vergona Krapp will explain how she
used real historical incidents to create adventures for her three main characters in the first two
books of her Fire Island series.
Workshop 1.4 – How to Create Your Own Mystery Room 105
Linda Frank – Published Author, TV Producer, Teacher
Do you enjoy Nancy Drew or CSI? If you like those or other detective stories, then this
workshop is for you! Come and learn how to craft your own mystery novel from the author of
the popular Annie Tillery Mysteries Series. Ms. Frank will read excerpts from her books, share
her experiences and expertise, and answer any questions you have about creating and publishing
your own mystery story.
Workshop 1.5 – The Travelin’ Trunk Show with ThinkBIG! Room 106
Heather Van Velsor-Thorgersen – ThinkBIG! Theater Arts, Inc.
Theater Arts is a unique early childhood literacy program combining interactive storytelling and
theater arts (“Creative Drama”) with best practices in early childhood, based on the hypothesis
that theater experiences support young children's social, emotional, cognitive and creative play
skills. The Travelin' Trunk Show incorporates ELA Learning Standards - creativity,
communication, collaboration, and critical thinking - which inherently align to learning in and
through the arts. In this workshop session, parents and children will join teaching artist and
storyteller, Heather Van Velsor-Thorgersen, in bringing a folktale to life through the use of
Creative Drama.Workshop 1.6 – Construction & Revision Room 104
Brian Heinz – Published Author
“Construction & Revision” – which is also the title of Mr. Heinz’s new supplemental Language
Arts teacher handbook – is a workshop cram packed with a broad range of exercises, models,
lesson plans, templates, and diagrams to help enhance students’ writing. It covers every facet of
craft elements and story structures for both prose and verse.
Workshop 1.7 – Creative Creature Crafting Room 102
Jason Edwards – Published Author
Kids practice the art of bringing great characters to life - as they create some characters right on
the spot! Participants will learn the vital elements for producing all types of characters, including
protagonists, villains, and even monsters! They will also sharpen their “character eye” with an
ace detective, generate character details with “Mr. Potato-Head,” and even build descriptive
vocabulary in Doctor Frankenstein’s character “Mad Lab”!
Workshop 1.8 – What if? Room 129
Raymond Bean (a.k.a. Ray Sabini) – Published Author and Teacher, Jericho
Elementary
This workshop will focus on strategies for generating fun, fictional stories. Participants will learn
how to turn ordinary moments into the launching point for fiction. The goal is for participants to
leave the workshop with several fun story ideas and a strong enthusiasm for writing.
Workshop 1.9 – How to Engage in Literacy Room 127
with Your First or Second Grader
Meghan Samartino and Kristyn Henke – Teachers, N. Coleman Rd and
Oxhead Rd. Elementary, respectively
If you're looking for ways to enhance your first or second grade child's literacy development,
then visit this workshop! We will be teaching you how to have conversations around books,
we’ll share with you our top book selections, and we will also show you activities for you and
your child to engage in together.
Workshop 1.10 – Spring into Online Resources for Kids Room 125
@ Your Public Library
Michelle Kenney – Middle Country Media Specialist, Youth Services
Department
Join us for an overview of engaging online resources that will enhance your child’s learning
experience. All you need to access these resources is an MCPL library card – if you do not have
a card, we will show you how easy it is to get one!
Workshop 1.11 –The Keys to Kindness Room 213
Amy McCoy – Published Author
Join us as Amy McCoy shows us how the main character from her children’s novel, Little Big
Sister, helps others better understand autism by making some changes in an elementary school.
Like the characters in the novel, participants will uncover an important life lesson – the keys to
kindness! Participants will also create a small craft that will help them remember this powerful
message.~ 2018 Literacy Expo Workshops ~
Session 2: 6:55 pm – 7:25 pm
Workshop 2.1 – A Parent’s Guide to RazKids Room 200
Chris Scionti – Teacher, Jericho Elementary School
The RazKids web-based reading program is ideal for getting children excited about reading.
Come learn about this engaging and effective tool that encourages your child to read through use
of digital prizes and access to hundreds of high-interest ebooks. Parents will love the progress
reports and the mobile app that are available through the program!
Workshop 2.2 – Great Books for Kindergarteners Room 243
Tricia Calise – Teacher, Unity Kindergarten Center
How can I support my Kindergartener’s literacy at home? What are some books that will engage
my child? If you have a child who is in pre-K or Kindergarten, this is a workshop you should
not miss! Come and learn what you can do to help turn your child into a life-long reader.
Workshop 2.3 – How to Create a Picture Book Room 202
Sandy Lanton – Published Author
Join a published children’s book author as she explains how a picture book is made. From
manuscript to the printed page – participants will learn how to make wonderful children’s book
ideas come to life!
Workshop 2.4 – Great Books for Second Graders Room 204
Matthew Giordano and Catharine Murphy – Teachers, North Coleman Road
Elementary School
Now that your child is gaining more independence as a reader, you are probably wondering what
books will enhance your child’s love of reading at this crucial point in his/her life. At this
workshop, you will get a list of titles are guaranteed to grab your child, and you will learn
strategies that will help support your child’s literacy at home.
Workshop 2.5 – Making Your Thoughts Work for You Room 206
Lisa Navarra – Author, Behavior Specialist, Special Education Teacher
Has your child ever thought he/she couldn’t do something? Maybe you’ve heard, “I can’t do it?”
“It’s too hard for me,” or “The other kids are better than I am.” We’ll show you how to help your
child have the skills and confidence to believe in him/herself! Maybe you’ve even said similar
thoughts to yourself. With the help of our main character, Henry, you will learn to make your
thoughts work for you and your child instead of against you. During this workshop, you’ll learn
how to recognize negative thoughts and change them into positive thoughts to develop positive
self-talk skills and begin the path of empowerment. “I can and I will!”Workshop 2.6 – Rhyming with Different Messages Room 207
Paula Groothuis – Author, Speech Therapist
Paula Groothuis loves to share her experience rhyming children's books with different
messages. As a speech therapist, she was inspired to write children’s books in rhyme to teach
them vocabulary growth, self-esteem and how to grow up in a responsible, respectful
way. Listening to the news motivated her to get out a message of tolerance, kindness and respect
for one another in our world. Come and see how rhyming with different messages can make a
difference!
Workshop 2.7 – What if? Room 129
Raymond Bean (a.k.a. Ray Sabini) – Published Author and Teacher, Jericho
Elementary
This workshop will focus on strategies for generating fun, fiction stories. Participants will learn
how to turn ordinary moments into the launching point for fiction. The goal is for participants to
leave the workshop with several fun story ideas and enthusiasm for writing.
Workshop 2.8 – Spring into Online Resources for Kids Room 125
@ Your Public Library
Michelle Kenney – Middle Country Media Specialist, Youth Services
Department
Join us for an overview of engaging online resources that will enhance your child’s learning
experience. All you need to access these resources is an MCPL library card – if you do not have
a card, we will show you how easy it is to get one!
Workshop 2.9 – How to Create Lifelong Readers: Room 208
Tips for Parents of Reluctant Readers
Susan Morris, MCCSD Reading Specialist
Many parents struggle with finding ways to instill in their children a love of reading. What
strategies work? What if your child is already a reluctant reader? Is it too late? If you want to
help your child develop a love for reading, but are not sure HOW, then this workshop is for you!
Come and discover books that elementary students love, and learn some tips that will impact
your children for years to come.
Workshop 2.10 – Heart of a Lion Room 211
Jack Billelo – Published Author
"A world without literature is a dead world."--Ancient Roman Saying. Heart of a Lion is a
compelling tale of a little known, but great American hero. In this workshop, participants will
laugh, cry, think, and see how great literature stays in your heart and soul forever.
Workshop 2.11 – Facing Your Fears Room 213
Michael Cascio – Published Author
Whether it was the police sirens or the bully down the block, Michael Cascio struggled with fear,
as most children do. When his father found him afraid, he always encouraged Michael to face
his fears head-on. Join Michael Cascio as he shares how he became a writer and reads aloud his
picture book, When I Was a Child, I Was Always Afraid.~ 2018 Literacy Expo Workshops ~
Session 3: 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Workshop 3.1 – Creating the Main Character of a Series Room 109
Letty Sustrin, Published Author
Letty Sustrin, retired teacher, and author of The Teacher Who Would Not Retire series, will
explain how she created "Mrs. Belle," the main character in her books. She will also show how
she decided upon the various titles, and scenes, for the six books of the series.
Workshop 3.2 – How to Create Lifelong Readers: Room 208
Tips for Parents of Reluctant Readers
Susan Morris, MCCSD Reading Specialist
Many parents struggle with finding ways to instill in their children a love of reading. What
strategies work? What if your child is already a reluctant reader? Is it too late? If you want to
help your child develop a love for reading, but are not sure HOW, then this workshop is for you!
Come and discover books that elementary students love, and learn some tips that will impact
your children for years to come.
Workshop 3.3 – Recommended Books for Third, Fourth, Room 110
and Fifth Graders
Laura Burda and Kristyn Henke – Teachers, Reading Hawkins Path and
Oxhead Road Elementary Schools (respectively)
We promise -- there are so many wonderful books that are sure to engage your third, fourth, or
fifth grade child! Come and find out what books students have recommended over the years, and
discover the book that might become your child’s new all-time favorite!
Workshop 3.4 – A Parent’s Guide to RazKids Room 200
Chris Scionti – Teacher, Jericho Elementary School
The RazKids web-based reading program is ideal for getting children excited about reading.
Come learn about this engaging and effective tool that encourages your child to read through use
of digital prizes and access to hundreds of high-interest ebooks. Parents will love the progress
reports and the mobile app that are available through the program!
Workshop 3.5 – I Write Books and You Can, Too! Room 107
Wendy Wax – Published Author
Author and illustrator, Wendy Wax, takes her audience on an inspiring journey from idea to
published book, using her books as examples. She talks about the writing process, and how to
transform boredom into brainstorming; keep a lively journal; develop unique characters; plan a
plot; and accept that making mistakes means you’re on the right track. Students are left with
practical ways to take command of their own writing, and the knowledge that they too can write
and illustrate great books.Workshop 3.6 – Great Books for First Graders Room 106
Christine Murray – Teacher, New Lane Elementary School
Are you wondering what books you should be reading your first grade child each night? Are you
confused about what books you should be encouraging your child to read to YOU? If you have
been asking yourself these questions, then you must come to this workshop. Come and learn
from a first grade teacher, and see what books are guaranteed to enhance your child’s love of
reading.
Workshop 3.7 – Creating a Hero’s Journey Room 104
James Perez – Published Author
What do Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter, and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz have in common?
They all embarked on a classic journey to greatness. Following the timeless model behind many
of your favorite books and movies, join the author of fantasy adventure novels, Maia & Icarus
and Maia & Hippolyta, in crafting your own hero’s or heroine’s journey.
Workshop 3.8 – An Introduction to Words Their Way for Parents Room 102
Lorraine Valiando – Teacher, N. Coleman Rd. Elementary School
Do you want to know how you can help your child’s development in spelling and vocabulary?
In this workshop, participants will learn about the district’s new elementary word study program,
Words Their Way – how it works, the stages of development, and how word work can be
reinforced at home.
Workshop 3.9 – The Power of a Growth Mindset Room 127
Debra Saparito – Teacher, Bicycle Path Kindergarten Center
Do you want to become a published author one day? If you have a “growth mindset,” you are
well on your way! Come and learn what a “growth mindset” is and how it can help you in
school, at work, and in life!
Workshop 3.10 – Supporting Reading in the Bilingual Home/ Room 125
Apoyando la Lectura en una Casa Bilingue
Lisa DeProspo and Joana DeLaRosa – Teachers, Oxhead and Stagecoach
Elementary Schools (respectively)
Is reading a struggle in your bilingual or multilingual home? Not anymore! Come learn about fun
and engaging ways to support reading with your child at home, even if your primary language is
not English.
¿Tienen dificultad apoyando la lectura en su casa bilingüe o multilingüe? ¡Ya no! Ven aprender
como apoyar la lectura de su hijo/a en casa de formas divertidas y cautivantes, no importa si su
primer idioma no es ingles.
Workshop 3.11 – Wonders in the Garden! Room 129
Anne Mottola – Published Author
Come and meet the author of Wonders in the Garden! -- a 3-book set of children’s books that
include What Grows in the Garden?, What Lives in the Garden?, and What Do You Sense in the
Garden?. Discover how she created each book which explores the spirit of gardening by
featuring children in a community garden setting – either in school, their community, or their
home neighborhood.You can also read
