As we step into Spring, preparations for our 2019 Reading for the Love of It conference are well underway. An essential practise for future planning is to step back and reflect on past accomplishments.

With this in mind, I would like to, once again, congratulate and thank Denise Canning, Programme Chair, and her dedicated committee for a remarkable 2018 conference. The two days of exhilarating professional learning in mid-winter served to step up our game and return to our classrooms invigorated, recharged and impassioned.

The striking line-up of keynotes and session speakers were indeed uplifting. Equally so, was our annual Awards Banquet where we recognized and acknowledged three outstanding educators, Cidalia DiCostanzo, Helen Vlachoyannacos and Brian Weishar, nominated by their colleagues for demonstrating exceptional leadership in the field of literacy. This evening was also an opportunity to pay tribute to one of the most influential educators of all time, Donald Graves, a true pioneer of the “writing process”. Penny Kittle’s heartfelt words about her trusted colleague and long-time friend, made it easy to understand why Donald Graves was unanimously and posthumously voted as this year’s Heart Award of Recognition recipient.

Thank you to Liz Blake, Communications Chair, her dedicated committee, and all contributors for bringing us the second installment of this newsletter. The theme continues to be “Making a Difference through Literacy”, and we hope the contents and photos within will bring a smile to your face and add extra spring to your step!

Thank you to Brian Svenningsen, Outreach Chair, and his spirited committee for taking the journey of a thousand miles with a single step toward the gift of literacy. We applaud their efforts in reaching out and supporting local, national and international organizations focused on social justice and equity for all through literacy acquisition.

Thank you to Erica Towson, Executive Administrator and Conference Planner, whose knowledge, efficiency and enthusiasm are the stepping stones to our success!

Thank you to the dynamic and hard-working committee members that make up the East York-Scarborough Reading Association. Our passion for literacy and love of reading brought us together as one, and the collective energy we create is what makes our conference so extraordinary year after year.

Finally, thank you to our dedicated delegates who travel from both near and far to join us at Reading for the Love of It. Your participation and feedback drives our work and determination to take a step i n the right direction as we prepare for the upcoming year.

Looking forward to seeing you all once again at RFTLOI 2019 on February 21st and 22nd. Until then, enjoy the summer break and take time to sit back, relax and read just for the love of it!

Marisa Liscio
President, EYSRA

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As a Grade 9 Humanities teacher in Calgary, I am fully expected to play a part in Alberta Education’s support for reconciliation. First Nations, Métis and Inuit history, perspectives and contributions are embedded in the Grade 9 curriculum and this year, I made the decision to dive head first into exploring this topic in depth and give it the respect it deserves.

Perhaps my apprehension in teaching this topic was natural. It may feel challenging for some teachers to apply these expectations around this topic in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. I certainly questioned how qualified I was to delve into the complexities and nuances associated with First Nations, Metis and Inuit history in Canada.

This is where I found myself in January this year. Where could I start and how could I begin presenting information with both knowledge and sensitivity? I forged ahead and, although it hasn’t been perfect by any means, I am very pleased with how things have been going.

I learned a few things that allowed me to move forward with increased assurance. The first thing I learned is that teachers don’t have to be experts on the complex histories of First Nations people and, no, we aren’t supposed to have all the answers in regards to the lasting legacies of residential schools. As I began to see my role as one of being a facilitator and topic guide, the more comfortable the learning experience was for my students and myself.

The second thing I learned was the importance of using stories to help frame a topic and humanize the experience. Language Arts teachers already know storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to put ideas into your classroom. I found the stories we chose informed, enraged, touched, enlightened, motivated, and challenged student understandings around this topic.

I used the Secret Path, the multimedia project by the late Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip, along with a graphic novel and animated film. It is based on the true story of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old Anishinaabe boy who froze to death in 1966 while trying to walk back home after escaping a residential school. I also used Fatty Legs, a true memoir of an Inuit girl who attended a residential school. We also have plans to have a Blackfoot elder from a nearby reserve come in and tell stories. Most of the great discussions and inquiry held in class were prompted through these stories and student engagement was high.

Finally, I learned it is okay to feel discomfort when teaching this topic. Understanding that there are not simple answers to complex questions and being okay with it was an important part of the process for me. As students wrestle with some of the ideas, so must the teacher.

It can feel like an intimidating undertaking and I imagine my teaching practice with this topic will evolve and change as I learn and grow. As a teacher, I play an important and integral role in facilitating reconciliation and healing in Canada and, as I learned, it may mean occasionally moving outside my comfort zones to find small successes.

Article by Jamie Nybo
Captain Nichola Goddard School
Calgary Board of Education

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“Volunteering for the Reading for the Love of It conference afforded me the opportunity to connect and share my many years of experience in education with others. It's a selfish endeavor I do for myself! I believe in: "Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others."  –William Arthur Ward”

- Mary Valtellini

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“Volunteering for the Reading for the Love of It conference afforded me the opportunity to connect and share my many years of experience in education with others. It's a selfish endeavor I do for myself! I believe in: "Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others."  –William Arthur Ward”

In this edition of Speaking of Reading we celebrate one of our former Reading Association presidents, Noelle Jack. Noelle has mined the memories of her childhood in Scotland and her love of sailing to craft her first book, Shire Summer, a title enjoyed by adults as well as children of many ages.

This author has had the pleasure of talking about her book in Toronto classrooms, book stores and the Toronto Public Library. She has also spoken in schools in Florida where her books have been featured on Barnes and Noble bookstore shelves. Most recently, when in Singapore, she not only had a book signing in a local bookshop but was also invited to speak at the prestigious Dulwich College. Back home again she was a guest speaker at the Herongate branch of the Lions Club.

Noelle is now working on her second book. Being Pete is set in Montreal and features a intrepid female hero who really knows what it means to take chances.

For more information or to arrange a classroom visit in the Greater Toronto Area, check out her website.

Article by Noelle Jack
Author
www.noellejackauthor.com

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Attendees at the 2018 Reading Award Dinner Banquet were treated to an amazing presentation by Penny Kittle. Penny recounted her life changing relationship with her mentor Dr. Donald Graves, presenting him with a posthumous Heart Award of Recognition in honour of his outstanding contributions to literacy and learning.

In recognition of his great work, the EYS Reading Association made a donation to the Donald Graves Memorial Fund c/o The Telling Room located in Portland, Maine, in support of 2017-2018 Literacy Programs for Youth.

In thanks for our donation, Celine Bourke Kuhn, executive director wrote:

“At The Telling Room, we provide time and space for the free expression of ideas, building stronger individuals and communities every day. Your generous donation means that you understand just how important writing, storytelling, and sharing ideas can be to young people. Your gift will help make a positive impact on over 4,000 Maine youth this year through our free creative writing and arts programs that build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and provide real audiences for our students to share their work.”

On behalf of all the board members at the EYS Reading Association, we are proud to support this organization in honour of Dr. Donald Graves.

Article by Erica Townson, EYSRA

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“As a retired educator, I was interested in seeing how language instruction is continuing to evolve and enjoyed witnessing the level of engagement between presenters and attendees at Reading for the Love of It.”

- Joanne Greco

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The Dictionary of Animal Languages by Heidi Sopinka

Sofie & Cecilia by Katherine Ashenburg

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Great Summer Reading list compiled by Jose Molina, EYSRA

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Each year, the East York-Scarborough Reading Association supports the work of a variety of organizations in their efforts to develop the love of and the ability to read. We contribute to local, national and international organizations. As teachers, we know the power of story, the need to be able to access information and the importance of being able to critically think about what we read.  We also know that there can be a variety of factors that may favour or hinder someone’s efforts to learn to read. Many of the recipients of the outreach funding this year are organizations who help those who are meeting obstacles and for whom, being able to read could contribute to overcoming barriers.

Local:

• Birkdale Residence – to augment their library collection;

• CAMH - Native Men’s Residence – to provide more reading material;

• Down Syndrome Association of Toronto – to help in the creation of Family literacy kits;

• Malvern Family Resource Centre – to provide books and resources for their Early Years Program;

• Sick Kids Hospital – to provide more and varied types of texts to their Family Centre;

• South-Asian Autism Awareness Centre – to provide support for literacy development for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder;

• The Children’s Book Bank – to continue to provide free books and support to  children in low-income neighbourhoods;

• Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club – to enhance their library.

National

• PEN Canda – to support their efforts in ensuring freedom of speech and the promotion of literature;

• The Prison Book Club, Second Chance Scholarship Foundation – to provide literacy programs for at-risk youth;

• The Six Nations Public Library – to contribute to their reading materials.

International

• Las Dos Jardas de Veron, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – to provide current and culturally appropriate reading materials to children attending a small village school;

• The Book Bus Foundation, London, England – to support their efforts to provide books to children in Ecuador, Malawi and Zambia.

Your participation in our conference allows us to provide much needed funding to promote and develop the power of reading.  Together, our organization and you, the delegates, make a difference in people’s lives in your school, in your city, in your country and in your world.  Thank you!

Brian Svenningsen
3^rd Vice President and Outreach Chair, EYSRA

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Over the last few years, Asim Hussain, known to many educators, school librarians, schools and school boards as @studentAsim, has participated in the Reading for the Love of It conference. He has showcased his 300 language “READ” poster in addition to his book Khadijah Goes to School, and his most recent publication, My Skin: Brown.

The READ poster is part of The Champion for Life^™ program.  This is a character development program focused on “excavating” our potential. The program emphasizes lifelong practical learning through real-world activities and role play. It is administered through a User Guide to quickly help educators unpack concepts of the poster.  The program is designed for all ages. Email to participate: info@studentasim.com

@studentAsim has also produced a film in Pakistan that explains his poster concept. We encourage you to watch it to learn more.

Finally, following our 2018 conference, @studentAsim generously donated 100 READ posters ($3000 value) to our organization for distribution to schools and community organizations. We are grateful to be able to share his work and message with those who can benefit from it.

Article by Erica Townson, EYSRA

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“I enjoy coming to volunteer at Reading for the Love of It because it allows me to keep up with current trends in literature, meet old friends and colleagues. But most of all I get to see so many new picture books at the displays. I love interacting with people and seeing their enthusiasm over workshops, speakers and freebies. I also love hearing some of my favorite authors and guest speakers. I get a natural high. Attending the conference reminds me that you are never too old to learn.”

- Anna Carino

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“Stories create community, enable us to see through the eyes of other people, and open us to the claims of others.”  – Peter Forbes, photographer and author

Our society is an intricate, varicoloured tapestry of stories and lived experiences.  Yet the books available to students often paint a monochromatic picture. What stories might emerge if we challenge students to write in a way that better mirror their values, intersectional social identities and experiences?  Why might diverse books be important? Considering these questions, students aged 9 to 13 created eBooks revealing their passions, preoccupations, hopes and dreams. The stories that emerged gave voice to underrepresented groups:  LGBTQ persons, persons with disabilities and racialized individuals. They challenged stereotypes with messages entrenched in anti-oppression, environmental protection and anti-discrimination.

From a past Reading for the Love of It conference, I was inspired by the idea of students creating eBooks for other students using Google Apps.  The Books for Friends (BFF) was a learning journey I led with other teachers passionate about the interplay of social justice, literacy and technology.  It focused on how these three combined, can transform educator practices to foster an equitable and deep learning environment, increase engagement, build community, promote well-being, and remove barriers for underserved students and communities. The BFF books were translated by other educators, parents and students, into multiple home languages including Arabic, Greek, German, Somali, Spanish and Czech.  Introduced initially at one school, BFF impacted over a third of its 900 large student population, as well as the greater school community. Now, BFF has been embraced in other classrooms in different schools in our school board.

Article by Wai-Kin Chan (Mr.)
K-12 Learning Coach, LC4
@chezchan
Toronto District School Board
Google Certified Educator - Level 1
Leadership inquiry project:  https://bit.ly/bffgallery

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Congratulations to this year's award winners: Brian Weishar from Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, Helen Vlachoyannacos from Toronto District School Board, Cidalia DiCostanzo Toronto Cathlic District School Board. We all recognize hard working colleagues with whom we are proud to work alongside.

Please put forward a nomination for the 2019 Reading Award!

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Marit Newhook is from Cookstown Central Public School with the Simcoe County District School Board.

She is the lucky winner of a complimentary two-day registration pass to the 2019 Reading for the Love of It conference taking place on Thursday, February 21^st and Friday, February 22^nd at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, downtown Toronto.  This prize is valued at $280.00. Marit completed the online conference EventMobi app feedback form, which automatically entered her in a draw for this prize.

“Thanks again so much, I absolutely LOVE Reading for the Love of It and am so excited I won the chance to go next year!”

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In order to qualify to for a complimentary two-day registration pass to the 2020 Reading for the Love of It conference, sign on to our 2019 mobile conference EventMobi app, and be sure to complete the online 2019 conference feedback form. It features easy to use links to speaker information along with applicable handouts/reference material, session schedules, exhibitor lists, maps and much more! Best of all, it’s free for all conference participants!

How to Access our RFTLOI2019 Mobile Conference Guide App:

Go to http://eventmobi.com/rftloi2019/ on your Internet browser to instantly access and download your mobile conference guide.

OR

***NEW*** You can now download EventMobi from the App Store. Once on your mobile device, you can access the Reading for the Love of It conference app by entering the code rftloi2019.

If you download the App Store version of rftloi2019, you will be alerted on any conference updates such as author book signings on the show floor.

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We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 21st and Friday, February 22nd, 2019 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

Registration opens on September 1st, 2018 at www.readingfortheloveofit.com

We recommend that you register early!

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