VAASL 2024 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the VAASL 2024 Fall Conference App!
Telling Our Story through an incredible program of sessions and events.

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1:00pm EST

Critical Thinkers are Mini-Makers

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Piedmont B

Learn to utilize mini-maker projects with written story problems that require students to analyze a situation and decide on a solution. Then, each student creates the Mini-Maker solution with the provided materials. After completing the project, students reflect on the solution and project. BYOD for this hands-on session.

Speakers

Taryn Barlow

Librarian, Chickahominy Middle School

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont B

Instruction

AASL Include, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Intermediate, Middle School, High School

1:00pm EST

Innovative Ways to Engage Readers with Diverse Learning Styles

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Allegheny C

Innovative approaches provide multiple access points into stories for readers of all learning styles. This interactive session, led by acclaimed authors Jo Watson Hackl and Landra Jennings, will utilize the VARK learning-style model as a starting point for equipping you with tools and techniques to use with your learners. Break-outs will be used during this multi-sensory session. Attendees will leave with hand-outs and resources.

Join us for this fun and informative session. Free swag and door prizes!

Speakers

Jo Watson Hackl

Guest Presenter, Author

Jo Watson Hackl is the national best-selling author of SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF MAYBE (Random House Children’s Books/Yearling Adventure), which won the Southern Book Prize and is an Amazon Teacher’s Pick and a “Read Across America” selection representing the state of Mississippi... Read More →

Landra Jennings

Author

Landra Jennings is the author of middle-grade fantasy novels The Whispering Fog and Wand published by HarperCollins Clarion Books. Her novel The Whispering Fog is a 2024-2025 SC Junior Book Award Nominee and a current SC Battle of the Books selection. Landra holds an MFA in Writing... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Allegheny C

Instruction Literature

AASL Inquire, Include, Explore
Audience Elementary School - Intermediate, Middle School

2:00pm EST

Language Arts Live! A Collaborative Storytelling Experience

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Patriot AB

Virginia author David Gorman shares his author talk that’s “a Language Arts lesson with gameshow energy!” Learn about this memorable lesson that will: teach the elements of story, inspire students to write fiction, and bring guaranteed giggles. Best of all, it can be easily replicated at your school.

Speakers

David Gorman

Author & Speaker for Kids 8-12

David Gorman loves inspiring students to read and write. He is the author of the Waldameer Mystery Files series, in which kids solve mysteries at an amusement park. Each book includes positive themes and a Discussion Guide for teachers. When he's not writing or speaking at schools... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Patriot AB

Instruction Programming

AASL Include, Collaborate, Explore
Audience Elementary School - Intermediate, Middle School

2:00pm EST

Dynamic Displays for Your Elementary Library

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Allegheny C

In this session, we will discuss a practical guide organizing your Fiction section by genres with what materials you will needed, category lists, mistakes to avoid, and how to teach your students and staff how to use the new system.

Speakers

Tammy Hinkle

Librarian, Prince William County Public Schools

I have been an educator for 31 years, and an elementary librarian for the last eight years. Making the move from the classroom to the library was reinvigorating! I love that I get to inspire a whole school to want to read. When I am not reading, I am a wanna be artist. I love to... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Allegheny C

Programming

AASL Curate
Audience Elementary School - Primary, Elementary School - Intermediate

3:00pm EST

Transform Learning Through Creativity with Adobe Express

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST

Piedmont C

Unleash student creativity in your library. Explore Adobe Express for Education, a free design platform for educators and students. Craft graphics, videows, presentations, and more. Discover cutting-edge AI tools and ways to integrate Adobe Express into your teaching. Boost engagement and learning. Leave with fresh ideas and the confidence to ignite your students' (and staff's) creative spark! BYOD

Speakers

Sherry Gick

Senior Director of Professional Development Programs, Five Star

Sherry is the Senior Director of Professional Development Programs for Five Star Technology Solutions. A former teacher-librarian and special education teacher with 20 years of experience with students K-12, she now enjoys working with educators across the nation on effective technology... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Piedmont C

Instruction Professional Growth Technology

AASL Curate, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Intermediate, Middle School, High School