Indiana State Literacy Association 2020 Conference

Learners in classrooms come in all stripes-- we have storytellers, nonfiction readers, poets, and advocates.  We also have budding writers and readers who are struggling to find their voice or their next read.  Our instruction and curriculum must be as diverse as the writers we teach and full of practical, strategic modeling and coaching.  There are simple and powerful priorities for instruction that not only grow learners but also create joyful, productive communities. Patty McGee will spend time simplifying the hardest parts of teaching and prioritizing what all literacy learners need.

During Matthew's session, he will reflect on some of the events that happened in his life, that are detailed in the book Ghost and will reinforce the message of perseverance. He will also discuss his experiences growing up in a non-traditional family and how he has overcome several obstacles in his life. Matthew will also discuss the importance of relationships like his relationships with some of the other characters in Jason Reynolds books. Matthew will also talk about his relationship with Jason (how they met, adventures they had when they were in high school, how they have remained friends, the support system they have developed for one another, etc.).