Picture Book Workshop Aug. 6, 7, and 8 at New Berlin Library

Picture books are not just for preschoolers. Educator Sandy Brehl, of New Berlin, knows how picture books can be used effectively at home and school to enrich a child’s education in all elementary grades.

Brehl will present “Unpacking the Power of Picture Books,” a series of three workshops at the New Berlin Public Library on August 6, 7, and 8. The workshops are offered through the Educational Outreach program at UWM. Participants may sign up for any (or all) of the workshops.

“Unpacking the Power of Picture Books” will provide teachers with a wide variety of activities, titles, and resources to implement effective and practical use of quality literature in the classroom, Brehl said. These include read-aloud, think-aloud lessons and activities to develop vocabulary and comprehension skills. Participants will also learn how to explore elements of art in the illustrator’s craft and make connections to other content areas.

Using picture books to improve literacy skills is one of the goals of the workshop.
Effective teachers use picture books to foster discussion of current events, develop student writing skills, study authors and illustrators, teach poetry, and improve testing.
According to the UWM website, participants will discover practical strategies, engaging activities, and effective ways to incorporate picture books in teaching.

The workshop lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Cost is $20 per day or $50 for all three sessions. The first session on Monday, Aug 6, is the core session; Tuesday’s session focuses on comprehension and fluency; Wednesday’s session focuses on social studies, study skills, science and math. All sessions will be held in the Community Room of the New Berlin Public Library, 14105 Library Lane.

Instructor Sandy Brehl, who has designed the workshop, is an experienced classroom teacher in grades K – 6 as well as with special needs students. She has experience in literature-based instruction, the Lucy Calkins writing programs, and 6-Traits instruction. She writes a blog about picture books at http://unpackingpicturebookpower.blogspot.com/

To register, or for further information, contact the Educational Outreach department at UWM:
Telephone 414-227-3200, or online: http://www4.uwm.edu/soe/departments/outreach/picturebook_workshop/

For other details, contact the workshop instructor, Sandy Brehl, at: sbrehl.workshop@yahoo.com