Writing prompts can be found anywhere—a photo, a journal entry, a prescription, or even a random list in a notes app. In this workshop, author Léa Taranto (A Drop in the Ocean) helps students discover how to turn everyday primary sources into powerful stories. Participants may use any medium to record their writing, from paper and pencil […]
Author Mitali Banerjee Ruths (The Party Diaries: Lucky Mermaid Sleepover) explores how paying attention to the world can spark ideas for diary writing. In this hands-on event, students will be led through the process of creating a zine—a mini-book that can be used for reflection, sketching, or storytelling. Participants are encouraged to bring a piece of […]
Maps tell stories but the map of Canada doesn’t tell the whole truth. In this interactive session, author Rebecca Thomas shares her picture book Sem’s Map, which contrasts the colonial map of Canada with the decolonial map of Turtle Island. You won’t want to miss this storytime event that wraps up with a fun, hands-on mapmaking activity that […]
In this dynamic presentation, author Joyce Grant equips educators with practical strategies to help students recognize and resist misinformation. Drawing on real-world examples, Grant shares a five-step process for teaching what misinformation is, why it matters, and how to avoid it. Educators will explore engaging ways to spark classroom discussions on key topics such as confirmation […]
Silver Birch Express winner Mei Yu breaks down the creation process behind her popular graphic memoir, Lost & Found: Based on a True Story, before leading kids through a how-to-draw demonstration. Participants are encouraged to bring a piece of paper and pencil. Grades 4-6.
Big feelings can feel overwhelming but learning how to understand and calm them makes a big difference. In this special storytime, author Briana Corr Scott shares her picture book, I Lost a Day, and guides kids through simple breathing exercises to help them self-soothe when emotions run high. An optional handout will be available to support classroom or at-home […]
From post World War I Italy to the modern-day United States, Indigenous author Gord Hill guides educators through the history of fascist movements and the strategies used by anti-fascist groups who resisted them. Designed for educators at all grade-levels, this workshop provides participants with tools to teach this history and to recognize its relevance in their own […]
In this storytime event, author Shiva Delsooz reads from her picture book, It Began with a Buzz, which follows a girl who discovers that music helps her to cope with the buzzing in her ear. The reading will be followed by an activity. Kindergarten – Grade 3.
In this art workshop for elementary students, illustrator and Silver Birch Express nominee Azby Whitecalf (Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Maskwa’s Tipi Tales) provides step-by-step instructions for the creation of an incredible work of art. Bring a piece of paper, pencil, eraser and pen (for outlining). Grades 4 – 6.
What does it REALLY mean to be an activist? Author Charlene Rocha (You Can Be an Activist) explores common misconceptions and examines global and local activism using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explore how individual strengths can make a collective impact in this timely event for teens. Bring a pencil and the My Activism Blueprint […]