Reading to Succeed with Elizabeth Morphis

It's the 150th Anniversary of the American Library Association! Joining Elizabeth is the current President of the ALA, Sam Helmick, who is talking about the ALA's annual conference and why this year is so special.
In this episode, you will hear Sam speak about:
• The ALA’s 150th Year and how they are celebrating at this year’s conference;
• A few of the speakers at this year’s conference (you won't want to miss this announcement!);
• Why you should consider attending this year’s conference;
• And, what challenges libraries are facing today and how you can help.
The ALA's annual conference is being held in Chicago at the end of June (June 25-29). Check out their website for more information about this wonderful event: https://2026.alaannual.org/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding time to read can be a challenge. Schedules are busy and when things get hectic, reading is often the first thing that gets cut out. But...this is a tip that really pays off.

It's so beneficial to your kids to let them see you reading. Elizabeth starts with a story that highlights why kids need to see the adults in their lives reading. There are so many benefits to reading in front of your kids. The benefits include:

- Modeling behavior that you want your kids to see

- Reading is a part of your family's routine

- Modeling lifelong curiosity

- Shift the focus from screens

- The emotional connection that comes when reading

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Memorial Day is quickly approaching and to talk about the importance of acknowledging service members, Elizabeth is joined by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares. They are the author and illustrator of the books, Honor Flight: Celebrating American's Veterans and Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--two books that focus on veterans.
Memorial Day is a great occasion to teach children about military history, and both books honor the service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Check out both books--and hear Jeff and Matt's ideas for how these books can support kids' understanding of veterans and the armed forces--in the classroom and at home!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you are looking for ways to introduce your child to book about their interests or new books--look no further than the library! Libraries spark curiosity in many ways, which include:
- Access to amazing librarians who are very knowledgable about books
- The limitless topics they house
- They host many events for the community
- They offer more than just books for patrons!
Check out this episode to learn more about how taking your child to the library can spark their curiosity!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you love cats, then this episode is for you! Elizabeth is joined by the author and illustrator, Kristine A. Lombardi. She recently wrote and published the book, Crouton, which is about a shelter cat looking for her perfect person to take her home. Crouton is a very sweet story, and Kristine talks all about where the idea came from, her illustration style in the book, and she even shares ideas about how this book can be used with kids--at home and as school.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elizabeth was recently asked about what reading for skills looks like. In today's mini episode she shares how you can help your child with the skill of recalling what they read after reading.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you looking for an event that brings together children's authors, teachers, parents, and children? Well, look no further than the Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference!
Today, Elizabeth is joined by Dr. Karen Huff who directs the Shenandoah University Children’s Literature Conference. This year marks the 40 Anniversary of this conference and so many wonderful authors are attending.
In this episode, you will learn all about the conference - how it began, the virtual option to attend, and the in-person option to attend, the authors who will be there, and a bit about what is planned for those who attend.
Check out the conference website here: https://www.su.edu/education/special-programs/childrens-literature-conference/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's tip comes from the author N. West Moss. In her book, Birdy, the main character keeps a journal. N. West Moss has been asked about the benefits of keeping a journal. Today's mini episode shares some benefits to journaling and gives steps to get your kids started!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift is back on the podcast! Today she is joining Elizabeth to talk about writing -- and how writing can help boost reading skills.

In this episode, Dr. Swift discusses:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's mini episode tip is designed to support your child with reading comprehension. Recalling and remembering what happened in a story is an important skill that we want kids to be able to apply when they read.
If your child reads a book or a passage and can't remember what happened - then this tip is for you!
The strategy is broken down into three steps:
1) Pick up a book or passage and tell your child that they are going to be paying attention to what happened in the paragraph you read.
2) You read the first paragraph to your child.
3) Stop and ask your child the question - What just happened?
Keep listening to find out what you do when your child is able to tell you what happened as well as what you can do if your child did not understand what you just read.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices