The VSLA-Piedmont Area Chapter invites all K-8 teachers to attend our second annual Building Readers Conference being hosted by Randolph College in Lynchburg (conference flyer attached below). On S aturday, February 5th from 8:30-12:30 , the VSLA-Piedmont Area Chapter in partnership with the Randolph College Education Department will meet in Leggett Hall on the Randolph College campus according to the schedule below: 8:30-9:00 Welcome and Registration 9:00 AM Keynote Address:   Winning Moves to Teach Reading (all)-Kristi Arthur and Rebecca Simmons, Campbell County Schools 10:00 AM Breakout Session #1: Alternative Assessments and How to Use Your Data (2-8) Dr. Corrie Kelly, University of Lynchburg Integrating the Virginia Readers’ Choice Books Into Instruction (K-8)-Andrea Crawford, Bedford County Schools Phonological and Phonemic Awareness: The missing link in phonics instruction. (K-2)-Tiffany Ellis, Lynchburg City Schools 11:00 AM Breakout Session #2: Bunnyland Economics-Lesson...

This year's contest has officially kicked off, and we're hoping we have a huge response this year! Are you a classroom teacher in the Piedmont Area region? If so, are you a classroom teacher in one of our districts or private schools? Do you homeschool your children? Do you have a child who LOVES to write? Has your child enjoyed this opportunity in the past? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, we hope you'll seize this opportunity to honor your students' efforts in the area of writing.  WRITING OPTIONS: As in the past, we have three writing options in all, essay for grades 4 and up, poetry, and narrative writing. There are specific rules included in the packet, so be sure to read through the requirements before students begin. The essay topics are also included in the packet.  In February, all papers will need to be judged at the district level, and the top three for each category are submitted ELECTRONICALLY through our Young Writers Page.  CONTEST TIMELINE...

  The Virginia Readers Choice Program is something that the VSLA offers each year. A committee of members review potential books and selects ten for each level (primary, elementary, middle, and high school). During the year, teachers and librarians are encouraged to share them with students. In April, students who have read or listened to a minimum of four titles are able to vote on their favorite.  BOOK TALK TUESDAY On Tuesday, November 9th at 7:30 PM, the Piedmont Area Chapter will be hosting a members meeting via ZOOM to share teaching tips and book information on the books selected for this year. You can check out the list of books  HERE . VSLA offers bookmarks with the lists which can be shared with your students. You can download those files from our page as well.  USING THE VIRGINIA READERS WITH YOUR CLASS Mentor Texts The Virginia Readers are all high quality texts, and they make fantastic exemplars for modeling specific reading and writing skills. Teachers should always previe...