Becca Todd, Berkeley District Librarian, Matthew, and Estella Sisnero
of  LeConte Elementary School in Berkeley, CA, summon rare gusto for reading  aloud

and learned so much from you.”

Techniques for a Dynamic Storytime

For years, Matthew has refined this outstanding workshop, tailoring it to librarians, teachers, teachers' aides, and parents. In it, he presents simple but powerful techniques for anyone interested in reading aloud to children. Moreover, he offers this trademark program in English, Spanish, or both at the same time. Using his infectious mix of drumming and theatrics, Matthew not only shares his passion for reading, but demonstrates how to involve students in storytime body and soul. This energizing workshop will help make reading the most dynamic, and awaited, part of your students' day.

Grades: For teachers and parents of students K-5
Length: 1 to 1.5 hours
Language: English, Spanish, or English/Spanish Presentation
Set-up time: 30 minutes
Materials: A large room that can be darkened for slides; a screen on which to project slides; a P.A. system (for more than 40 participants); extension cord; a boom-box style cassette or CD player; a large table on which to set books and props, a chalkboard, whiteboard or easel with marking pens.

1,2,3, Write!

In this creative writing workshop for teachers, Matthew covers practical, interactive techniques to free the stories in their students' minds. Thought by thought, phrase by phrase, the details flow forth as stories take shape. Exercises designed for even reluctant writers trigger sensory thinking and evocative verbs. Hands-on practice helps teachers lead students through brain-storming, composition, editing and revision. Participants leave with newfound confidence in sharing these creative processes in class.

Grades: Teachers of 2-6th
Length: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours
Language: English
Set-up Time: 15 minutes
Materials: A P.A. system (for more than 40 participants); overhead projector and screen; a chalkboard, whiteboard or easel with marking pens. Teachers will need paper, writing implements and a writing surface (notepads will do if desks or tables are not handy).

Cool Haiku--Turn to Poetry!

Because haiku consist of sensory details--things that students can see, hear, taste, smell, and touch-- these short poems serve as an excellent stepping stone to writing compelling prose. Teachers learn the characteristics of haiku and learn to present haiku-sparking activities, many of which can tie in with science, spelling and other subjects. Matthew also demonstrates how to refine the poems with students, expanding on his haiku ideas featured in the magazine Creative Classroom. Participants leave feeling inspired to observe closely and feel, and to record a meaningful moment in time.

Grades: Teachers of 2-9th
Length: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours
Language: English
Set-up Time: 15 minutes
Materials: A P.A. system (for more than 40 participants); overhead projector and screen; a chalkboard, whiteboard or easel with marking pens. Teachers will need paper, writing implements and a writing surface (notepads will do if desks or tables are not handy).

Note: It is highly recommended that teachers prepare themselves for this workshop by reading Cool Melons--Turn to Frogs!