On March 23, 2018 I spent the day at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES. I spent the morning reading Jamal and Me to students at the Walden School library, located on the BOCES campus. The students welcomed me with open arms.
In the afternoon, I conducted a three-hour workshop for teachers, library media specialists and clinical staff entitled “Using Picture Books to Promote Pro-social Skills” at the administration building, sponsored by the Hudson River Teachers Center and the Curriculum Center at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES.
Reactions to the workshop:
“Dr. Franks-Randall is an enchanting storyteller and motivating presenter who inspires all those fortunate enough to attend one of her professional development activities – especially on the topic of using picture books to promote pro-social skills. You will want her to return again and again.” Dr. Lynn Allen, Assistant Superintendent, Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES
“For me our time together reinforced the value of reading picture books aloud. Upon returning to my library I will look for books that can do “double duty” – applicable to building literacy and social skills. This workshop also reminded me to think carefully about questioning and to be mindful of the types of questions I am asking my students.” Christine Roper, Library Media Specialist, Yorktown Schools
“What made an impact on me was when you said that the illustrations are just as powerful as the words on the page. Children should be invited to pay particular attention to them because they can draw inferences and express the character’s feelings.” Tracy Carrigan, Teacher, Pocantico Hills School District