Education students, faculty attend Plum Creek Literacy Festival

Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, but how do you ignite a passion for books in young people?

How about introducing them to their favorite authors and illustrators in a festival environment that’s all about reading?

Getting children and educators excited about literature is the aim of the Plum Creek Literacy Festival hosted by Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. More than twenty students and faculty members from York College are attending the event on September 23 and 24.

Erin DeHart, Associate Professor of Education

Erin DeHart, associate professor of Education, will lead a group of York College students in volunteering on the first day of the festival, which is geared toward younger audiences. As school kids come through to meet the featured authors, there will be games and activity centers, facilitated by college students.

On Saturday, the workshop switches tracks and focuses on educators. York College students will hear from a variety of speakers about reading instruction and strategies, engaging young students in literary analysis, and helping struggling readers to improve.

“It is an honor for our York College students to help with Plum Creek Festival Children's Day,” says DeHart. “It offers Education students a chance to serve children and be involved with kids outside of York. It’s also always a great opportunity for our students to attend the conference and meet famous children's authors and illustrators. It broadens their background and repertoire for the literature they will use when they are teachers.”

Images from Plum Creek 2011

Bryanna Brock waiting for an autograph from illustrator Jerry Pinkney (2010 Caldcott Award Winner).

YC faculty member Erin DeHart with accliamed illustrator Brian Pinkney.

YC senior education major Rachel Johnson with author Roland Smith and YC faculty member Erin DeHart.