Motivating Children to Read and Write – Second Helping
Teacher’s Workshop


In connection with The Aiken Children’s Book Festival there will be a workshop for Teachers. “Motivating Children to Read and Write – Second Helping” will be a two hour course taught by children’s book authors Vonda Skelton and Jefferson Spurlock. The “Motivating Children to Read and Write – Second Helping” workshop will provide teachers with additional tools and ideas to fire up a child’s imagination with the ability to write and instill a love of reading. Those who attend will receive 2 continuing Recertification Credit hours and will receive an invitation to the Author Reception from 6:00 – 8:00 on Friday evening.



Vonda Skelton is a nurse, freelance writer, and author from Simpsonville, SC. Mrs. Skelton has 3 children’s mystery books, “Bitsy and the Mystery of Tybee Island” and “Bitsy and the Mystery of Amelia Island” and “Bitsy and the Mystery of Hilton Head Island” as well as a women’s non-fiction book, “Seeing through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe”. Mrs. Skelton has taught her “Writing is Fun! Workshop” to over 15,000 students in public and private schools – including quite a few Aiken County schools. She has also taught at writer’s conferences from Delaware to New Mexico. Mrs. Skelton said “I love to teach adults and students how to pen words that touch lives.” As a freelance writer, her articles have appeared in Focus on the Family publications, HomeLife, Christian Single, New Man Magazine, Family Doctor Magazine, The Charlotte World newspaper, www.keepkidshealthy.com, and many others. She is a four-time winner of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference First Place Scriptwriting Award.

Dr. Jefferson Spurlock is an assistant professor of broadcast journalism at Troy University, Troy, AL in the Hall School of Journalism, and he is the author of a children’s book, “Clemente’s Dream”. The novel is a story of the struggles a nine year-old Hispanic boy goes through to clear his name in a small Alabama town when he is accused of stealing the town’s “prized possession”. Dr. Spurlock has 15 years of professional broadcast journalism experience. He worked as a news reporter, anchor, producer, and managing editor at a number of radio and TV stations. Prior to joining the faculty of Hall School of Journalism at Troy University, Professor Spurlock taught at Middle Tennessee State University, Sam Houston State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, and at the National High School Institute at Northwestern University. Other areas of expertise include Media Law and Ethics.

The 2008 Aiken Children's Book Festival will be on Saturday, September 20th at the Aiken Technical College. The purpose of the festival is to encourage reading, writing and literacy for children of all ages. We expect 40 children’s book authors and illustrators coming in from all over the southeastern United States. Friday evening, September 19th, there will be an Author Reception for aspiring writers or anyone else who may be interested. Saturday, the authors will be at Aiken Technical College where there will be many events for both children and adults aimed at promoting reading and literacy for children. For a full list of authors check our website: www.AikenBookFestival.org.

The Aiken Book Festival Association is a non-profit organization formed to promote literacy in children and adults. It is our hope to give children of all ages the “I CAN TOO” attitude for reading and writing.

I can be reached by e-mail at Fran(at)AikenBookFestival.org or Booklovers(at)bellsouth.net or at Booklovers Bookstore, 803-643-3198, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. If I am not available, my staff can get a message to me.

Mrs. Patsy Davis, Media Specialist at Aiken Middle, will be glad to answer questions, PDAVIS(at)aiken.k12.sc.us.

Watch our web site for details as they develop: www.AikenBookFestival.org.
Thank You,
Fran Bush, 2008 Aiken Children’s Book Festival Chairman
Fran(at)AikenBookFestival.org

The Aiken Book Festival Association
1886 Huntsman Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
803-643-3198

Motivating Children to Read and Write – Second Helping
Teacher's Workshop - Registration Form


Earn two continuing education credits and get your students excited about reading and writing as you hear from two published authors during a two hour course. Gain tools and ideas to fire up children’s imaginations, improve their ability to write, and encourage their love of reading.
Friday, September 19, 2008
4-6 p.m.
Aiken Technical College

Featured Speakers:
Vonda Skelton (Simpsonville, SC)
Dr. Jefferson Spurlock (Troy, AL)

Cost: $20.00 per person
Check Made Payable To: Aiken Book Festival Association
School Purchase Orders Also Accepted
You’re Invited to Stay for a Reception with the Authors from 6-7 p.m. and a Question and Answer Session from 7-8 p.m.

Email This Form To Fran(at)Aikenbookfestival.org With Your School Purchase Order Or Mail The Registration Form With Your Check To:
Aiken Book Festival Assoc., 1886 Huntsman Dr., Aiken, SC 29803
Deadline: Wednesday, September 10, 2008


WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FORM:

MOTIVATING CHILDREN TO READ AND WRITE – Second Helping
Name: ________________________________________
Street or PO Box: ________________________________________
Town, State, Zip ________________________________________
Email: ________________________________________
Daytime Telephone, with area code:___________________________
School or Workplace: ___________________________________
Course registration fee, including tax and a reception with the authors: $20 per person
_____Check Enclosed (payable to Aiken Book Festival Association)
_____School Purchase Order Number
__________________________________________