HESTL EdCON26

Bring stories to life by bridging literacy, curiosity, and inquiry. This session shares real-world examples of pairing books with quick, accessible STEAM activities that work in both whole-group and small-group settings. We'll move beyond the read-aloud to show how books can serve as a launchpad for curiosity, exploration, and authentic engagement — supporting cross-curricular integration along the way.

Participants will:

• Identify books that set the stage for authentic, hands-on investigation
• Walk away with a curated list of resources for idea generation and implementation
• Explore strategies for supporting student choice and scaffolding diverse abilities
• Learn practical implementation tips that allow for flexibility
• Experience some of the hands-on activities

In an era of shifting budgets and evolving digital landscapes, the school library is more vital than ever—but does your community know that? This interactive session transforms library professionals into powerful advocates. We will move beyond checking out books to demonstrate how your program drives student achievement, fosters critical thinking, and serves as the heartbeat of the school community.

Participants will learn how to translate library data into compelling stories, build strategic alliances with stakeholders, and develop a personalized advocacy toolkit to ensure their program isn't just seen, but celebrated and sustained.

What happens when students' love of graphic novels becomes the engine for a STEAM project? The Art of Storytelling (Denver Public Schools) is a first-year initiative where student work culminates in a public showcase and an interactive cartoon panel. Leave with concrete takeaways and activities for engaging students and teachers in creative storytelling.