Literature Circles

A webinar, or webcast, is a presentation, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the web. Orca has participated in and/or sponsored a number of webinars focused on reluctant readers. Many of these webinars can be viewed online at the following links.

Reeling in Reluctant Readers
(September 2012)
Teachers and librarians are always looking for new ways to connect with children and teens categorized as “reluctant readers.” In this free, hour-long webinar a reading specialist and literacy coach—along with representatives from Orca Book Publishers and Saddleback Educational Publishing—will discuss strategies and resources effective in reaching struggling readers ages 10 and up, as well as present books that combine high-interest topics with accessible writing. Also hear about new releases and best-selling series from Saddleback Educational Publishing and Orca Book Publishers. Moderated by Books for Youth associate editor Ann Kelley.

View webinar slides from Andrew Wooldridge of Orca Book Publishers

Watch webinar

Connecting with Struggling Readers: Resources, Tips, and Advice to Engage and Inspire
(January 31, 2012)
In this digital age, teachers and librarians need to be on the lookout for new ways to connect with readers—especially those who struggle. In this free, hour-long webinar, a lively panel including Nick Glass from teachingbooks.net, Andrew Wooldridge from Orca Book Publishers, public librarian Christin Hirleman from South Carolina and Tim McHugh from Saddleback Educational Publishing, will discuss strategies and resources—both books and classroom materials—to help engage struggling readers. You’ll also hear tips and tricks from the field, suggestions for display techniques to improve library circulation, and much more. Booklist Books for Youth Senior Editor Ian Chipman moderates.

View webinar slides from Andrew Wooldridge of Orca Book Publishers

 

View webinar slides from public librarian Christin Hirleman

 

Watch this webinar (File will open from the Booklist website.)

Reaching Reluctant Readers II: Using High-Interest Fiction to Engage and Inspire (November 2011)
Engaging the diverse group of children and teens labeled "reluctan readers" is an effort as challenging as it is common. In this free, hour-long webinar moderated by Books for Youth senior editor Ian Chipman, representatives from five publishers—ABDO, Abrams, Lorimer, Orca, and Saddleback—will present books that provide a combination of high-interest topics and accessible writing.

Watch this webinar (File will open from the Booklist website.)

Reaching More Readers—The Book and Beyond
(October 2011)
Reaching struggling readers has always been a challenge and that is truer now than ever before. With a dazzling array of distractions, it can be difficult to engage a reader with text and help them find those connections that are so important to be successful in school and in life. This webinar will discuss available books that are useful with struggling readers but also some of the new technologies and approaches that can be useful in connecting with these students, including audio books, digital and eBooks, classroom projects and more. Join a panel including bestselling author Sigmund Brouwer, library media specialist Tori Jensen, publisher Andrew Wooldridge (Orca Book Publishers) and state library director of development Denise R. Lyons for a far-reaching discussion on reaching more readers, in more ways.

Watch this webinar (File will open from the School Library Journal website.)

Reaching Reluctant Readers I: Engage and Inspire
(October 2010)
Students can be reluctant readers for many reasons and using fiction and independent reading to engage them can be a great way to bring them into the wider community. The hour-long presentation (originally a webinar) will focus on hands-on tips for both school and public librarians and will touch on the research behind the benefits of using fiction in the classroom. Moderated by Gillian Engberg, Booklist’s Books for Youth managing editor/YA editor, the webinar features the following panelists: Carolyn Salonen, Program, Curriculum, and Instruction Consultant, Waterloo Region District School Board; Rebecca English, Educator, Godwin Heights High School; Amy J. Cheney, Librarian, Alameda County Library; and Andrew Wooldridge, Publisher, Orca Book Publishers.

Watch this webinar (File will open from Vimeo)

Reaching Reluctant Male Readers
(February 2010)
Eric Walters has mastered the art of reaching reluctant male readers. In this video from the 2010 Ontario Library Association (OLA) conference, Walters discusses writing for boys and reluctant readers. Filmed at the Ontario Library Association Conference, February 2010.

Watch this webinar (File will open from YouTube)