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Frank Serafini, acclaimed literacy speaker/professor from Arizona State University, was guest presenter at the HCDE English Language Arts Leadership Group May 1 hosted by Harris County Department of Education’s Teaching and Learning Center ELA Curriculum Director Kelly Tumy.

His session “Talking to Children about Books and Other Texts” was sponsored by Pearson Education and focused on reading instruction. Specifically, his session supported good reading habits in young readers and helping them to make good book choices.

Several of Serafini’s quotes resounded with the 100-plus attendees from area school districts, including Katy, Galena Park, Dayton, Alvin, Lamar Consolidated, Sheldon, Huffman, Crosby, Clear Creek, Spring Branch, Katy, Alief and Cy-Fair:

“Teachers need to be readers.”
“Students who read less, know less about what is available to read.”
“It’s impossible to get kids to read if they don’t want to pick up the book.”
“How to get kids to talk (about books) is the challenge.”
“Comprehending is determined during reading. Comprehension is determined after.”

Serafini is the author of the Heinemann title Classroom Reading Assessment. He is a leading voice on the reading workshop through topics ranging from implementation, planning, assessment or comprehension. He has authored Heinemann professional books which include Around the Reading Workshop in 180 Days, Lessons in Comprehension and The Reading Workshop.