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DSU Students at State Reading Conference

Several students in the Children’s Literature class at Dakota State University students participated in the South Dakota Reading Council (SDRC) state conference in Aberdeen March 31-April 2. Carissa Hofer, Lisa Peterson, Jolene Krempges and Trevor Sehr were selected to make presentations at the conference that included K-8 reading teachers and librarians from across the state. Other conference attendees included high school English teachers, principals and reading specialists.

Left to Right: Joleen, Carissa, Lisa, Trevor

Carissa Hofer, a junior Elementary Education major from Frankfort, gave a presentation on Microsoft Reader; a computer program that literally reads what the user types. She also talked about an internet site called Read, Write, Think. This site allows students to create their own books by putting in facts. The program formats the information into a book form that the student can print out on paper.

Lisa Peterson’s presentation was on how to make talking books using Microsoft PowerPoint. She also showed the group Book Pals Online, an internet site where famous people such as Al Gore or Melissa Gilbert read stories out loud. The site also features activities and lesson plans to go along with the stories. Lisa is a junior Elementary Education and Special Education major from Salem.

Jolene Krempges is also a junior Elementary Education and Special Education major from Salem. Her presentation included making books designed for students with special needs using Microsoft PowerPoint. She partnered with Lisa Peterson to talk about author studies and author trading cards. This activity encourages students to research information on authors using the internet and then to create cards on each author to trade with their classmates.

Trevor Sehr’s presentation was on how to integrate technology into all areas of the education curriculum by creating an advanced interdisciplinary unit. He also created a virtual field trip where students could experience an educational adventure without leaving their seats. The field trip would allow students to navigate through the internet, research children’s authors, search for online books and find related article and activities. Trevor is a senior Elementary Education major from Canton.