Join The Local Authority for an interactive session that integrates literature, visual arts, and creative writing to inspire Mississippi students to fall in love with reading and storytelling. This session showcases how culturally relevant stories and art-focused curriculum guides can enhance comprehension, creativity, and self-expression in the classroom. Participants will explore sample lessons from our curriculum guides, designed around our original Mississippi-based books. Each guide integrates authentic arts experiences—such as creating character collages, story-based skits, and poetry writing—while aligning with state standards for comprehension and writing. These activities provide innovative strategies to engage students in meaningful discussions about culture, identity, and storytelling, fostering their skills as readers, writers, and artists. The session will include: Interactive Exploration: Participants will engage in a hands-on mini-lesson combining reading, comprehension, and art activities. Curriculum Design Demonstration: Insights into how our curriculum guides connect literature to visual and performing arts, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable. Student Voice Showcase: Examples of student-created work to illustrate how these lessons encourage self-expression and celebrate diversity. Practical Implementation: Strategies for integrating our resources into classrooms, with flexible options for all grade levels and learning environments. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools, including an exclusive curriculum sample, strategies to foster a love of reading, and ideas to inspire students to tell their own stories through art and writing.
