Sharron PresentingSharron L. McElmeel, author, educator, mother, grandmother, and literacy advocate draws on her years of experience as an observer and teacher of children and young adults, and her role as a mother and grandmother to provide suggestions for building positive relationships and connections with grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and "gathered into the family children," and their parents.  She has been honored as Iowa's Reading Teacher of the Year, and with the Iowa Celebrate Literacy Award. She is the author of more than 35 books for educators and parents and currently, in addition to her writing and literacy advocacy she teaches graduate level courses at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.   Sharron and her husband live in a rural area north of Cedar Rapids, Iowa where they enjoy frequent visits from their four sons and two daughters, seven grandsons and seven granddaughters.
In her professional life she
has earned a national reputation as a literacy advocate and children's and young adult literature specialist. She has authored many  books for educators and parents focusing on books for young readers and the people who create those books.

Sharron earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and her M.A. in Library Science from the University of Iowa. She has completed post-graduate work in educational administration and reading and holds certificate approvals in both areas.

Sharron's career as an educator has spanned elementary, secondary, and college level teaching - in both classroom (team teaching, block scheduling, self-contained) and media centers - many of those years as an educator in public schools. Currently Sharron is a full-time writer and college instructor, and director of McBookwords--a literary organization. Sharron is a respected authority in the field of children's and young adult literature field. Her research papers are housed in the University of Iowa Library's Special Collections.

Contact Sharron by e-mail at sharron@mcbookwords.com

Presentations

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ABCs: Aprons, Books, and Connections

A presentation by Sharron L. McElmeel

A unique presentation featuring the history of aprons, connections to books, and myriad of ideas for reading, sewing, creating, and building a literacy environment in your community.  A great presentation at functions which might include tradesmen, parents, educators, sewing enthusiasts. Sewing guilds.

 

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Making a Difference: Grandparents as part of the Village

A presentation by Sharron L. McElmeel

Embracing your role as a member of the village that surrounds another generation with love, roads to success, and trusting relationships.  Guidelines for finding your niche in the lives of children – and discover your own path to joy and satisfaction.

 

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Building a Nation of Readers

A presentation by Sharron L. McElmeel

Twenty-six steps for sharing literacy at home and at school. For parent/teacher groups, home schooling organizations, and for all adults. Often presented as a keynote presentation for educators.

 

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The Story Behind the Story

A presentation by Sharron L. McElmeel

Inside tales of authors and illustrators and the books they have created. Friendly tales of bloopers in books and hidden images and ideas. A humorous -- just for fun -- presentation. Luncheon address and dinner meetings.

 

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Best Books of 2017

A presentation by Sharron L. McElmeel

The best of the best shared with summaries and connections to make with readers. Adaptable for any age group (preS, primary [k-2], intermediate [3-5], middle school [6-8], young adults.

 

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Helping Others to Understand Mental Illness: Helpful Tips for Family, Friends, and Educators

A presentation by Sharron L. McElmeel

Whether physical or mental - a person's illness affects the individual and all those involved in that person's life. What role do family, friends, and educators play in helping the mentally ill person to manage the illness? And how can YOU cope as THEY learn to cope with their illness. Every ill person (physical or mental) needs an advocate. Bibliography of books for further reading.

 

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ABCs in YOUR Backyard

A presentation by Sharron L. McElmeel

Authors • Books • Connections in YOUR backyard. Books that highlight what is happening where you are at. Non-fiction and Common Core Connections are shared.

 

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A presentation by Sharron L. McElmeel

You name the topic -- literacy, raising children, serious or humorous, for educators or parents (or both). We'll let you know if we can adapt any of our presentations to fit your needs.

Contact Sharron by e-mail at sharron@mcbookwords.com

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