Children pack Delta Center for Reading Association Convention



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Children, eager to learn more about literacy packed the Delta Center for the Wisconsin State Reading Association’s Annual Convention.

Through visual and verbal lessons, children from grades 2-10 learned about the reading and writing process from national speakers.

“It’s interesting because each author has different strategies they use for writing their stories,” said 7th grader Tori Haanstad.

She has attended the young authors conference for the past 3 years. She and her dad said the workshops are helpful and motivating.

"I want to be an English teacher and a write afterwards," Haanstad said.

"It’s been fun  to watch her progress to the different levels and write about different things and read about different things," Tori's father, Greg Haanstad said.

Winnie Huebsch with the Wisconsin State Reading Association’ said it’s important to capture a child early.

"Understand there is a budding writer within every child. You want to instill the love of literacy because literacy is taking many forms and changing," Huebsch said.

Just down the hall, educators were getting their own lessons, as they focus on the new Common Core State Standards and ways to get students engaged.

"So that’s a big thrust, to align our reading experience and what we believe to be the best interest of children with what the Common Core expects. Everyone can get better, everyone can learn updated techniques, learn strategies then just grow from collaborating with colleagues," Huebsch said.

Sharing the best practices in literacy education, is a major factor in creating a children’s success.

“The better we can enhance our teachers education and professional development the more they can take away and the better it can be for the children," Huebsch said.

This year there were about 2,500 attendees.

If you were not able to make it, Wisconsin State Reading Association does have resources available. They urge home schooled children to take part as well. For more information log onto