MRA Café-Coffee and Conversations
Welcome to the September issue of the MRA Café, a monthly publication that connects our members, inspires joyful collegiality, shares insights into literacy education, and celebrates success stories.
Back to School Connections
This time of year comes with brisk mornings and back-to-school excitement. These first few weeks can be instrumental in creating a learning community where all students feel like they belong. Our students perform at their potential when they have strong trusting relationships and bring their whole selves to the classroom.
What are ways to reach and connect with every student?
Past MRA presidents share advice for teachers to start making connections and building relationships;
Spend more time listening than speaking
Carve out the time to build a community
Use Icebreakers to get to know each other
Develop engaging writing prompts
Create opportunities to share about family, cultures, and traditions
Help students connect with each other’s interests
Make positive phone calls home
Read to students of all ages
Upcoming Events and Programming
Below are events happening this month from our councils and committees. Upcoming events can be found on our MRA 2024 - 2025 calendar
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Join us as members of the Literacy Department of DESE share the resources readily available for teachers and schools. Registration link: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/mra-literacy-resource-roundup-with-dese
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Are you interested in presenting at MRA's annual conference? Come to this workshop for coaching on how to write a dynamic proposal.
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Join us to hear about this innovative Bestselling Author Talk Series called BookBreak! BookBreak brings 2-4 events each month featuring bestselling elementary and middle school authors to classrooms and school libraries nationwide via live stream. Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUoc-yqqDopHtalnbqbFJpzupz6V3nhw_M5
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The selection for this book club meeting is “Teaching to Transgress” by bell hooks! All are welcome. Zoom Link: https://bostonu.zoom.us/j/91228012823?pwd=pdfN17VuTnGXOsuDuJQbQbclZi1ZFq.1
MRA Community Spotlight
Celebrating educators and schools that are making a difference in the world of literacy. During the Summer Leadership Workshop, several local councils received mini-grants and honor awards for literacy initiatives. The Sister Madelon Honor Award commemorates councils’ achievements in supporting literacy. Read more about the annual scholarship here.
The Cape Cod Reading Council was awarded funds to support an ongoing initiative, "Books for JRI Kids"!
The Nobscot Reading Council continues to support students by providing essential school supplies and backpacks for students in need. They not only received funds through MRA Mini-grants but the initiative, "Project Just Because Back to School Program," was also recognized with the MRA Sister Madelon Honor Award.
2025 MRA Conference Updates
The 54th Annual Massachusetts Reading Association Conference, Literacy & Language: Words Empower, Inspire, and Transform will be held on March 27-28, 2025, at the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel in Newton, MA. This year we are accepting proposals for presentations, workshops, lighting rounds, and solution courts. Watch Adam Brieske-Ulenski, our Conference Chair, describe the conference events, pre-conference institute, and exciting new ways to participate and present here.
Call for Submissions
The MRA Beacon: Journal of Literacy and Learning is seeking research or articles that tell us how you inspire your students to use language that empowers and transforms literacy learning. The deadline to submit for the 2024 edition is September 9, 2024. See this link for more details and manuscript guidelines.
Literacy Inspirations
Back to school is a great time to use children’s literature to connect to students and build community. Here are a few of our favorites1
Many of Peter Reynold’s books support belonging and creativity.
September 15th is
International Dot Day!
“Are you ready to make your mark?”
Thank you for your dedication to literacy. Together, we can ensure every student becomes a confident and capable reader, writer, and learner.
MRA information
The Massachusetts Reading Association is a professional non-profit organization of individuals whose primary purpose is to improve the quality and level of literacy in the state of Massachusetts. The MRA is affiliated with the International Literacy Association (ILA), a worldwide literacy organization. Our Mission The mission of the Massachusetts Reading Association is to promote literacy for all learners through professional development, research, publications, and advocacy.