ELL and Literacy on the Table: Using Board or Card Games to Foster Fun with Language

02/26/2025 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Admission

  • Free

Location

PCI Webinars uses the Zoom platform for this webinar.

Summary

Learn ideas from presenter, Annabelle Blackman, on how to use games professionally in library programming.

Description

To register for this webinar please follow this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2017320166371/WN_gLRMXEMaSdWLb0dj_bV1EA. Sessions are free and available only to members of the Michigan library community. Registrants will receive instructions and a link to attend the session directly from PCI after they register.

You know about word games like Scrabble, Boggle and Bananagrams, but what about using Outfoxed, What Do You Meme?, or even Jenga for language development? Learn about some modern games, along with fresh ways to look at old favorites to highlight language skills.

Your presenter, Annabelle Blackman, has used games professionally since 2017 in a variety of library programming. From Family Game Days to reading intervention programs to English Conversation Club, she has used games to encourage language skills in groups of all ages. Adapting well established early literacy guidelines from children's librarianship, Annabelle will share ideas for you to apply to your audience.

Takeaways from this program will include:

  • Information about how board games support various types of literacy.
  • A rubric to assess board games for your language goals.
  • Confidence in adapting board games to your audience.
  • Tools and resources for further growth as you create a tabletop culture in your library.

Instructor: Annabelle Blackman is a Librarian II at Oakland Public Library in California. Around 10 years ago, she discovered modern hobby games alongside her then 3-year-old. She stays active in her local scene, serving as a Board Game Captain at a local indie role playing game convention, Big Bad Con. Professionally, Annabelle has a particular interest in games that appeal to intergenerational groups of varying literacy levels, and English language fluency.

PCI Webinars are recorded and available to members of the Michigan library community in the Library of Michigan's Niche Staff Skills Academy about a week after they air. New webinars will be in the New category for several weeks. You do not need to register for a webinar in order to view it later in the Staff Skills Academy.

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.