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 English Language Learners (ELL) 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.

About the speaker:
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.

Register for this event at the “Website” link in the details below the blue “Add to Calendar” button.

Please send any questions to Julie Moore, Professional Development Advisor.

This project is made possible in part by federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

The Bureau of Library Development (BLD) in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries supports libraries and library services for Pennsylvanians through the administration of state and federally funded programs and grant opportunities including LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), Library Access, LAMP (Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians), the Public Library Subsidy, and Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities. BLD also provides advisory services, professional development, and continuing education for library staff and volunteer leadership at public, school, academic, and special libraries.

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