The Magic Suitcase® has been involved in presenting many professional workshops on teaching science through literature. Presentations can be on a variety of topics and of various lengths. The following is a list of organizations, conferences and schools that have hosted workshops by The Magic Suitcase®

Ontario Library Association 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 York Region Catholic District School Board Librarians 2010 Durham District School Board Librarian Conference 2009, 2010 Ontario Society for Environmental Education Conference, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 ESL Itinerant Teachers, Thames Valley District School Board, 2009 The Love of Literacy 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Science Now! HWDSB 2008 Reading for the Love of It, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008 Miramichi Curriculum Day 2006 STAO 2005 International Reading Association 2005 Imagine This - An Arts Retreat for Teachers, 2003, 2005 Roots and Shoots, 2002, 2005 Curriculum Conference 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 Bishop Strachan School, 2003 EFTO Conference - The Kindergarten Years, 2000, 2001, 2003 University of Ottawa - Faculty of Education Pre-Service, 2002 Ontario Early Years, 2002 Let's Talk Science, 2001 ETFO Niagara, 2000, 2001 Trillium Lakelands District School Board Professional Activity Day, 2000 Branksome Hall School, 2000 Kenollie Public School, 2000 OPI (Of Primary Importance) Waterloo Region, 1999, 2000 Ontario Reading Association, 1997, 1998 York Region Primary Association Conference, 1998,1999, 2000 Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario, 1998, 2000 Grand Valley Public School, 1998 York Region Outdoor Education Conference, 1996, 1997, 1999 Canadian McMichael Art Collection, 1997 Crestwood School, 1997 Scarborough Primary Teachers, 1997 Primrose Elementary School, 1997 Kortright Centre for Conservation, 1997 Outdoor Experiences for Women, 1996, 1997 York Region Primary Teachers and Librarians, 1996 Durham District School Board Librarians 2009

Workshop Descriptions
NEW! The Inside Story
What makes a great picture book? Besides the text and enticing illustrations it is the specific features of a picture book that attract a variety of readers to this genre. By bringing attention to these features we can engage readers and writers of all ages and skills and explore the many hidden secrets and alternative uses of this resource.

Show and Tell: Visual Literacy in Picture Books
Picture books are bicultural in that they share qualities of reading and the visual arts. Engage readers in visual literacy by teaching them to read illustrations, as well as text, for information. Discover picture books which captivate students on a variety of levels, addressing content of the elementary science curriculum.

Picture Book Perfect Science
Explore a variety of delightful picture books that promote science and visual literacy. Discover how to ‘read’ for scientific content and explore inquiry-based activities sparked by both the text and illustrations.

Science To Go: A Recipe for Success
Join The Magic Suitcase® and take tools for discovery, creative activities, quality literature, the Ontario Curriculum expectations and a pair of big boots. Mix together in a practical, hands-on workshop and be ready to teach great lessons starting Monday morning.

Literature: Duct Tape for the Science Curriculum
Explore superb picture books that promote scientific and visual literacy for the elementary grades. Determine which new books should be in circulation at your school to ignite the inner scientists in your staff and students alike. Discover titles suitable for everyone from the reluctant to the avid reader, some especially appealing to boys.

Unpacking the Magic Suitcase - Scientifically Speaking!
Judy Halpern- teacher, storyteller, and environmental enthusiast - packs stories with wonder and magic. Using science-related picture books, Judy invites children to explore the astounding secrets hidden in them. Discover how to unpack the excitement and drama in your science programme.

Stranded in Scienceland
Four strands to cover, endless units and expectations, so little time! Discover delightful stories that weave the strands of science together with other curriculum areas for the elementary grades.

How to Run an Outdoor Education Program out of a Bag
The Magic Suitcase® is a literature-based environmental education program for primary students and teachers. This workshop will demonstrate how to create an environmental program using simple props and limited outdoor spaces.

Mother Nature's Curriculum
Although well hidden, environmental education exists throughout the elementary science curriculum. Whether you have a passion for bugs, birds, botany or books pursue nature's secrets through stories, both oral and written, and invite Mother Nature into your classrooms! Join Judy Halpern - a teacher, a storyteller, and an environmental enthusiast to explore the power of stories in teaching environmental science to elementary students.

It’s Not Easy Being Green
Kermit knows! Whether you’re a frog or an environmentalist trying to make sense of the natural world can be an adventure. Join Judy Halpern of The Magic Suitcase® and discover nature’s true colours through literature and outdoor activities that venture beyond the playground.

Backyard Literature
This workshop is an invitation to use literature to discover the wonders of your own backyard. Come prepared to explore the outdoors and to build a more appreciative attitude toward our fragile Earth.

Reading the Trail
Explore the world of picture books as we travel the trails outdoors. Discover nature’s secrets through print, illustrations and the simple wonders of the world around us.

Packed for Adventure
Join Judy, both indoors and out, in discovering how to pack nature into your Language Arts program. Stuff a year's worth of language-related outdoor ideas into a couple of hours of entertainment.

Snuggle Up with Nature and a Good Book
This workshop is available to those primary teachers who are looking for creative and innovative ways to meet the needs of ‘outcome-based learning’ using quality picture books and the natural wonders of the outdoors in the schoolyard.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Join Judy Halpern on a gentle adventure in the wilderness where you will travel on and off the beaten path, stopping along the way to enjoy stories and appreciate the natural environment around us! Lots of discoveries to be made!

A Night Out!
It was a dark and stormy night and just right for hunkering down with a Magic Suitcase! Don’t let the elements keep you from exploring outdoors with young children. Discover creative and innovative ways to use literature as a springboard to reveal nature's secrets. The Magic Suitcase® is packed with ideas to teach environmental science, language arts and drama using your own backyard. Dare you venture outside?

Costs for professional workshops are dependent on the length and the location of the workshop. Travel and accommodation expenses are individually negotiated. Please contact Judy to discuss these options or to make any alternative arrangements.

To book a workshop, or for more information, contact:

The Magic Suitcase®
Kitchener, ON N2B 1V3
Tel: 519-578-8849
Fax: 519-578-2540
email: info@magicsuitcase.ca