Following the Unexpected: The Magic of a Conference

Send us Fan Mail A single sheet of paper can unlock a year’s worth of student writing. I’m sharing a conference moment that surprised me, stuck with me, and still shapes how I think about literacy instruction and creativity in the classroom: hearing author and illustrator Nick Bruel talk about craft, humor, and the real decisions behind children’s books.  I take you back to the 2012 Illinois Reading Council Conference and the unexpected path from a funny breakfast talk to three Nick Bruel sessions in one day. The first takeaway is wonderfully simple and classroom-ready: draw a map of your house (or backyard or neighborhood) and label it with small moments that happened there. Those labels become story seeds, especially for students who say, “I don’t know what to write about.” It’s a practical writing strategy for personal narrative, brainstorming, and building confidence because the material belongs to the writer.. The second takeaway is all about structure. Bruel breaks down the picture book form with page-number specificity, showing how pacing, page turns, surprises, and satisfying endings don’t happen by accident. We also talk about resources like Bad Kitty, Drawn to Trouble and why author visits, virtual programs, and school librarian collaborations can make the writing process feel real for kids. As I prepare to co-chair OLC Accelerate 2026, I’m holding onto the bigger lesson: follow what sparks your curiosity. Subscribe, share with a fellow educator, and leave a review so more people can find practical ideas that help kids tell their stories. Thank you to our sponsors! Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Gail Krapil, Kathie Butler, Beth Donofrio, & Dianelys Labrador Support the show If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.  The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.