Name: Beyond the Read Aloud: Bringing Stories to Life
Start: 2026-07-17T11:10:00-0600
End: 2026-07-17T12:10:00-0600

Welcome to URSA 2026 at Southern Utah University! All sessions will be in buildings on the upper campus (east end). Here’s the Campus Map (PDF) if needed.

Beyond the Read Aloud: Bringing Stories to Life

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level)

What if stories did more than get read aloud? What if they moved, sang, and invited every learner into the experience? In this hands-on session led by an elementary school librarian, participants will experience how picture books, music, movement, puppetry, and visual storytelling can be used to help K-5 students explore big ideas such as identity, diversity, courage, and belonging. Educators will step into the role of students as they participate in immersive storytelling experiences designed to build empathy, deepen thinking, and amplify student voices. This workshop begins with action and teaches through experience. Participants will leave with practical strategies that help classrooms and libraries become places where stories spark joy, deepen understanding, and bring students together through shared experiences.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Sally Baird

Elementary School Librarian, Midway Elementary

Sally Baird is the elementary school librarian at Midway Elementary in Wasatch County, Utah. A certified teacher with a master’s degree in education, she is passionate about creating a joyful culture of reading where curiosity, imagination, and belonging thrive.Through immersive... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Library Media Specialists, Teachers
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts

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2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Sally Baird

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2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Sally Baird

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