David spells out why reading is that important. He is very clear in teaching parents how a person becomes a reader. And he offers strategies that are real and achievable for every family. He calls these his Three R’s of becoming a reader.
Maya Angelou was right when she said, “Parents who know better - do better!” All they need is to know. David provides that knowledge. He also provides the inspiration necessary to go along with that knowledge.
Here is letter of invitation from one parent who witnessed the powerful impact of his parent workshop:
Dear Parents:
You are encouraged to attend a presentation by renowned Canadian author David Bouchard as he addresses our community.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for us all. We owe it to our children to be in attendance.
David Bouchard champions reading and tackles illiteracy! His message focuses on books, reading and specific responsibilities in making our children literate! He reminds us that educators and parents alike are responsible for the state of literacy among our youth. He speaks to how, when and why we lost focus of our responsibilities in promoting literacy. He offers a realistic, practical solution to the problem.
Bouchard also offers his audiences a sense of how language, rhythms and fine art can come together to inspire, teach and form ageless beauty.
A teacher’s response after hearing David’s keynote speech to a British Columbia School District:
"David Bouchard is, without a doubt, THE most dynamic & inspirational speaker I have ever heard! His memory lives large! He and his message are unforgettable!!!!!!"
Mr. Bouchard’s wealth of experience comes from 28 years as a teacher and administrator! He knows how to speak to teachers, administrators and parents.
He has twenty-five award winning books with a unique cross-over flavour. Many are of a multi-cultural nature, done collaboratively with First Nation artists and the master artist, Zhong-Yang Huang who has illustrated his tremendously successful Chinese Trilogy (translated into several languages and is distributed the world over). Voices From the Wild won the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry award as the best volume of poetry for children published in the U.S. in 1997.
His books are an amalgamation of the arts: poetry, prose, visual art, and music. He appeals to children of all ages as well as to teachers, teacher librarians, administrators and parents.
In response to a presentation at a joint staff/parent pro-d workshop:
"Words do not describe the inspiration that David brings throughout his presentation. His manner and his message are captivating. The group sat throughout the evening presentation cherishing each anecdote and the reading of his work was spellbinding."
In response to a keynote address to the teachers, administrators and support staff of the Powell River School District:
"Mr. Bouchard is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who captured his audience from the beginning with his entertaining mixture of personal anecdotes, practical suggestions and obvious belief in the importance of literacy and literature in every life. His keynote address revitalized our teaching body and sent them back to the classroom fired with enthusiasm and with workable ideas to rekindle the joy of reading in all their students."
David Bouchard speaks to his books and to reading. He has a plethora of insights and experiences in the ever so crucial topic of literacy...he speaks to these with a passion second to few.
Responses to a presentation in Montana:
"Wow! Right between the eyes...right where, we, as lazy parents and smug educators need it. Mr.Bouchard was a terrific reality check."
"What a delightful man. It was a great way to begin our year - better than any I’d seen in 17 years."
You will not be disappointed in his message, his energy or his passion for books, children and literacy.
