I really just loved the KATE conference. I don't get out much so maybe that is why. Nah! It was awesome. I have several observations, one that is disconcerting.
First, off the most informative and fun break out session was the one directed for first year teachers. The caption said "New to building, staff or teaching" but it was mainly for us newbies. The wonderful thing about this session was that we got to see two different ways of organizing your classroom and yourself. One of the presenters had her classroom files completely color coordinated. Whatever color the textbook, that was the color for the class. She had their copies on colored paper, she clipped papers together with colored paper clips, and even color coordinated calendars. The other wonderful presenter did most of her organizing on her computer. It was nice to see that either way is acceptable and easy to manage. It just depended on what type of person you as a teacher are. I actually am a little of both and could not wait to run out and start stock piling all sorts of primary colored nick-nacks for my room. YAY!!!!
I also really found the session on writing dialogue to be useful as well. The husband and wife team offered some valuable tips on how to engage students and ways to help them practice getting the dialogue as authentic as possible. The Mrs. of the duo admitted to being admonished this year for not writing more as a model for her students. I found that this took great courage to admit in a roomful of English teachers. But I was encouraged by it because I struggle with this as well. I never thought I was a good writer so all this time I have been looking for this magic formula to give to my students and take me out of the equation. Unfortunately, I am the teacher and my writing, good or bad, is what the students need to see. Thank you to this couple for the break out session on dialogue for opening my eyes!
The disconcerting observation that I had was there seemed to several negative teachers there. I know you get that everywhere you go but I was just taken aback by it. It was not widespread and maybe I am just naive.
As far as what I would have liked to have seen that wasn't there was just the inclusion of some classroom management strategies in the Survival session. I think the vast majority of sessions were very informative and covered a wide range of topics so as to appeal to the fresh off the turnip truck teacher as well as the more seasoned veterans.
What kind of networking did I do and who did I meet? Well, let me tell you who I met. I met Clare Vanderpool and Jay Asher that's who I met. I took wonderful notes for Clare Vanderpool's presentation and she had such wonderful descriptions of writing that I can give to my students. How experience is just one thing to add to the story pot and stir. I love that! And I got my picture taken with her. A big thank you to Amy Hart for being my photographer for the day. But it was Jay Asher who I really enjoyed listening to. Probably because I wanted to hear him talk about his book. I know the storyline but have yet to read the book. However, his main character is a Hannah and I have a Hanna at home. (ye,s they are spelled differently) As many of my friends know my Hanna has been bullied and has struggled with self-esteem issues and has recently began speaking of suicide although I do believe this is out of frustration and not out of a deeper need to hurt herself. But I will not take any chances when it comes to any one of my children. So as I stood in line to get my book signed by Mr. Asher for my daughter, I was hard pressed to remain composed. As he opened my book, I showed him a scrap of paper with my Hanna's name on it, so he wouldn't misspell it (she hates that) I leaned toward him and said "My daughter needs to read this." He paused as he looked at me and said "I love hearing from parents who buy this book for their child. It lets that child know that the parent cares and is ready to talk." I told him I was going to save this book as a Christmas present but had decided to give it to her today. And I thanked him for his time. He closed the book and posed for a picture with me and said "Tell Hanna hi for me." The tears began to flow as I drove home. Well, my Hanna has started reading her book. She thought it was cool that her old mom met the author. She even got online to listen to the Hannah tapes. Thank you Jay Asher!
