Literacy Conference in Ohio

(Originally posted February 2018)

Last week I attended a three day literacy conference in Columbus, Ohio with three other elementary teachers from ASFG. Teachers discover new and inspiring ideas at these conference. We leave full of fresh strategies and revived excitement for old standbys with a new validation after listening to the latest research. We were among the only international teachers in the crowd and while our teaching situation varied from the public schools of most the conference attendees, we learned new strategies to bring back to our balanced literacy program.

With Jennifer Saravello

One of our best sessions was with Jennifer Saravello about reading and writing conferring strategies, determining best next steps in instruction, and coaching readers and writers to develop their skills. Also, Jeff Anderson was tops. His sessions merged grammar instruction and stand up comedy; who knew that was a thing. We practically cheered for an encore at the end. Perhaps I should infuse more humor into my lessons,…”What did the numerator say to the denominator?” Yeah, sure…

I enjoyed spending the four days with my colleagues and friends, with spiralling conversations about enhancing our balanced literacy with mentor sentences to getting to know each other beyond our teaching day.

While Ohio, in winter no less, may not seem so intriguing, together we quite enjoyed the treats unavailable back home in Guadalajara. One evening after the conference sessions, we set off for Target and Marshalls. Armed with lists from our colleagues and friends, we scooped up a cartful of hard to find items and tried on clothes until the store closed.

And we ate. We ate a lot.  After our learning sessions, we dined at on Asian fusion, Italian and burgers. Sounds strange to be excited about Chipotle burritos but one must appreciate the Tex Mex burrito with that real sour cream style for all its glory. While I enjoy the food in Mexico, the land of tacos and tequila, I certainly enjoyed those meals that we don’t find often in Guadalajara.

Jessica’s first chipotle experience!

We eventually made it back to Guadalajara. Our connecting flight in Dallas was canceled due to weather so we were temporarily stuck, along with the passengers of 200 other flights. However, we were fortunate to get re-booked for the next day. My students probably enjoyed my last minute, text message additional sub plans, “just let them read more.”

Now that I’m back in the classroom, I’m excited to put the new strategies into action!