The Weekend at FL Reading Assoc. Conference

Reading Lights the Way: That was the name of the FRA conference and it was an enlightening time. So many wonderful and dedicated professionals attend these conferences. It's great to see such enthusiastic teachers (and future teachers), coordinators and reading specialists combing through all the sessions and workshops to find new ideas to incorporate into their instruction. While some of the sessions focus on new rules and regulations, my sessions are a real break, a chance to have fun and remember the joy of teaching. This year I was asked to do two session. Both were great. A presenter always appreciates hearing, "I love it." "I'll use this idea all the time." and "Why didn't I think of that?" comments, and I'm no exception. All the prep time for this yearly conference is well worth it when I see the participants stuffing all the "make and take"simple craft ideas into their bags as they turn "trash" into "treasure"and see how to integrate the craft with core disciplines they need to teach. Their laughter and smiles are like an elixir. The second session on Sunday was smaller, but just as much fun. It followed a terrific "Breakfast with the Authors." THIS author had the opportunity to sit with some super teachers and reading specialists. I even got to put on my chicken hat--but, that's another story. I used ideas from two of my books, "Snipper Critters--Easy Art Activities to Stimulate Language Across the Curriculum" from the wonderful folks at Maupin House and "Little Hands--Create! Art & Activities for Kids Ages 3 to 6. (Williamson-A division of Ideals). The latter won a Parents' Choice Approved Award. As with all of my workshops, I also threw in a lot of additional crafts and hints that aren't in book form yet and expanded on how to use the ideas to combine disciplines across the curriculum.