Saturday, November 29, 2014

NCTE Celebrations



Celebration Saturday has been on my mind during my busy week, I continually tried to remember every little moment. I found myself taking a photo or jotting down notes on my phone. My week started crazy busy but not unlike any other teacher preparing to leave their classroom to attend NCTE. But add on progress reports into the mix, and it felt like a ball of yarn all twisted until I sat down on the plane early Thursday morning.

#CentralOhio strong + Mary Lee and Franki
who had NCTE meetings to attend.
            My first celebration was time to talk with friends and colleagues from all over the United States. Instant conversations started as I rode to the airport with Mandy, and we saw Gretchen and Julie sitting at our gate. I was off and running. Time to talk early in the morning when I received a text from Tara asking do I have some time? The answer is always “Yes!”  Late night talks with the best roommates not just about school, but life. Afternoon conversations with friends who I only see once a year. Such a privilege to have the time to talk.

    Supportive colleagues around every corner at NCTE. As I figured out which sessions I wanted to attend, I always use the index to search out friend’s names.  I always learn something new or this year I felt reinforced as I listened to several of the presentations. And it’s even better when you’re presenting and all your friends are sitting at the first two round tables.  Collaboration was around every corner. Eating meals, sitting next to the beautiful Christmas tree, walking around town and yes even drying my hair in the morning.  Perfect time for friends to share.

Presenting with my NCFL family and sharing an amazing meal as we continue our conversations both personal and professionally. I celebrate that Chris Lehman has joined our WONDER GROUND team as we launch our next initiative for Wonderopolis Educators. Every time I listen to him speak he is always focused on similar areas: family, students and the importance of strong instruction in the classroom.  As I reflect on the overall sessions, these three areas along with the importance of sharing your story will be a part of my take away moments.


    There are so many more stories to share, which was the theme of NCTE 2014. My stories the past several months have been living in my thoughts and typically not reaching the keyboard. I am choosing (OLW) to slow down and reflect on my take away moments. But I am energized and excited as the calendar turns to December on Monday. Thank you for celebrating with me this week.  And thanks to Ruth for being one of my first inspirations in writing about my story.  Here is the roundup link for this week.



19 comments:

  1. Maria,
    Hi! I can tell through your words just how exciting NCTE14 must have been. I wish so much that I could have been there. I am also looking forward to your Wonderopolis Chat! Have a great weekend!

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    1. I am so excited as our wonder family continues to grow and having Chris join us is the best. I'm also excited for our #wonderchat thanks for joining us "see you Monday."

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  2. I loved my time at NCTE. I love your description for preparing to go, "felt like a ball of yarn all twisted". YES!!! I totally get that! Great celebrations!

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    1. It is so much work to prepare to leave my class but it is worth it once I am there. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.

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  3. I'm happy to hear NCTE is in the Midwest next year. I may be able to afford the trip, and would love to attend! Everyone shared so many great things, and that was so appreciated. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. NCTE is worth every penny. The friendships and opportunities to connect and meet friends from twitter and blogging is so exciting.

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  4. So great to see you again, my friend. And so honored o be thinking and planning Wonder journeys with you, too.

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    1. Our early morning conversation was a highlight. Our 2015 journey will continue to be "walking" hand in hand. Thanks friend have a great start to December.

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  5. Loved meeting you, too. We have such a common thinking that we could have talked for hours. I saw you at the airport from afar and wished for another chance to talk. What a wonderful conference!

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    1. Totally agree hopefully we will connect through wonderopolis and continuing to visit each other's blog posts.

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  6. Loving all of these celebrations featuring NCTE celebrations. All inspiring and full of such interesting reflection. Thank you.

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  7. Your week was busy and exciting, rich with conversations. These kinds of weeks fuel people with energy and inspiration. What a joy!

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    1. You're correct NCTE always gives me the energy for the last few weeks of 2014. Ready to share new books with my students. It's the best.

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  8. Isn't NCTE the best! Great to see you there!

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    1. It's the best part seeing friends through twitter and having personal conversations. Have a great week Gigi.

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  9. I so enjoyed our time together at NCTE. I'm looking forward to lots more conversations and fun times together!

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    1. I always feel the same way when I return from NCTE why don't I connect more with my Central Ohio friends - we need to work on that together.

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  10. It sounds like a 'wonderopolis' time, Maria. Glad to hear it was that, & best wishes in your wonder journey. Great to hear all about your time!

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    1. Sharing wonder and listening to Chris L. speak was icing on the cake. Have a great week Linda - thank you for always supporting Celebration Saturday!!

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