Bonding, Learning, and Interaction: AKA, KATE Conference

The KATE conference was so beneficial! I was able to bond and get to know my fellow classmates more than I already do. I learned an immense amount of new information, and about some amazing possibilities that are out there for teachers. I interacted with a various group of English educators from diverse backgrounds.

I have to admit, I felt a bit out of place and awkward when I first sat down. Of course, when I saw my friend  Chris, I felt assured that all will be well. A familiar face can make an unfamiliar setting much more comfortable. The first speaker, Brent Crawford, was an absolute riot. I had never laughed so hard at 8:00 in the morning in my entire life. I decided after hearing him read excerpts from his books to buy Carter Finally Gets It. I thought it was great that Watermark Books was selling the books from the authors that were there to speak. Brent Crawford definitely set the mood for the morning - and I was anxious to get started.

Our first session, Common Core Reading and Writing was a bit hard to grasp. The instructor assumed that everyone in the room was extremely familiar with the Common Core Standard (which most were, except us "newbies.") I had to say my enthusiasm was a bit diminished, but I didn't give up hope. I tried my best to understand everything that was being taught, and I looked forward to the sessions ahead of me.

The most beneficial session was Surviving Year One. The teacher was fairly young, and in her second or third year of teaching. She handed out a very thick packet, which was intimidating at first. However, this packet was full of useful information, sample hand-outs for sub plans, individual behavior plans, classroom behavior plans, rubrics, and insightful advice for first year teachers. I thought that the presentation was wonderfully done, and I feel better as I progress on to my first year of teaching. I enjoyed the presentation in its entirety; however, I would have liked to get pointers and advice for the job and interview process as a whole, with an emphasis on surviving the first year of teaching.

I absolutely enjoyed the Grammar Strip Tease - the title itself was intriguing, and the woman who did the presentation was lively and gave out a lot of helpful information when it comes to teaching grammar. I like her idea of "stripping" down the sentences, and having students decide which words are specific parts of speech.

Overall, I enjoyed the conference immensely. I felt that all of the sessions fit the interests of many teachers, which was wonderful. The only thing that was a bit distracting for me was the chairs that rocked. I found myself rocking back and forth vigorously, and sometimes in sync with Natalie Skidmore. A very funny looking scene, indeed.  I hope that as I become a teacher I can return to the conference as a regular. I am so glad that I was able to take the time to participate and connect with so many other individuals that are as passionate about English Education as I am! :)

Have a wonderful week!
- Ms. Aden

Genre Reflection

There is always someone who has impacted your life in one way or another. Sometimes we hope that we can make someone feel better, encourage a student to change their bad habits. My Genre Reflection is about a student who has made an impression on me, and I hope that I can help her realize that she is a wonderful person on the in and outside.


"No one knows for certain how much impact they have
on the lives of other people. Sometimes, we have no clue.
Yet we push it just the same."
-- Hannah Baker, 13 Reasons Why

Be still young girl and smile
Really, it's okay to let your face curve once in awhile
And don't fret if you're ever unsure
Never fear girl, let your voice be heard.
Don't let them intimidate you.
If only you would let your smile represent that you are true,
then happiness and confidence would define you.