Workshop Summer
While the summer started slow and rainy, it’s ending much faster and with a bit more sun (although I’m loving the mild summer after the past few). With all of this “lazy daze of summer” atmosphere, you’d think I’d be resting and relaxing, but it seems that I’ve managed to schedule several workshops for myself during these last few weeks just before school starts (what was I thinking??)
Actually, I’m glad I did. I’ve learned a lot (and I’ve started compiling even more ideas) after attending them. Last Thursday, I went to the Library Sparks Road Show in Irving. Toni Buzzeo, Pat Miller, and Rob Reid presented their program ideas for storytelling, music, and library programming for elementary students. Aside from the entire Upstart /Highsmith (mini) catalog being marked down to unbelieveable prices (which eliminated much of that “heavy change” from my wallet—and credit card), the resource ideas and suggestions really sparked some creative energy.
Toni shared some resources (and philosophies) for storytelling, Rob shared musical materials and contacts for purchasing some of the unique content that is so often hard to find, and Pat shared some interesting ideas for teaching library content while keeping students engaged in assignments related to the TEKS. With more to carry home that I intended (and additional materials purchased once I got home….to start creating some of the unique storytelling props), I’m starting to panic that I won’t have enough time to get everything done before school starts for teachers on August 16th!
Tomorrow I’m attending the Suzy Red workshop at Region XI and hope to learn more ideas for sharing books with elementary and middle school students. I have several of her material already, but it’s always fun to see what’s new and how I can use the state reading book lists in more ways than just a booktalk.
Finally, I have a few additional projects left to complete which will require some investigation, writing, and research. I know that by the end of August I will be kicking myself for not enjoying the summer more, but the reality is I hate “down-time” that lasts too long. I’m usually ready to go back to school after two weeks of any type of vacation, so I guess that makes me a work-aholic. In the meantime, I guess I’ll follow through on my workshops and complete these project ideas to use this year. There’s only three weeks before school starts…and then the fun really begins!!
