This year, I am trying to increase my awareness of the many good things that happen, which are frequently overlooked by me. To help me, I am joining Ruth Ayres' Celebrate This Week.
Here's what I am thankful for this week...
1. District Professional Development Presentations - I presented on two different topics this past Monday at our Professional Development training. Both presentations went well, and I was very appreciative of Cathy Potter and Cynthia Alaniz for taking time out of their busy schedules to skype in.
2. My work with First Graders - I was excited to continue my work with first graders on comprehension and writing. Even in just one week, we have made progress.
3. Literacy PLC Meeting - On Wednesday of this past week, I led a meeting for whatever principals and teachers could attend on independent reading, classroom libraries, and summer reading. I was thankful for the support from my Scholastic Book Fair rep who planned and presented with me and who also provided food for the meeting. It was not a large group, but it was certainly a group who was interested in learning and applying what they learned.
4. Author Visits - On Thursday, we had fun welcoming authors, Rohan Gaven (Knightley & Son) to Jackson School and Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities ) to Marshall Fundamental and San Rafael School. I love watching how students respond to authors and how excited they become to read the book after meeting an author.
5. Meeting up with an on-line friend - Over the past 4 years, I have had the opportunity to meet up with a number of my twitter and facebook teacher and librarian friends. What started out initially as on-line professional encouragement and support has moved to real friendships and working collaboratively on projects and presenting at professional conferences. Mary Ann Scheuer (Great Kid Books) was visiting the Los Angeles area for spring break. We had a chance to meet up for dinner and work on our presentation for ALA Annual this June.
6. Literary Orange - Today, I had a chance to moderate the Young Adult: The Awesome Age Panel, which featured Kendare Blake, Jessica Brody, and Maurene Goo. The time flew by and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.
So, what are you celebrating?
