The Association of Writing Programs conference started today. Non-stop sessions from 9am to 5.45pm and then more stuff on after that. Sue and I have tried to make sure we don't double up on sessions (there are so many to choose from, and sometimes there are three things on at once I want to go to). Today I've been to sessions on: getting students to write more fantastically, writing as smart girls, issues in grading creative writing, student mentoring partnerships, how to create poetry lovers in high schools. Plus the book fair,which I barely touched on - just wandered around for a while and talked to a few people.
I'm taking heaps of notes, and then Sue and I talk afterwards and write down all the ideas that have sparked for us from the sessions. Sue went to one this afternoon about using social media in the classroom - lots of great suggestions there for Facebook and everything beyond. Tonight we picked the brains of some of the great people who run various Writers in Schools programs. It's such a wonderful opportunity to meet other writing teachers and writers, let alone the information gathering. All I have to worry about now is the weight of my suitcase on the way home with all the magazines and books I'm collecting!
It all sounds wonderful. Buy a bigger case!
ReplyDeleteThat amphiteatre is terribly vertiginous!
ReplyDeleteAs Lorraine says, buy a bigger case --- or just ditch your clothes and use the space for books and mags.
Hi Sherryl,
ReplyDeleteI am the founder and managing editor of Good Gabble Newzine. Each month Good Gabble reports on all things positive. I read about your books in PIO. I would love to run and article on yourself and your books. We also have a place for kids poetry if you are interested.
You can contact me at goodgabble@gmail.com. Learn more about us at http://goodgabble.blogspot.com
regards Jennifer