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Meeting all of the slicers for breakfast on Saturday was a highlight of the weekend. It was a great place for breakfast and browsing. Chatting with the slicers who were able to come was a perfect slice of life moment. I met writing superheroes-people who inspire me to write and slice every day, week in and week out. What a perfect treat!
I am still so overwhelmed by all of the learning that occurred at the NCTE in Boston this past weekend. So much learning to think about and reflect on! The powerful words spoken and exchanged will be a part of who I am forever. I wanted to savor and capture every sweet moment of dialogue that happened so I could treasure and admire each piece as part of the collection. I am still examining my quotes to determine which ones will be earmarked for the "china cabinet". I feel like I need time to mentally debrief and let it all sink in. To sum it up in a word, "Incredible!" is what comes to mind. Here a few favorites captured via twitter:
+100 RT @iChrisLehman: The most important work we can do for a child: listen.
#ncte13
— Kristin Ziemke (@KristinZiemke) November 23, 2013
@SarahWessling #ncte13 Flatten the hierarchy and elevate everyone to the status of learner
— Amy Rudd (@aruddteacher100) November 23, 2013
If we are asking questions that are just a google search away we are asking the wrong questions @billbass #NCTE13
— Amy Rudd (@aruddteacher100) November 22, 2013
The opportunities for hearing beautiful words of wisdom from so many people still has me feeling like I wanted to clone myself to be in multiple sessions at the same time. I want to relive the conference. If you ever get the chance to go my advice would be to make sure you're in the moment...Washington DC 2014!
Besides all of the fun learning taking place at the conference, there was also the background of exploring the sites in the host city! One of my favorite moments was seeing the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues on Boston Commons.
Make Way for Ducklings! So sweet to finally meet them! #ncte13 pic.twitter.com/XYAbtUTDm2
— Amy Rudd (@aruddteacher100) November 21, 2013
And finally being able to soak it all in with a close friend and colleague was a huge benefit for me. Thanks to my friend Kristi for joining in the learning and fun!
As I reflect on my experience, my only regret is that I approached the conference with too many lenses...as a learner, as a reader, as a writer, as a coach, as a teacher...focus, focus, focus...
Sounds like it was a perfect weekend!
ReplyDeleteI followed the conference through Tweets. My second hand experience left me feeling, fulfilled-weary-angry(wanted to be there)-smiling-jealous-proud(to know so many of you great ones) and with many, many questions! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head: "So much learning to think about and reflect on." It was lovely to meet you, Amy! I'm already looking forward to next year :-) Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLoved our Slicer breakfast Amy!!! I had more limited plans for the conference and I think that worked better for me, especially with a head cold.
ReplyDeleteI love this recap, and I am lamenting over and over that I didn't get a chance to go to the Slicer Breakfast. Next year! Since it was my first time, I was still trying to negotiate the daunting schedule. I'll know better about what to do in Washington. Hope to see you there!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read about everyone's thoughts and learning during this conference. I hope to make it to one someday. Thank you for sharing with those of us who could not be there.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a great NCTE! How did I not make time to see those ducks?
ReplyDeleteSo glad you made it to see the ducks --one of our favorite parts of Boston! We loved getting to meet you in person. It is nice to put a voice to the writing. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
ReplyDeleteClare and Tammy
One of my biggest regrets of the conference is that we didn't have more time to chat, Amy. It was nice to FINALLY meet you in person. I hope you'll be at NCTE next year. Hopefully we can grab dinner in DC. (That being said, I might do a Slicer dinner next year since breakfast felt so rushed.)
ReplyDeleteI love how you captured so many facets of the conference! It has been great. My mind is full too. It was a pleasure and delight to meet you at breakfast!
ReplyDeleteNCTE and the ducklings - you surely had a full and wonderful experience! I'm so glad that you made the breakfast, and that I finally got to meet you.
ReplyDeleteEvery slice I read makes me want to put next year's conference on my schedule right now! Time to start planning right now!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is slicing about their NCTE experience, and I'm so very jealous! I won't miss next year's conference - I won't!! I love your advice here to choose a lense and focus. I will remember that!
ReplyDeleteOne day I am going to make it to NCTE, but I may have to wait a few more years until my daughter graduates--or at least is driving. I love reading everyone's reflections and tweets.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful to finally meet you, Amy, & sounds like you had the marvelous time I had too! Love that you found some moments to explore some of Boston. I'm disappointed I didn't get to do very much. I've been there many times, but still wanted to peek at a few things. NCTE was amazing, and meeting the slicers was part of that. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI just posted about reading all of the reflections that I could find about the weekend and I missed yours--I'm sorry, Amy! I love your tweets and the pictures that you have included. Thank you for sharing so much!
ReplyDeleteYour title for the post says it all.
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