If we were having coffee, I would tell you that a week which began with a sore throat and a feeling of fatigue, ended on a high note. The sad thing about my week was that I was unable to attend my Zumba classes 😦 BUT on Thursday I had an experience that pushed that all aside.
Last year my colleague (who was the school librarian at that time), convinced me to apply with her to present at the Ontario Library Association (OLA) Super Conference. She wanted us to present that work we had done for the demonstration classroom (in which other teachers from the board visited my classroom), and which we intended (and did) present at the TDSB (Toronto District School Board) Google Camp. Our application was accepted the end of June last year; and we polished up our slideshow presentation last Friday.
On Thursday when I woke up, I was pleased that I had rested my voice enough to be able to speak. The honey and lemon drink had also done the trick in helping to soothe my aching throat. I was excited about the day ahead, but also nervous. I met up with my colleague and we headed to the Convention Centre. The place was abuzz when we arrived and we eagerly went to attend the welcome breakfast for first-time speakers. While eating, we browsed the list of events for the day and figured out where we were to hold our presentation. We chose not to attend other speaker’s presentations and instead chose to roam the booths and see what vendors had on offer. We had such fun going to the booths where we stood in line to receive books signed by Canadian authors. I loved speaking to the authors and hearing why they had written their stories. There was such an array of genres on offer, it was mind-boggling.
When it was time for our presentation, we had no trouble setting up the technology (sigh of relief!). I had followed the advice given to us and had downloaded our slideshow as a PDF. In addition, I had brought my charger with me for the laptop – and was thankful for doing so as the laptop’s battery was running low during the presentation (yes, the laptop is an old one). The presentation went smoothly. My colleague and I had practiced at Google Camp and we knew what we would talk about: she focused on the library aspect, and I focused on the classroom activities. We had quite a number of people attend our session. All were teachers (mostly elementary), all were attentive. People asked questions and were writing down notes. The time went by so quickly – we wished that we had had more. Afterwards my colleague and I were beaming. The experience was amazing – and one we would love to repeat.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that after Thursday, Friday was a little bland. I did end the day, though, up to date with my marking – and that is always positive!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I am now going to get ready to go to Zumba. I haven’t gone for the last week because of my aching throat and tired bones. I have missed it and definitely want to go – especially as this is the last day for our current teacher. Last week he told us he is going to teach at another branch and I am hoping today he will tell us that they have found us another Zumba instructor.
Enjoy your week.May it be a positive one.
What would you tell me if we were having coffee?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2018
(This post is linked to Eclectic Alli and the Weekend Coffee Share)
Congrats on your presentation…and I’m glad you are feeling better, too. Enjoy the weekend!
LikeLike
Thank you so much. It was a fun experience. The forecast for the weekend is very cold so we will be spending a lot of time indoors. Hope you have a warmer one 😊
LikeLike
That sounds so great. Good for you for having actually done the work that it took to do it well. I love when people do that!
It always intrigues me to see the translations: Deliberement audacieux is a great term (my computer does not type the accents, although I know they should be there).
LikeLike
Both of us are perfectionists so we want to do things well 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s also an excellent example to your students.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your presentation. It sounds like it went off really well.
LikeLike
It did. It was so satisfying to see that our ideas and experience were received positively.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was good to read about your presentation and the conference itself. I find such events renew my spirit and offer so many new ideas to use in the classroom. Glad you’re feeling better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do. And it was also fun to have a chance to share my ideas 😊
LikeLike
Found this link Colline and thought of you, maybe you will like it as I did.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5323979/Teacher-Hannah-Girlings-classroom-colourful-spaces.html
LikeLike
Her classroom is definitely colourful Ian! The trend here, though, is to go more neutral especially in the primary grades. The neutral colours are meant to be more relaxing for the children. I tend to follow this philosophy myself and have ripped the colour out of every classroom I have been given to use.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually thought the colors were too overpowering, just wanted to see your thoughts.
LikeLike
It is certainly very busy and would definitely not help to calm my kids 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your success at the conference. Speaking is something you have to be uber organized for but it’s fantastic when you get that positive feedback and response from the audience and it’s all been worthwhile. Well done!
School’s been on my mind over the last couple of weeks. School went back for the new year here this week and my daughter started high school. So, there was a lot to organize and I’m trying to lift our game considerably this year. My son handed a lot of assignments in late last year and we want to turn that around. I hope that “we” also includes him and not just my husband and I!
Best wishes,
Rowena
LikeLike
It is always difficult, isn’t it, to get teens to realise handing things in on time is important. I hope your daughter had a positive first week at high school.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Colline. She had a great first week. I don’t know how you feel about going back as a teacher, but I feel like I’ve stepped onto a skateboard and it’s taken off…whoosh! It’ll be fine in a few or so until the end of term looms and things are due in. Hope you have a great week.
xx Rowena
LikeLike
Our school year begins in September so I am currently in the middle of it 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully, I’ll be sorted before the middle of ours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The conference and your presentation sound like they would have been a lot of fun. I was excited to read the words Ontario and Toronto in your post, I used to live in the area about 10 years ago (sometimes miss home). As for your sore throat have your tried David’s Tea? I get 2 different herbal teas from there. One is called “Organic Cold 911” and I find it helps when that achy feeling creeps in, and the other is “Throat Rescue.”
LikeLike
No, I haven’t tried these teas and I will ask for them the next time I shop at David’s Tea – which is often!
LikeLike
Glad you’re feeling better, and how exciting for you, the presentation. 🙂 🙂 It’s been a week of walks, good company and sunshine here in the Algarve.
LikeLike
You always seem to find wonderful walks in the Algarve Jo. Enjoy the sunshine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely post, Colline. I am so happy for you that the presentation went well.
LikeLike
Thank you so much. At the end of it, I was glad that I had participated.
LikeLike