NCTE-Day #3

Today was a great curriculum day as I started out at a session with my own wonderful NCTE Buddy-Roommate, Dr. Jennifer Buehler. She'd die if she knew I wrote her name like that. The most humblest of fantastically smart people I know! The presentation on Cultural Relevant Pedagogy was just what our district needed to hear and we were represented by all 4 people from our district who were here in Philly for the conference! The discussion ended with wonderful conversation which didn't cease until after lunch when we parted to see Katie Ray Wood. I am still longing for a Philly Cheese Steak! However, I did have the best pastrami reuben I've ever had at Herschel's deli over at the Reading Street Market. Then, I have to admit, I took a nap. The ALAN cocktail party started at 5:30 and I met Maggie Stiefvater (of Shiver fame) and she told me there is another book called Linger!



These authors are so fun and bubbly that I have lost my "awe" of most of them. They're just regular people-but huge celebs to geeky English teachers like we are! Also met: Sharon Flake, Francisco Stork, Lauren Myracle, Maureen Johnson and I was looking all over for Elizabeth Scott but couldn't find her! Maybe tomorrow.

S. and I ate at a wonderful and recommended Vietnamese restaurant and then I felt so full I worked out for almost an hour. Tomorrow starts ALAN and I can't wait to see which books are in my box!

NCTE Day 2- At Night

Last night was a dream for me. I was invited to dinner by the wonderful people at Penguin who provide me with wonderful books to blog. A huge thank you to Scottie Bowditch, Kim Lauber, Rachel Moore,and Emily Heddleson for providing me with the tools to do what I am doing. I sat at a table with author Rosalind Wiseman of Queen Bees and Wannabees fame. She told me there is a new version out that has a whole section on cyber issues and queen bees. I am reading it over break! Great food and wine left me weary but oh so content.

Day #2- NCTE

What a whirlwind today. Woke up late and was late for hearing Laurie Halse Anderson. I tried to get in later, but there was a crowd out the door. I will hear her during ALAN as well. So, I went to listen to Penny Kittle who was absolutely inspiring in showing the audience the persuasive videos her students had done. I can't wait to try them with kids at home. Next came The Sisters with their explanation of their CAFE system of literacy. Very overwhelming for me but they were immensely entertaining. Jeff Kinney kept me in stitches explaining how he came to write the Wimpy Kid series. Next I went to help the awesome Jeff Kass during his "Wrestle The Great Fear" performance where I did a very mediocre job of being a "techie".

Kelly Gallagher, who apparently everyone wanted to see, was wedged into a room three sizes too small for the number of people who wanted to see him. Thus, I went to Middle Mosaic for the full time where I met Michael Scott, Becca Fitzpatrick and Daniel Kirk (Yeah! Library Mouse!). For the second time in my life I also got to see and hear Nancie Atwell in person which is always a treat. She is a gracious and poised force to be reckoned with if you are an NYT writer trying to berate choice in Reading Workshop. Thank goodness we have voices like Nancie Atwell to speak for those of us who know Reading Workshop and choice are the way to teach.