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{connected learning} #sol15


The Slice of Life is
hosted at the Two Writing Teachers
Join in and share a slice of your life. 
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 I have not had the time or space to fully reflect upon my learning experiences at ILA in St. Louis.

Except that it was invigorating to be constantly surrounded by and connecting with ...
  • Passionate educators who care so deeply about students, reading, and thinking 
  • Teacher leaders in literacy education that I listened to very carefully to breathe in every word and the opportunity to meet some of them, even if to briefly chat
  • Amazing authors trying to reach children and adults of all ages with the power of story through words and illustrations
  • NerdyBookClub members who remind me that I can't read them "all," but they will continue to share the love of reading and book titles.  (Oh, Jill.  That reminds me.  Here is your reminder to dust off that blog of yours.  It's Tuesday. Go write yourself a little slice of life!) :) 
  • Two amazing colleagues who live in this surreal world of never-ending learning with me and lots and lots of laughter!  I can't thank you enough for your time, your passion, your understanding, your belief in me, and your laughter!  (I wonder what Rick is doing now...)



As I left St. Louis last Monday, I was driving in the silence of my car -- alone for the first time in 84 hours -- and all I could do was think about the power of the conference and connecting with so many members of my PLN.

I relived moments.  I was in awe.  I smiled in delight.  I thought about how I grew and changed in just three days.  I questioned my goals and dreams for myself.  What will I be in 5 years? Where will I be in 10 years?  I wondered ... what's stopping me from growing to be what I'm supposed to be? I'm left with more questions and wonders -- and plenty of room to grow!


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Comments

  1. Michele KnottJuly 28, 2015 at 3:40 PM

    Thanks for sharing all the wonderfulness of learning. I love that feeling of being connected. I walk away from these types of conferences invigorated and feeling new. Thanks for slicing about it!

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  2. Stacey ShubitzJuly 28, 2015 at 4:03 PM

    I spy many familiar faces (some of whom I know personally and some of whom I wish I knew personaly!). Looks and sounds like a fantastic conference!

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  3. TaraJuly 28, 2015 at 4:04 PM

    What a rich experience! looking forward to future posts,Michelle!

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  4. TaraJuly 28, 2015 at 4:04 PM

    What a rich experience! looking forward to future posts,Michelle!

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  5. MichelleJuly 28, 2015 at 5:13 PM

    Love getting to see the people of our PLNs! I just finished Illinois Writing project and have 22 new friends in mine. This career of ours is amazing, isn't it? :-)

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  6. Linda BJuly 28, 2015 at 5:44 PM

    So great that you were able to go and have this kind of learning time, Michelle. Sounds like a terrific send off to start the year.

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  7. elsieJuly 28, 2015 at 6:45 PM

    National conferences are incredible! Too bad we didn't run into each other in a session. I was so brain dead by the end of each day I could barely function, but I loved every minute.

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  8. RamonaJuly 28, 2015 at 7:50 PM

    There's nothing that compares with a conference high! Glad you were able to connect with so many friends and be inspired. Questions, and wonders, and room to grow - the best kind of learning!

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  9. JudyJuly 28, 2015 at 7:50 PM

    I loved your excitement when you got here. It was truly an amazing experience for you. You can do and be that person you want to be.

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  10. AnonymousJuly 28, 2015 at 8:07 PM

    I love your little picture collage! Sometimes attending a conference can be overwhelming! Write it down a little at a time. You'll want to remember (and share) for the future! Jennifer Sniadecki

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  11. LynnJuly 28, 2015 at 9:38 PM

    Glad you were able to get away and learn, grow and have fun!! You all look great! Xoxo

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  12. CarolJuly 28, 2015 at 10:03 PM

    Sounds like such a terrific conference. Maybe next summer!

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  13. Lisa July 28, 2015 at 10:23 PM

    This makes me so excited to attend ILA next year!

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  14. Terje July 29, 2015 at 11:01 AM

    You clearly got a boost of energy and inspiration from this event. Your appreciation of people around you is visible too.

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  15. LoraleeJuly 29, 2015 at 11:55 AM

    Sounds like your summer has been amazing with family and teachers. <3

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  16. ChrisAugust 3, 2015 at 10:31 PM

    Our weekend was AMAZING! I'm so glad I was able to share all the fangirl and learning experiences with two of my favorite people. May we all use the sparks and laughter from ILA this year to make the school year great. :)

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