Workshops

We’ve changed the format of our workshops to four one hour sessions with each of the girls taking a session and Glynn organizing the logistics. This is working way better. I feel energetic when I start my session and am still able to get the audience participating. The heat is an issue for us, so the shorter format helps us to be fresh and focused with the teachers. It’s better for them as they get to see all of the sessions and see several approaches to the same core principles. The feedback from the teachers and supervisors with the new format has been positive.

I was nervous at first but am now very comfortable in front of large groups, up to 150 plus, while using a mic. The mic was a quick change when we moved to the larger group format but it's amazing how quickly you can adapt when you have to. Presenting is just like teaching, it's my job to help the participants reflect on past knowledge and consider new aspects of it, so I have to do what ever it takes to get it done. I am using things like place mat, A/B partner talk and stations with 150 adults sitting in chairs lined up in rows and it works! I can't believe it. But if I can do it with such large groups then I know I've picked good strategies that would be manageable for teachers in their small groups. I love the energy I get from teachers, just like kids they too are excited to be doing something different than listening and copying while learning. I actually find myself looking forward to presentations, I believe the dialogue we are starting among educators here is important and will lead to positive change for students.