#SpringTeacherBloggerMeetUp2016

Did you know I'm an introvert? It's true.

 

 I've always been incredibly shy but I am getting better. The Teacher/Blogger Retreat in French Lick is one of my favorite events, but it does make me nervous. My goal is always to introduce myself to new people but it is something I struggle with. I always seem to find myself on the fringe never sure how to proceed. This year I was able to meet some new people and next year I hope to come out of my shell a little more. Third times the charm!! 

One of the highlight events, the Teacher Tool Swap, is an event that I didn't participate in this year. Openings gifts in front of people makes me extremely nervous. When I was pregnant with my twins I almost cancelled my baby shower because the thought of opening gifts made me so nervous! The tool swap is the same way. This year I just watched from the sidelines but I enjoyed seeing all the neat gifts. (Sorry if I seemed rude, that is never my intention)

This is the 4th, 5th, 6th grade swap. Amanda from The Primary Gal is enjoying her gift below.  She's kinda my hero. :) 

(Photo Credit: Joshua Stears) 

I love this retreat because it's refreshing to be around so many like minded people. No one is complaining or grouchy. We are a happy, positive, and excited group of people. And how could we not be with this motto: 

(Photo Credit: Joshua Stears) 

Teaching truly is my passion. It's easy to get discouraged with ISTEP and outdated thinking from the higher ups, but we all need to remember why we took this path. I' never thought of another career growing up. Teaching has always been my passion. I need to make it happen regardless of what's going on outside of my classroom. 

The French Lick Teacher/Blogger Meet Up has some AMAZING sponsors. 

(Photo Credit: Joshua Stears) 

(Wow, I'm short! I'm even wearing heels!)

This year I won a book set from Maria Dismondy. I LOVE it! Her book, Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, is a cute reminder about being who you are. It also teaches showing kindness to others even when they are not showing it to you. A great lesson for kinders and my 4th graders.  Especially this time of year when Girl Drama tends to start! 

Don't you just LOVE this bag. Vera Bradley once again donated bags to every attendee. I love these bags for summertime sports. They are truly fantastic. 

(Photo Credit: Joshua Stears) 

I am a girl that loves the simple things in life. That being said...let me show you my favorite "swag bag" items. 

A giant magnet from TPT and Udderly Smooth lotion. This lotion is phenomenal. Your hands are so smooth after using this! If you haven't tried it, run out and get some. You won't regret it. 

I love these giant magnets because I am a forgetful person. I've found that if I use them to put papers on my classroom doorframe I'm less likely to forget to copy them or take them to the office. They are truly a lifesaver. I also use them to hold work for a student that has been absent. Otherwise I tend to forget what they need to make up. Keeping it on my door gives me the reminder I need. Thanks TPT! 

We had some amazing sponsors that I am truly grateful for. Check it out! 

Kirsta Wallden from Creative Clips and Digi by Amy, you ladies rock. Thank you for the amazing clip art. 

#ABCmouseteachers showed teaches some love with their program. I can't wait to see how Owyn and Gavin do with this program. I also plan to share it with all of our K & 1 teachers. 

I love all the support that these amazing sponsors showed to each one of us. THANK YOU! 

Check back soon for my blog post on the Hue document camera and the PencilGrip company. These are 2 of my favorite products and I want to showcase them specifically. They also love teachers and deserve a major shout out. It's time to show them some love. 

My favorite part of the event? The Round Table Discussions. I was able to visit with Exploring is Elementary, All Things Apple in 2nd,  The Primary Gal, and A Bird in Hand Designs. 

Cindy from Exploring is Elementary showcased NearPod. My group kind of highjacked her presentation and she was kind enough to let us. NearPod is a great tool to use in the classroom and one I definitely plan on looking into more. Cindy is also a Sherlock fan. For that reason alone I will forever be her friend. 

Nicole from All Things Apple did an amazing job of showing how she runs her Lit Circles. She knows what she's doing and I can't wait to try her flaps out in my classroom. 

Amanda was amazing as always. Her school has streamlined their curriculum and made it easy to teach using topics. I hope to visit her classroom soon to gain some more ideas. 

Megan from A Bird in Hands design talked about the importance of having a blog that is mobile compatible. Stay tuned for my new blog design coming in May! I can't wait to see what she comes up with this time. I loved the design for 4th Grade Dynamic Duo and I'm sure this one will be just as fantastic. She does great work! 

All in all, it was an amazing day and I can't wait for next year. 

Holly Ehle and Brittany Banister you ladies are amazing. Thank you for all your hard word. We truly appreciate all you do. To every person that helped organize this event, thank you. I can only imagine all the work that goes into making this event the success that it is. 

Thanks again to all the wonderful sponsors.  (Keep reading for a chance to win a prize pack) 

 

(Photo Credit: Joshua Stears)   

All in all our AMAZINGLY GENEROUS sponsors donated over $15,000 in prizes and giveaways!

We all felt the love! Thank you sponsors!

 

  

 
  

   

     

   

Would you like to connect with more amazing educators from this weekend? Check out the linky below!
-Tracy

An InLinkz Link-up

Want a chance to win a prize pack featuring a HUE document camera, a year subscription to ESGI and more? Enter below! Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway