As we make our way from winter to spring, here at The Walking Classroom we are in the midst of conference season. We have recently returned from our first adventure on the road in 2017. Now we are busy preparing for our participation in a number of other education-based events in-state and across the country. Maybe we’ll see you at one of them! Be sure to look for us!
A Quick Trip to Columbus, Ohio … and a Site Visit!
January’s end meant a trip to Columbus, Ohio, for the National Reading Recovery and K-6 Literacy Conference. Prior to making Booth #302 my home away from home for three days, I checked out our list of Walking Classroom adopters. I was excited to discover that third grade teacher Tiffany Tripp and her students were just a short drive from the conference site.
Not long after landing, I made my way to Columbus Gifted Academy. There I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Tripp and her class. I chatted with them about The Walking Classroom and heard all about their favorite podcasts. Then … I took a walk with the class … in the rather brrr-isk 26 degree weather. Boy, was I glad I came prepared with gloves and a warm jacket! Apparently, as long as the temperature is over 22 degrees, these students are ready to roll!
Nothing stopped this crew! They ably traversed the surrounding neighborhood. Two rather speedy “pace cars” led the way, and two patient “cabooses” made certain no one lagged behind! The class was careful to stop at curbs and wait for Mrs. Tripp to steer them across streets. They sped along the sidewalks while listening to Legendary and Everyday Heroes (Program 4 – #80). They even remained undeterred by sidewalk construction that momentarily re-routed them. Amazing!
Upon our return to the classroom, the students engaged in their post-walk discussion. They then shared some stories with me, and allowed me to take a photo or two before I headed on my way. For braving the elements and walking in spite of the weather, these intrepid students and their teacher are definitely heroes to me!
Where We’ve Been …
National Reading Recovery and K-6 Literacy Conference – Columbus, OH – January 28-31
This was the first time The Walking Classroom exhibited at the National Reading Recovery and K-6 Literacy Conference. This conference is held annually by the Reading Recovery Council of North America. It included three keynote and six featured speakers, over 40 exhibitors, and more than 100 sessions of literacy instruction. From classroom teachers to literacy coaches to administrators, there was something for everyone!
Where We’ll Be …
NCTIES 2017 — Raleigh, NC — March 1-3
Check out The Walking Classroom at Booth #729 at NCTIES 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina! The event is held by the North Carolina Technology in Education Society, an organization that works to advance excellence in education through the effective use of technology. North Carolina’s premier education technology conference, NCTIES 2017 will have meet and greet opportunities, keynotes, exciting featured speakers, and a vendor exhibit hall. The 150 sessions will provide a plethora of professional development opportunities for the entire education team: teachers, tech facilitators and coaches, administrators, and media specialists.
NC Reading Association Conference — Raleigh, NC — March 19-21
The Walking Classroom will also be at the NC Reading Association Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. This year’s theme is “Learning and Leading on the Literacy Landscape.” The event includes nationally-recognized professional speakers, literacy experts, and well-known children’s authors, such as Kwame Alexander, Gary Schmidt, and Carrie Ryan, among others!
NC Autism Conference — Charlotte, NC — March 24-25
You can also see The Walking Classroom at the NC Autism Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Autism Society of North Carolina’s annual conference features nationally and internationally recognized speakers and topics of interest to all members of the autism community. This year’s theme is “Building a Better Future.”
ASCD Empower 17 — Anaheim, CA — March 25-27
The Walking Classroom will close out March at Booth #935 at ASCD Empower 17 in Anaheim, California, a conference re-designed “by educators for educators.” This year’s key topics will include the whole child, transformational leadership, global engagement, poverty and equity, redefining student success, and teaching and learning.
And That’s Not All!
We will also be exhibiting (and presenting) at a number of events for out-of-school time professionals in the near future. Keep an eye out for upcoming blog posts detailing where you can see and learn more about The Walking Classroom in the coming months!
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