UW Whitewater Conference

I had the opportunity to present at the UW-Whitewater Early Childhood Conference. What a treat! There were some wonderful presenters there including: Dr. Becky Bailey, Holly Elissa Bruno, and David Stokes. My presentation went pretty well. The feedback was about 85-90% positive, much better than my last presentation. The feedback I was given was very constructive and I'll use those pointers for my next presentation. What has been facinating about this whole experience is the amount I have grown as a presentor. Seeing more experienced, nationally recognized speakers gives me ideas for challenging and improving my speaking style. Each opportunity to speak is a chance to grow.

Naso was present there. I had no idea this company was located in Ft. Atkinson. They had a tremendous sale and I was able to get a Bev Bos book for only 4.00!!!!!

More resources for challenging behavior

At this point in my life, I feel as though I am living and breathing challenging behavior with a few children in my classroom. My staff are frazzled and I am working hard to give them the resources they need, but what I am doing for them just does not seem to be enough. When the idea of more training is suggested, I get the response, "I don't know. . . . . " To me, that sounds like staff have given up and choosing to be miserable, but perhaps I am just being cynical.

Since challenging behavior, staff burnout, and stress are weighing heavily on my mind, I thought I would add some resources for these issues.

PBS Parents
Positive Intervention and Behavioral Supports
Teacher Burn Out
Managing Stress
Managing Teacher Stress
Education World Stress Relief Kit

Twitter!

I'm now officially on Twitter.

Weca advocacy

My state NAEYC affiliate, WECA, has developed a wonderful advocacy blog. Take time to check it out and comment on the issues that matter to you!

You will want to read this blog

If you're thinking about technology and what that means for teachers, you've got to check out Mark Milliron's blog. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak while at my Walden Residency and was truly inspired.

Resources, resources, and MORE resources

Just a few neat-o websites or blogs I have recently discovered. Enjoy!
Best You Can Be
NAMI
Preschoolers and bi-polar disorder
Constructivism

Finally!!!!!!!!

Finally, I had the opportunity to teach my first adult education class!!! I taught a continuing education class based on the book, 12 Simple Secrets that Real Moms Know. I had a great time and really enjoyed teaching adult learners. I have the opportunity to teach another class in April and I'm hoping that this will help get me more calls in to teach (I'm in the adjunct pool, already).

I'm also excited to be presenting at the 2009 Early Childhood Conference at UW-Whitewater. This is a pretty big conference so I am hoping that I won't get too nervous, especially after my speaking disaster at the 2008 WECA Conference (I was pretty nervous and did not do my best work). As I have these experiences, I learn so much. Each time I present, things get easier!

In other news. . . . . .
Things in the classroom are going pretty well. I am excited to know that I may end up with two part-day Head Start classes next year instead of a Head Start with Child Care room. I am excited to have the opportunity to reach even more children this way.