Kindergarten Conference Part 1

If you have read any of posts lately, you heard me say that I was able to attend our state Kindergarten Conference.  I was super pumped about it.  Our district has the schools on a rotation schedule and every few years you get to attend the conference.  This was my school's year and the first year I was able to attend!  I think I was most excited about the presenters who would be there:  Deanna Jump, Kim Adsit, Kim Jordano, Heidi Butkus, and Shari Sloane {just to name a few}.  As I was looking over the information about the conference, I saw that they were also having a "Blogger's Bash" one evening during the conference.  I immediately called our assistant superintendent and asked if I could also go to that.  {I had decided that even if the district didn't pay, I would pay myself because I really wanted to see and hear these women talk about their blogs.}  To my huge surprise, she said yes I could go!!  {Insert happy dance here!}

The conference was this past Thursday and Friday.  We drove the 2 1/2 hours Wednesday after school and arrived at the hotel.  We went to dinner and then got all of our stuff for the next day.  Now, this conference had the first session at 7:30 A.M.  Yes, you heard me right 7:30 A.M.  Crazy?!?!?  I am a morning person so this did not bother me one little bit, but I know it is definitely not ideal for a conference.  To make it even easier to get up, my first session was with the one and only Deanna Jump.    My second session of the day was with the fabulous Kim Adsit.  Both of these ladies are hilarious!  I learned so much from them and laughed so much.  I saw two sessions from each of these ladies both on Thursday and Friday.  I also went to two of Shari Sloane's sessions and one from Heidi Butkus.  I went to a couple other sessions, but they weren't anything to write home about.  ;)

What I really wanted to share with you today was all about the Blogger's Bash.  I truly felt bad for the presenters because they presented all day {remember the first session started at 7:30} and the Blogger's Bash didn't start until 6:00 at night and lasted until about 8:30.  These poor women were exhausted I'm sure, but they still gave great presentations about blogging.  They were even nice enough to let me get a picture with them at the end.

First up was Heidi Butkus from Heidisongs.  You can check out her blog {here}.  She basically discussed the importance of having a purpose behind each post and shared some things from her blog.  She is definitely an experienced blogger.  I love all her songs and I truly believe the students learn more through music.  She also talked a bit about how pinterest really promotes interest to her blog.

Next up was Kim Jordano from Kinder By Kim.  She has been around the teacher conferences and things for awhile, but is newer to blogging.  You can check out her blog {here}.  She shared about being new to blogging and some ideas and posts from her blog.  She was super sweet and I loved what she had to say especially since I am newer blogger as well.

Kim Adsit from Kinder Gals also presented.  You can check out her blog {here}.  I think I could listen to both Kim and Deanna talk forever.  I just love southern accents!  This woman definitely knows what she is talking about.  She admits that she is not that "techy", but knows who to go to for help.  She also shared about her blog.  Her blog is authored by both herself and her daughter.

Last up was Deanna Jump from Mrs. Jump's Class.  Her blog is {here}.  They showed a clip of her on the Steve Harvey show where she was discussing how much she has made on TpT.  I can't imagine how hard it is to see yourself on T.V., but I think she did a fabulous job in her interview with him.  She just shared about how she keeps making resolutions to blog more, but it gets hard to do that.  {I hear ya on that one girl!}  She also touched base on how she has formed many friendships through blogging.  She also shared some ideas and posts from her blog.

There was another presenter:  David Finch.  He is not a teacher blogger, but had some great ideas and insight.  He brought up a discussion about getting negative or mean comments.  The teacher bloggers said that for the most part they don't receive comments like that, but that it does happen occasionally.  They did all say that it is nice to receive comments on their posts.  I know I feel that same and I am sure you do as well if you are a blogger yourself.  Then we had a question and answer time where we could ask questions to the bloggers.  A few people asked about starting up a blog and things like that.

It was mainly just the bloggers sharing their blogs and a time for us to ask questions.  I really enjoyed this extra session and I am soooooo thankful that these women took the time with those of us who were very interested in their stories, ideas, and blogs!  All four of them were super sweet!  I was a little worried they would think I was crazy for asking to get a picture with them, but they weren't.  :)

This was by far the best conference I have ever been to!!  I hope I can go back next year somehow to see all these amazing presenters again.

{I plan on doing a part two of this post either tomorrow or early next week. So, check back for that!}

This is my awesome shirt I bought myself at the conference.  I love it because I always say that kindergarten teachers are like rock stars.  The kids are always so excited and happy to see you that they scream out your name!  :)

My lovely friend Jessica over at Fun in Pre-K - 1 is having a 100 follower giveaway so click on the image to head over to her blog so you can have your chance to enter to win some fabulous prizes!

Have a great rest of your weekend!  :)