A New Experience at #ILA15

Photo from Unsplash

The setting was not new -- but the experience was.

In the shadow of the Gateway Arch, on the banks of the Mississippi River, lies the city of St. Louis. It was the location of our family vacation in 2003 as well as a few other short stops over the years I've lived here in the Midwest.

But this time was different, in purpose and in company.

St. Louis was the host city for the #ILA15 (International Literacy Association) July 17-20, 2015.

And it was my first time to attend a large, educational conference.

My district sent approximately 30 educators to the conference and I was truly grateful for a chance to not only spend time with my great colleagues, but to also learn more about literacy ideas and research. I was able to learn a variety of ideas about the importance of reading, brain-based strategies, technology tools, and ways to help students grow in many areas of literacy.

Southeast Polk Educators at ILA
--most of the group! :)

Personally, the trip was a little bittersweet as I spent the entire weekend with 3 of my colleagues from the school I've been at (forever!) and now I will be at different schools this fall. I truly appreciate the time we were able to spend together talking, laughing, eating, and learning together.

                            

Instead of describing every amazing detail of the conference, I'll highlight some memorable thoughts:

"The key to positive reading identity is engagement." Donalyn Miller

"What doesn't have reading research behind it? Test prep and motivational pencils."  :)
Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne

"Motivation and background level can overcome reading level." Donalyn Miller

"Reading is for leisure and learning." Kristin Ziemke and Katie Muhtaris

"We want students to use technology tools that engage students to read, write, talk, and think." Kristin Ziemke and Katie Muhtaris

"Contraliteracy is our well intended practices that have negative effects on literacy development." Justin Stygles

"Reading shame comes from an internalization in deficiency." Justin Stygles

"Mentor text experiences integrate instruction." Maria Walther

"Surround mentor texts with collaborative conversations." Maria Walther

"When we read we bring with us our past experiences." Dana Karraker

"Students have learned compliance. Now let's engage them!" LaVonna Roth

Awesome buttons from Anderson's Bookshop

To the ILA organizers, speakers, attendees, and especially my district and all my SEP friends, thanks for a memorable weekend of learning!

Sign at Pi Pizzeria in St. Louis