Mid-west Conference

Here it is the Monday after returning from the WBT Mid-west conference in West Plains, Missouri.  I don't even know where to start.  The conference was amazing.  There was so much new information that I really didn't expect since we had just returned from the National Conference 2 weeks previously.  The conference began with everyone (around 450 teachers and administrators) together.  Chris taught the Big Seven during this time.  Then we split into two groups, those new to WBT and those that have been using WBT for awhile (the veterans).  My sister stayed in the "new" group while I went to the "veteran" group.

The group for those new to WBT focused on the classroom management aspects of WBT and the learning games such as the Super Speed games, Smoothy Bumper Planet,  Biffy Tunes, and The Crazy Professor.

The veteran group received great information on the Genius Ladder (previously the sentence ladder) and oral writing.  These two things alone were well worth the time to go to the conference, but we got so much more!  Information on the Power Pix along with sample lessons, the 5 part lesson template, and setting up a model classroom are just a few of the wonderful things that were presented to the veteran group in Chris Biffle's own unique style.  By the way, you can go to the WBT website to download information on everything that I have mentioned so far, all free of charge.  Yes, my friends, that is one of the best things about WBT.  It is there to share and use for free.  We want to make a difference in students' lives and change teachers' lives as well.

We left with a wealth of information and excitement for the upcoming school year.  The West Plains administrators along with Chris Biffle and Chris Rekstad were already making plans for a three day conference next year!  So make your plans now.  If you have never attended a WBT Conference, check the calendar on the WBT website, www.wholebrainteaching.com  for upcoming opportunities.  It will change your teaching life!

Beginning the blogging journey

Although I am not new to WBT, I am new to blogging.  It seems there is always something new to experience in the teaching field. 

I am hoping to take you along on my WBT journey this upcoming school year.  I teach Title I reading.  I have small groups all day long.  I work with students K-5 grade.  I work in two different elementary buildings within the same school district.  In one building I have a very small room that I share with the speech teacher, counselor, nurse, and anyone else who seems to need it.  Believe it or not, it works out pretty well.  In the building that I spend the majority of my time, I don't have a room at all.  I have a cart, that I try to keep most of what I need on, and travel from pod to pod to meet with my students.  This also works out fairly well, but it does make WBT look different than it does in a contained classroom.  I will try to share with you how we are using WBT in these different types of learning situations.

As for the summer,  I attended the WBT National Conference in Louisiana this month.  (It was great!!)  Now I am getting ready to attend the Mid-West Conference in West Plains, MO coming up in two weeks.  I can't wait.