Image Map

Monday, March 3, 2014

Read About My Weekend... You won't be sorry!

I am exhausted but filled with wonderful memories from the Southern California Kindergarten Conference. The keynote speaker was our head blogger Deanna Jump from Mrs. Jump's Classroom. She did a fantastic job on a topic that we all want to learn more about " The Common Core." Bloggers from all over  Southern California were asked to present here and it was a weekend to remember! 



I was so nervous before this presentation that my teeth were chattering. My bubble necklaces got tangled up and the room was packed with kindergarten teachers and my blogging buddies. I took a deep breath and looked up into Deanna Jump's eyes and knew I was ready to do this! I tossed a beach ball and gave away freebies. I hope they loved it! I tried to give them a general overview of CC in kindergarten through the lens of an English Language Learner and it took me months to put this together. I sweated over it more than my thesis for graduate school!  They laughed, they clapped, and blew bubbles at the end of my session. I love kindergarten. I love kindergarten teachers the most. They are so loving. On to the Blogger Bash dinner with Heidi from HeidiSongs as our MC. Miss Kindergarten and Michelle Griffo put this beautiful event together with help from other bloggers. It was FANTASTIC! They have some serious skills peeps.



We gave away gorgeous baskets we had each made and mine of course was none other than Pete the Cat! I filled it with Pete, my favorite books about Pete, my packets, Pete note paper and other Pete related goodies. The winner loved her goodies! She was so sweet and happy to receive this. The party was filled with food, laughter, and we raffled off gift certificates to our TpT store. It was so much fun to make teachers so happy!
At the end of the weekend it was pouring and I was exhausted. My husband took one look at me and booked a spectacular room at the Westin, took me out to a beautiful restaurant, talked about the conference over drinks late that evening and took me to a great breakfast the following morning. Yup, he is a keeper! #blessed

I went to most of the presentations my young friends did and I was overwhelmed by the quality of their work. They made gorgeous Power Points and handouts. They were relaxed, funny, and sent teachers home with a million ideas for implementing the Common Core in engaging ways for our young students. I was so proud of their work. Please come to this conference next year. My brain is exploding with great ideas and my heart is full. Kindergarten teachers are the best people on earth.
Much love to the bloggers in Southern Cal,
Fran







13 comments:

Michelle Griffo said...

Fran, it was seriously an amazing weekend!!! Love you so much and thank you for inspiring and encouraging all of us! #Ilovemamabear

Fluttering Through First Grade said...

You are one incredible lady! We love our Mama Fran! You take such great care of all of us and your insight and encouragement goes beyond measure! We enjoyed every delirious minute with you this weekend. Can't wait to do it again soon! After we all sleep first!!!
~Christy & Tammy
Fluttering Through First Grade

KFUNdamentals said...

What a beautiful post, Fran. So glad I got to meet you and your wonderful husband. Looking forward to seeing you again! Palma

Anonymous said...

I was your TPT store winner! So excited to win something from you! I have lots of your products and love them...so do my kiddos! Thanks for being so generous and kind! :)
Michelle

Anonymous said...

I was your TPT store winner! So excited to win something from you! I have lots of your products and love them...so do my kiddos! Thanks for being so generous and kind! :)
Michelle

Anonymous said...

I was the winner of your TPT gift certificate! I have lots of your products and my kiddos and I love them! Thanks for being so generous!!! :)
Michelle

Katie Knight said...

Fran!!! Best Post ever!!!! Love you!

Mrs. Tolbert said...

Looks like you all had a blast! I wish I could have gone, but I live in Alabama. :/ A bit too far for me.

Jada
Daisy Days for Learning

Unknown said...

Wow! Sounds exciting and fun! :)

Annie Moffatt said...

Fran…You know how much I just love you! You are an amazing person! So full of encouragement and I adore you to pieces!

Anonymous said...

I hope they ask you back...because I want to come. You are amazing and there were amazing ladies there with you.

Terri Izatt
KinderKapers

Susan said...

Fran, I was very excited to meet you at the blogger bash and at your booth. You are so funny, kind and knowledgeable. Thank you for sharing your expertise with all of us kinder teachers.

Fran Kramer said...

Susan,
I am so happy you left a comment. I feel like I met so many wonderful people over that weekend that I don't even know how to talk about it. I hope we meet again!
Fran