NAEYC: Final reflections

Attending the annual NAEYC conference for the very first time was a wonderful experience and as Laura and I returned home, I’ve had some time to reflect on our trip. I learned a great deal of information that I can apply to my job as a Director of a program, as well as information I can apply to our SEEDS Network. More importantly though, I feel that the conference provided me with a boost of energy, a little pick-me up…a reminder that early education is fun and exciting.

The other day I was showing my mom the many pictures that Laura and I took on our trip, and she commented how much fun it looked like we had in Atlanta. And we did have SO MUCH FUN! Whether it was meeting early childhood authors or walking around the tradeshow, we had a blast! Hundreds of people were having a great time and this is what education should be…having fun and learning at the same time!

We early educators are special folks, we have a part of us that loves to still get dirty, a part of us that loves to sing and dance, a part of us that loves to get a little silly now and again. The NAEYC conference allowed teachers to tap into those parts and have fun while expanding our knowledge base. Here are just a few instances of teachers having a blast at the conference.

Laura painting with BioColor at the Discount School Supply booth

Laura and I were thrilled to get our picture with storybook character Curious George. Yes, grown women excited to meet a life size monkey!

The folks at Discount School Supply had teachers going crazy for the chance to spin the prize wheel “BIG MONEY!!!!!!!”

How great is it to see over 75 grown adults singing and dancing about “4 groovy buttons!” The crowd went crazy when author and performer Eric Litwin took the stage. (You can see a little recorded clip of his performance at NAEYC on our Facebook page)

Did you get your “Smarty Ants” headband? Everyone was walking around the convention with these fashionable and fun accessories. Not an acceptable fashion statement out in the real world, but for these four days it was perfectly fine to be wearing your antennas.

Look at all these folks letting loose and dancing up a storm during the literacy and movement workshop we presented! Over 175 people cutting a rug in order to learn new skills on how to bring literacy and movement to life in their classroom.

There is no doubt that our four day trip to Atlanta was amazing. We were educated and motivated and inspired to do our best every day. Best of all we were able to have fun with thousands of teachers just like us. We can’t wait for next year……Washington DC here we come!