G

G is for Growth

This week, I spent two days at the WESTCAST conference in Saskatoon learning and growing by sharing information with my peers and in turn, listening to their ideas and strategies. I tend to feel nervous public speaking but this was a safe and understanding environment that allowed my confidence to grow and my nerves to diminish. Although this is a traditional face to face way of sharing information, I think it has just as much use as a PLE/PLN. I truly enjoy learning from others in a face to face setting.

The experience of WESTCAST also helped me to grow and develop deeper friendships with some of my classmates and I know I will stay in touch with these people regardless of where we get jobs or where life takes us. It was an amazing opportunity and I would encourage other students teachers to go when they get the chance. I sat in on many speakers discussing a variety of topics including Montessori method and Aboriginal teachings, encouraging creativity in the classroom, tools for assessment and evaluation, strategies for creating a classroom community and problem solving in Kindergarten. From each presentation I learned at least one new thing and therefore have grown as a teacher and a learner. It was truly an excellent experience!