Beach Conference

I am sorry I meant to say A Beka Conference in Pensacola, Fl. The above title just seemed to be a more catchier title. We use the A Beka curriculum where I teach. Each year the new teachers attend a conference in Florida. We spent 2 days watching this well structured and organized school. The first day  I observed the Kindergarten classes. I was amazed at what I saw. Each class had 28 students in it. They were all so well behaved. The more  I watched the more I realized why. The teachers were nonstop meaning they left no wiggle room for the kids to misbehave. I have to tell you I was worn out just watching them. 

 Although I left with many wonderful ideas( which I have implemented  and it is working quite nicely),  I thought the school lacked in a few areas. There seemed to be no room for creativity. This is by far my  favorite part of teaching. I enjoy watching the kids express their individuality while learning at the same time. You can learn a lot from a child just by looking at what they create.

There was no time for little Johnny to tell a story. I am sure if you have little ones you know how much they love to talk and tell you about their day. Imagine if you had a story to tell your friend and you couldn't. If I did not let the  kids in my class talk to me, I would not know them. I am not saying the teachers there do not know their kids or let them talk. I just did not witness any room for it with 28 students during the 2 days I was there. I just think some stories should be shared during class. Yes, sometimes there are things that I should not hear.....meaning activities that take place at home. A teacher once told me, " I won't believe everything your child tells me if you don't believe everything they say about me." This reminds me of the time when Carmel hit me in the head one night while he was sleeping. We were discussing it in the car and Laney proceeds to tell us how she told her teacher, "Yeah, my dad hits my mom." 

This is a picture of the school. It was so nice and very clean. They even had there own bookstore. I had a wonderful time and learned a lot!

Now, we could not have traveled all that way and not step foot on the beach. So Monday night, we headed there. Even though I was not able to spend the whole day on the beach, it was nice being able to put my feet in the sand. It made me remember how much I loved living so close to it.

This was the group that went this year.

This is my good friend Cheryl. 

Can I just tell you how great our director is? He is kind, generous, and such a hard worker. Oh and did I mention........laid back. Yes, literally laid back......he laid back while we buried him in the sand. I don't know too many directors that would let there teachers do this to them. I took plenty of pictures for blackmail.....just kidding! Here are a few of the culprits who were involved in the act.

Yes.....he is helping dig his own hole.

Some seemed to be having a little too much fun!

It was nice to get away for a few days and fellowship with friends.