Viva Las Vegas! TpT Conference 2015 Linky Party

I'm linking up with Elementary Entourage to share a peek into some of the fun I had in Las Vegas, Nevada for the #TpTVegas15 Conference.  I learned so much in such a short amount of time and met tons of wonderful people.  If I could have attended every TpT session and talked with each blogger at the conference, I would have done so.  This community of teachers is so energizing, motivating and uplifting.

I arrived in Las Vegas onTuesday.  Since the conference was held during the week of my my 7th wedding anniversary, my husband joined me so we could celebrate together before and after the conference.  #MyOneAndOnly

We hung at our hotel pool for part of the day, then went gambling at the Venetian later in the evening.  Just so you know, I am NOT a true gambler.  I put a $5 bill into the quarter slots.  After spending $0.75, I won $16!  I immediately cashed out and claimed my winnings.  I figured I'd quit while I was ahead.  My husband just shook his head with a smirk.  He knows I'd rather spend my money on shoes, clothes and, of course, TpT products for my classroom. :) 

Early evening on Wednesday, I met up with some amazing ladies I collaborate with from The Reading Crew Facebook group at the Grab and Gab Teacher Blogger Meet-Up hosted by Bridget from Literacy Without Worksheets.  She's the sweetest.  Alongside Bridget was Carla from Comprehension Connection.  Carla has been a huge support to me in my literacy endeavors.  I participated in my first blog hop last Fall, which was organized by Carla.  It was exciting to meet her in person. :)   

The following morning, I joined Carla to meet even more members of The Reading Crew for an early breakfast before TpT's networking event.  A few of our crew members were unable to attend the breakfast, or Vegas all together, due to previous engagements.  We certainly missed them, but knew they were with us in spirit.  I especially missed Michelle from BigTime Literacy who is one of my favorite bloggers.  I'm sure she'll be in the picture next year. :) 

After breakfast, the crew headed over to the networking event held by TpT.  I met many of my favorite teacher bloggers there.  Our conversations were enlightening and some of my online teacher friends became friends in real life.  I was unable to get pictures with everyone I met, but I managed to snag a few of my favorites!

Melissa from Mrs. Dailey's Classroom, Princess from Teaching Love Cupcakes, Kayla from Top Dog Teaching, Krista from Creative Clips 

Aly from Just a Primary Girl, Miss Giraffe from Miss Giraffe's Class, Alexis from Eat, Laugh, Learn, Emily from Polkadots Please, Diane from One Giggle at a Time, Crystal from The Balanced Teacher

Deb from Crafting Connections, Emily from Third in Hollywood, Matt from Digital Divide & Conquer, Melissa from A Teaspoon of Teaching

Bridget from Literacy Without Worksheets, Wendy from Ms. D's Literacy Lab, Kristin from Ms. Jordan Reads, Rachel from Minds in Bloom, Carla from Comprehension Connection, Melissa from A Teaspoon of Teaching, Farley from Oh Boy Fourth Grade, Mindy from Mrs. Thomas' Teachable Moments, Janiel from Janiel's Literacy Page

After much learning over two days, I attended the TpT Happy Hour to meet A Traveled Teacher, Cristy from Kindergarten Squared, Brittany from Tickled Pink in Primary, and Jessica from Mrs. Plemon's Kindergarten for some PhotoBooth fun!  By the end of the two and a half days, the amount of blogger cards I collected was astounding.  I bet I have at least 100 cards from amazing TpT-ers and bloggers! 

Besides the fact it's fun meeting great people, my take-aways from the conference include some quotes and TpT tips from the sessions I attended. 

Quotes from the Welcome TpT Keynote Presentation

Slides from Deanna Jump's and Deedee Willis' Session: Did I Really Sell That??!!
(The second slide makes me laugh!)

Slide from Erin Cobb's Session: From Teacher to Teacherprenuer 
(and Teacher Seller Planner below to keep me on my toes!)

Slide from Stephanie Stewart's Session: Core Creations

Slide from Hadar Maor's Session: Instagram Your Brand One Picture at a Time

Overall, I'm grateful and blessed to have been able attend the TpT Conference 2015.  Thank you to Lockless Creations, Teaching Super Power and KG Fonts for the clipart and fonts in my collages!

July 2015 Currently & 1 Year Blog Anniversary!

It's July?  My goodness, the summer is going so fast.  I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh Boy 4th Grade for my second July Currently.  Thanks for hosting, Farley!

Listening: I'm on the porch listening to my hubby mow the lawn, while watching my kiddos play in their sandbox.  Having a little down time for a quick blog post is my kind of start to the morning. 

Loving: I'm am absolutely loving the idea of being in Las Vegas for my very first TpT Conference next week!  Back in March, I decided to venture out and learn from the best TpT *teacherprenuers* out there.  

At the time I registered, I didn't know anyone attending the conference.  Since the week of the conference will be my 7th wedding anniversary, my hubby decided to go to Vegas with me to support my teacher endeavors, while extending the stay for a mini anniversary vacation.  Woohoo!  However, after a fun Chicago Blogger Meet Up this past weekend, I'll be meeting up with a small group of new friends at the Venetian.  I can't wait!

Thinking: I can't believe it's been a year since I started up Literacy Loving Gals!  Today is my 1 year blog anniversary.  Shall I say, Blogiversary?  Last year, on July 1st, I attended a blogging PD hosted by Michelle over at BigTime Literacy.  During the PD, I linked up for the very first time with Farley for July Currently.  I also began Michelle's BigTime Blogging Challenge, which she just started again today!  I've learned so much from those in the social media world and have met some very talented people through blogging.  I'm glad I took the step to attend the PD and enter the Blogosphere! 

Wanting: Relaxation and reading are hard to come by, since I'm busy with the kids swimming, painting, camping and so on.  I wouldn't change my time with the family for the world, but it certainly would be nice to have a little more relaxation in the sun.  I have a feeling I'll get to do that next week, since my parents will have the kids while my hubby and I are in Vegas! :)

Needing: Ugh, I'm needing to pack, but I have no idea what to put in my luggage.  My friend is in Las Vegas right now and warns me the weather is in the hundreds even in the middle of the night. Yeowza!  However, every restaurant or indoor area is freezing cold because of the air condition.  I guess I'll just pack some sundresses, swimsuits and sweaters! ;)

All Star: I'm an All-Star addict... of learning, that is.  I love seeking out new strategies and techniques to make me a better qualified Reading Specialist.  I can't help myself.  Perusing blogs, attending conferences, reading and retweeting articles on Twitter, etc. is nearly a constant in my life.  I am currently reading Jennifer Serravallo's The Reading Strategies Book and will be hosting a Book Study with the #ReadingStrategiesCrew.  It starts August 3rd right here on Literacy Loving Gals!  

Anyway, I swore to my husband, I'd take time to relax and let loose a little for our anniversary spent in Las Vegas.  He really wants to go to visit the Pawn Stars shop.  Of course, on my vacation I'll still be learning at the TpT conference (because I'm an addict of learning).  I guess I'll be getting the best of both worlds. :)

Happy July!

May Currently: Word Work, Wish Lists and Touchtronic Letters, Oh MY!

Happy May!  I loved waking up this morning feeling rising temperatures, seeing a bright sunny sky and hearing little birds happily singing.  Ahhh, just the way I like it.  What a beautiful welcome to the month.  It's also a great day to link up with the fabulous Farely over at Oh Boy 4th Grade for another edition of Currently.  Thanks for hosting! 

Listening: I take pleasure in listening to my students work collaboratively with one another while participating in word work activities.  They have come a long way since the beginning of the year.  I'm so impressed with their progress.  We've had fun reviewing blends and sight words this past week.  The kids love playing Pop for Blends to practice beginning blends.  I found the plate idea for word work on Pinterest. (You're the best, Pinterest!) :)

Loving: I love Teachers Pay Teachers.  My collection of goodies to support my Guided Reading groups sure has grown over the past few years, thanks to TpT.  I delight in creating TpT products for my students and sharing them with teachers, but when I don't have the time to create, I definitely support my fellow TpT sellers by spending, spending, spending.  I'm grateful for you, TpT sellers! Anyway, I've been trying to organize my baskets this week, and have come to the realization...I need more baskets and shelves!  (I haven't shown you my other shelves, since I'm still trying to organize those.)

Thinking: I can't believe it's time for the F&P Spring Benchmark Assessment already.  Our fantastic Literacy Coach, Courtney, prepared a testing schedule, as well as organized the F&P assessment boxes to pass out to the classroom teachers.  Starting next week, I will be joining Courtney and (my former blogging partner) Nancy, in assisting the teachers with the testing of 500+ students.  Benchmark testing, here we come! :)

Wanting: Ever heard of Junior Learning Touchtronic Letters?  I hope to acquire those for my little friends!  I'm seeing posts blowing up all over Social Media this past week.  I'm learning from teacher bloggers and Instagram friends how wonderful and engaging they are for students.  I think I am going to have to add those to my Amazon cart! 

Needing: (I'm needing Touchtronic Letters, but I'll pick a different one.) I'm needing to become a super hero.  Is that possible?  If I were a super hero, I'd be able to accomplish my want-to-do list in a fraction of the time it would take the average person.  I usually finish my to-do list filled with household chores in a timely manner, while my want-to-do list sits on the back burner (scorching itself).  One thing I want to do is read...uninterrupted ...for more than ten minutes per sitting.  I have many titles of professional books I desire to read.  I've purchased (and loved reading) Beyond Leveled Books and Teaching for Deep Comprehension.  

But recently?  My "wish list" of professional books has grown...very quickly.  Nonetheless, my time to sit down and read them is almost nonexistent.  

The reasons my time is almost nonexistent are ones I wouldn't change for the world.  I get to teach adorable kiddos all day and then get to come home to very sweet twin super heroes, as you probably already know if you follow my blog.  There doesn't seem to be room enough for one more super hero in our household right now.  I guess I'll put my decision to become a super hero on the back burner, too.  :)

Summer Yes, Hopes and Dreams: I certainly am looking forward to summer!  My YES is learning from professionals at the Literacy Retreat 2015 in June, and of course, experiencing TpT 2015 Conference in Vegas in July for the first time!!  I can't wait to meet some of my Social Media friends there!

My HOPE is to do lots of vacationing with my family in many various places around the states.  My DREAM is to read books uninterrupted for more than 10 minutes per sitting, as I mentioned above. ;)

Thanks to Kimberly Geswein for the fonts and to Farley for hosting another Currently!