Some people plan an event then find the perfect venue for it; I found the perfect venue then planned an event. From the moment I saw The Story Shop on a home design blog of all places, I knew that I wanted to host something in this magical bookstore. Though I’ve never planned anything like this in my life, the idea of hosting a workshop for English teachers grabbed onto me and just wouldn’t let go. At one point it looked like it wasn’t going to work out, but in the end it did, and now I know why it was meant to be.
Here was my goal for the workshop:
Keeping the Wonder Workshop: A Secondary ELA Workshop at the Most Magical Children’s Bookstore Ever!
Elementary teachers spend their entire careers building a love of reading, but as secondary English teachers, we run the risk of tearing down this foundation with rigidity disguised as rigor. Magic, whimsy, and play don’t have to end in elementary school. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you will learn alongside four high school English teachers who strive to create engaging classrooms full of wonder! Topics include: Incorporating picture books, using stations, transforming classrooms, infusing real-world scenarios, improving classroom environment, and lots more!
From the feedback we received and the feeling we left with, I feel certain that I met and even exceeded this goal!
This bookstore is even more magical than the pictures suggest and the sixty teachers who showed up to learn with us made our time at The Story Shop an unforgettable experience. We were surrounded by passionate English teachers from all around the U.S. who took a day away from their summer break to learn strategies for keeping the wonder in secondary ELA. Their energy and hearts filled this beautiful space, and I think we all left with feelings that we want to bottle up and keep all school year long.
Because of the crazy world known as Instagram, I was able to sweet talk some incredible presenters to travel half a day to Monroe, Georgia. Here they are in their elements:
(Ok, this first one is me, but I did drive four hours to get here. This place is totally worth a road trip by the way).
Ashley Bible @BuildingBookLove
Ashley Bible is a high school English teacher who strives to build a creative learning environment for her secondary students. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in English from East Tennessee State University. After gaining ten years of teaching experience, Ashley recently took a year off from the classroom to teach online British Literature while traveling around the U.K. She looks forward to returning to the classroom this year!
I presented in the young reader’s room (swoon), and we had a great time learning all about Storybird and how I use it in my high school classroom. I also gave a fun and crafty get-to-know-you idea that later became extra decorations in the party room. You can catch a glimpse of them in Jenna’s picture below.
Jenna Copper @DocCopTeaching
Jenna Copper is a full-time high school English teacher and a part-time college professor specializing in perspective-taking learning to build critical reading and writing. She earned her Ph.D. in Education in 2013. In addition, she is a curriculum writer and researcher, and she designs resources to inspire creative thinking.
You can read more about what she presented on and her takeaways here:
Staci Lamb @TheEngagingStation
Staci Lamb is a high school English teacher committed to engaging students, sparking creativity, and empowering other educators. She is currently serving as the 2018 Cecil County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, and she is pursuing her master’s degree in School Leadership. She is passionate about transforming classrooms and schools through collaboration between all stakeholders of education.
You can read more about what she presented on and her takeaways here:
Abby Gross @WriteOnWithMissG
Abby Gross is a high school American Literature, journalism, and newspaper teacher who is dedicated to engaging and empowering her students. She is committed to designing authentic learning experiences and loves finding creative ways to “trick students into learning.” Abby firmly believes that you can have FUN and keep the magic in secondary without sacrificing rigor.
You can read more about what she presented on and her takeaways here:
Here’s some of the feedback we received from attendees:
From the Google Form Exit Ticket:
“I walked away with so many wonderful ideas that I can practically and easily implement. Thank you for hosting this incredible event!”
“The enthusiasm of the presenters was infectious and all materials presented are useful in any ELA setting!”
“This was extremely practical and the activities can be used with all types of learners. The presenters were organized and positive. They truly love being teachers.”
“The information was current, relevant, and gave me fresh new ideas from people who are currently in the classroom. Everyone exceeded my expectations. Great job ladies!”
“Teachers learn the most from other teachers. Sharing your passions in the classroom just may ignite a passion in someone else!”
“This was an absolutely magical experience. I learned a great deal, and I will definitely attend again if it’s ever done again. It was great to be surrounded by teachers who love what they do.”
“The fresh new ideas were presented with passion! Can’t wait to use the various resources presented. Great job, ladies!”
“Not one minute was wasted at this workshop. I was able to get something from each station and lesson, and it was clear the presenters had spent time in developing the material presented. The handouts were especially helpful. This workshop was about collaboration and creativity— the presenters were so generous in the information shared and material provided to help the participants shape the lessons learned into the best fit for their classrooms.”
“This workshop truly was magical. Between the energy of the presenters and the great ideas I can bring to my own classroom, I would give this workshop an A+!”
“The energy and enthusiasm of each the presenter was amazing!! My two co-workers and I spent the entire 7 hour drive home brainstorming ways to implement and expand on all of the ideas that we saw and heard. I also loved the number of participants being small so we could get to know one another and share ideas.”
“Amazing workshop! I thought the presenters were very prepared, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It was well worth the 5 1/2 hour drive!”
“I totally loved spending the day with you all. It was great PD in a one-of-a-kind, whimsical venue! I loved every minute!! Thank you for dreaming big!”
“This workshop was very organized and well thought out. I felt like every presentation’s content and delivery was excellent, and I walked away feeling like I could teach every single item that was presented. I could easily visualize how I would use each strategy/lesson/technology/activity in my classroom.”
“It was absolutely fantastic, positive, and unbelievably inspiring, especially for a first-year teacher. I want to start my career on the right foot, and with the resources and lessons I learned from everyone at the workshop, this is a definite step in the right direction.”
Ok, now I’m crying again. Wow. What an incredible day! One of my non-teacher friends who joined me summed it up better than I ever could. She told me on the drive home that she wished she had just a small fraction of the passion for her job that she felt at this workshop. I told her that when you get a group of like-minded teachers together, this is the norm. English teachers are WONDERFUL.
***
A special thanks to The Story Shop for hosting us! I know they thought I was crazy when I started messaging them on Instagram, but they made us feel welcome and kept insisting that their bookstore is for children of all ages!
I would also like that thank Coffee Camper Co. for catering our event. They did a spectacular job and the coffee bar was a hit!
Until next time….
If you have any venue suggestions in your city, we would love to learn more! Leave a comment!
I'd like to know more about the get-to-know you activity with the dictionary pages. Thanks!
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I'll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future. Cheers bespoke web design
Please keep me informed about the next workshop. It looks amazing.
So super excited!
Hoping to make the next workshop! Keep me informed!
Please come to California!
I would LOVE to be on your first-to-know list! This looks like so much fun!
I would love to attend the next workshop! Keep us posted! Could somewhere in the Midwest be a possibility????
Come to Texas!
If only The Book Loft in Columbus, Ohio were big enough! It's teeny tiny rooms all over the property.
Yay!!! I’ve been waiting to hear about the next one! So excited 🙂
Any chance you could do one online? You have international fans too and we'd love to be inspired by your creativity!
I can't wait to hear more!!! I hope I'm on the first to know list!! This looks like the best PD I can think of!