Post MidWinter

Upon my return from ALA Midwinter:

I was invited by my wonderful principal to share my experience on our morning announcements broadcast, and I was happy to do so! I talked about how amazing the experience was, and I brought along one of our copies of THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE by Dan Santat,  the 2015 Caldecott Medal Winner. It was great to be able to show the students the new cover with the Caldecott Medal (which I had just affixed that very morning).

That week, I also read THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE to 1st -5th grade classes, wearing a crown similar to the ones the Caldecott committee wore in Chicago. I never tired of the book, and each time, saw something new. "He did the unimaginable," is my favorite line of the book because it makes me think of my own learning journey. Since I read the book aloud to classes, I purchased more copies both for the library and for gifts, and I have yet to see the book in the library for very long at all.

One particular effect of the ALA MidWinter experience: I couldn't stop talking about it.
In fact, when a group of visitors from a nearby school district dropped by the library last week, I found myself giving an impromptu presentation on the Caldecott Award and the value of picture books -- and I did not run out of words.

I read 2015 Geisel Honor Winner WAITING IS NOT EASY by Mo Willems to kindergarten, asking the classroom teacher to read either Gerald or Piggie's part. This type of team reading was a definite success, and I saw the beauty of the book even more. The night sky filled with stars is definitely a wonderful surprise to share with Gerald, Piggie!

I returned with a long list of books to read and  purchase based on what I had seen at MidWinter. I read books at booths or in sessions where they were being discussed. My order list is growing!

I also can't believe I experienced a blizzard. Wow! I'm so glad I took pictures!

And because I promised myself I would write a poem about the experience, here is my draft:

Snow City

The snowflakes slide
lightly down.
Never stopping.
Through a welcome window
I watch them glide
past buttery lamplight
then lose them in piles--
too many to see.

How is it that I am here?
here in this snow city
in this place
Now?

I am a visitor --
a traveler --
a WONDERER --
standing in warmth
looking down
at the snow city
below --
marveling.

© 2015 Cynthia Alaniz

A meager attempt at poetry, but I will revise!

I am so grateful for the ALA MidWinter experience!

Middle of Midwinter

 

 

 

I am here in Seattle at ALA's Midwinter Conference. I'ts my 2nd full day, and I would say it's the middle of the whole thing for me.

 

This is the banner you see as you make your way up the escalators to the Washington Convention Center floors. It is grand and welcoming, and I love how it says "This way to" and "the conversation starts here". Both of those things are very true.

 

 

THIS WAY TO:

 

As a library school student, attending this conference is a great supplement to my courses. It is real life library learning. There are sessions and discussions on so many topics, and for me this means making meaninful connections between what I'm learning in my courses and what is actually happening now. I smile widely when I hear something I've learned before, or I hurriedly write something down when I hear in a new phrase/explanation that confirms previous learning. I just love it when this happens. This is my 3rd ALA conference, and I would say that each one has been an education in itself.

 

THE CONVERSATIONS STARTS HERE:

At every turn, there is an opportunity for conversation. In the elevator, on the escalator, or on the way to sessions, I'll start chatting with fellow ALA goers. When they hear I'm a teacher/library school student, they are ready to help and offer information. Even in elevators, they are willing to connect people with knowledge!

 

The conversations contnue in the exhibit hall with publishers and authors. I want to tell them how much I loved a book. I want to ask them about more books. I want to learn. I ask and I listen, and there is something to be learned in every conversation.

 

The discussions about books abound here. But one must be ready! Think quickly! Support your ideas. Everyone loves books here, and we all want to learn. There is so much one can say about whether a book is good or whether it misses the mark. But each interaction helps deepened my love of books. If that's possible.

 

Tomorrow is the exciting day-- the Youth Media Awards. I will be celebrating books with people who love books as much as I do. Books and authors will be honored. In the midst of all this, I will be very happy to be present. Very. Happy.  

 

So as the banner has promised, attending ALA has lead me to conversations and the right path.

 

I can only dream of what it will lead to next!