Oh how I hate the M6! It took me two and a half hours to get to Brum this morning and just over an hour to get home tonight. Luckily I wasn't the last to arrive to my own conference - now that would have been a first.
Clare and the team had done a brilliant job organising the event which was in one of the most 'unique' venues I have ever done. It was a community centre in the heart of an EAZ and the room that I was using was usually used for Asian weddings.
They must have heard about my Talk Sofa initiative as this was the setting for my presentation.
The screen was just in front of the sofa. There were also 2 chandeliers and the option of twinkling fairy lights behind the white drapes. It was very 'bling' and right up my street!
There was SO much food on offer I am surprised anyone stayed awake in the afternoon. The cakes after lunch were MASSIVE and there was loads left over. When I got into the car to come home I was pleased to see that the cake fairy had been and left me a little gift on the back seat. It made me a very popular dad when I got home although we all now feel a little sick!
I really enjoyed the day especially getting to chat to people about what they are doing in their settings. I was even given a CD of images from a school in Sheffield who have been using some elements of the blog to inspire practice. I will have a good look at it tomorrow and share what they are doing.
Also had an interesting chat with Carole from Brum who has had some great results from her initiative 'Talk Handbag'. It is basically....her handbag, which she empties with the children and then talks about what she has in it and why. She said the children were always fascinated with the contents. Having met her I imagine the contents of her bag would certainly give you something to talk about!
It is an idea that you could develop further though. You could create a handbag for various characters and theme the contents to give the children clues as to who it might belong to. What would Red Riding Hood's Granny have in hers? What about Goldilocks' mum? Of course we mustn't forget the 'manbag'! What would the Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk have in his?
Hmmm, you have really got me thinking Carole!
Am back to Brum soon, so hope to see some of you again then.
Alistair
Had a wonderful day today very inspiring! Me and my nursery nurse have so many exciting changes if a bit scary to implement. Can't wait to get started. Considering we travel lodged it last night including pizza express then got throughly lost still this morning it was well worth it... Even if just to learn Japanese numbers to 10 and find out you liked ladies underwear lol .... Fantastic coursecwoth so many ideas I can take back and hopefully inspire both the children and staff ... If your ever around the Doncaster way I will be there like a shot. Thanks
Posted by: Gemma | 14/03/2011 at 09:31 PM
Inspirational thanks Alistair. (Don't worry, we arrived after you!)
Can't wait to get some stuff going!
Cat
Posted by: Cat | 15/03/2011 at 07:07 PM
Thanks for a fantastic day (in Brum)! It was fun and VERY inspiring. Will never look at my boys in the same way and will be sharing with staff the way of assessing their engagement in lessons- willy fiddling OR willy nipping!!! I think it should be put in the school policy somewhere! Just wish my colleagues had come because your'e a hoot! Can't wait to get things going in my setting.
Posted by: Fareedah | 15/03/2011 at 07:32 PM