22 Days of Thankfulness: Catching Up

Since my last post in the "22 Days Of Thankfulness" series, I've been away in Atlanta at the 2012 NAEYC Conference! There has been much to be thankful for in the last week, but simply not enough hours in the day to write about them, so this post will hopefully bring me up to date. 

Day 6,  November 6, 2012

I am thankful for the occasional teacher workday. There is always so many things to catch up on, and with my trip to NAEYC, I needed the extra time for planning.


Day 7, November 7, 2012

I am thankful to arrive safely in Atlanta. This conference is such a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow as a teacher, plus a chance to meet and network with other teachers from all over the country.

Day 8, November 8, 2012

I am thankful for the opportunity to meet and hang out with some of the wonderful Early Education bloggers I've connected with since I've been blogging. In the morning, I met up with my friend Gerianne Linden of Rocky Hill Co-operative School and we attended a wonderfully informative session by Laura Balma Eldredge and Tressa Giordano of The Seeds Network. 

Gerianne, Laura, Me (Ayn) and Tressa at Laura and Tressa's session!

Later, several of us met for dinner at The Hard Rock Cafe and enjoyed a wonderful evening together!

Left to right:

Tressa Giordano and Laura Eldredge (The Seeds Network), Gerianne Linden (Rocky Hill Co-Operative School), Allen Clement, Debbie Clement (Rainbows Within Reach) Me (little illuminations) and Deborah Stewart (Teach Preschool)

Day 9, November 9, 2012

I am thankful for wonderful children's music that keeps my students moving and grooving. I attended sessions by The Learning Station, Ella Jenkins, Mr. Al, and Greg and Steve. I learned some new songs and danced to some of my favorites!

Don Monopoli of The Learning Station performing at the Frog Street Press booth.

 Ella Jenkins leading a song at her session.

Me and Mr.Al!

Steve, Me and Greg from Greg & Steve

Day 10, November 10, 2012

I am thankful for the FABULOUS experience of NAEYC!!!! I made the most out of every moment of my time and really stepped out of my comfort zone to try new things. I even danced on stage with The Learning Station and Greg & Steve in the closing session/ grand finale of the conference in front of thousands of people!

Day 11, November 11, 2012

I'm thankful for lazy Sundays, so that I can catch up on lesson plans and get ready for a new work week.

I'm also VERY thankful for all the service men and women who work so very hard and sacrifice so very much so that I may live in safety and freedom. Thank you, thank you to those who serve and their families, too! 

Look for a post coming soon with more about the NAEYC Conference!

What are you thankful for in your school or blogging life?

I'd love to start a trend! If you'd like to join in the fun and share your "Days of Thankfulness", be sure to leave a link here so others can be inspired! 


Thanks for visiting!  Be sure to leave a little "comment love"---I'd love for you to share your thoughts! 

Check out the little illuminations facebook fan page and see what we're sharing today!