’09 TAGT: Educator Perspective by Brenda Caproni

Comments from Brenda Caproni and Coppell Middle School West

This year’s TAGT conference included not only its usual great keynote speakers and information-packed workshops, but added the unusual delight and drama of snow in Houston, canceled flights home, and an extra night with great friends (and no luggage) in a beautiful hotel! This year’s conference was quite the adventure!
One workshop that I found particularly helpful and informative was called “Writing is Art:The Use of Art to Teach Writing” by Chelsea Kostyniak from Grand Prairie ISD. The session included great new ways to incorporate Thinking Maps into writing, the use of a visual dialectical journal for writing interpretive responses to literary texts, any many ways to incorporate drama and dance into writing. The session focused on the collaborative and creative aspects of writing that is so engaging and enjoyable for students. It was informative and practical, and I have many new ideas and strategies that can be applied immediately in my classes.
With all of its usual informative and enjoyable presentations, along with some exciting unexpected events, this year’s TAGT conference was one that I definitely will not forget!