Bright and early on Sunday, March 2, 2003, we—twelve University of Evansville students and future educators—gathered to start our adventure to Indianapolis to attend our first reading conference.  On the van ride some of us tried to catch some shut-eye, while the rest were trying to catch up on various homework assignments and portfolios.  However, being closely confined in a van, we were able to set aside homework and lesson planning.  We had the opportunity to talk on a more personal level and build closer friendships.    

      After circling around Indianapolis, we finally found our five-star hotel and were able to check into our rooms.  We then went to the convention center where the Indiana State Reading Association Conference was being held.  Our group registered and immediately began searching through our itinerary for the two-day event.  We were extremely excited and eager to attend the different educational sessions. 

      Before attending any sessions, we went to the luncheon where Randy Beard, a former University of Evansville student, was the keynote speaker.  Today he is in demand all over the country, working with teachers and children in their classrooms.  Using his enthusiasm, he incorporates music and songs into his lessons to make reading and

writing fun, creating a stimulating, pleasurable atmosphere for all learners.  This presenter motivated the audience by interacting with them and by taking titles of Dr. Seuss books and creating new versions of old songs.  Randy Beard had remarkable ideas designed for teachers to plan enjoyable reading and writing activities which will help students to become lifelong readers.

      After the luncheon we decided to break up into smaller groups and attend sessions of our choice. There were many interesting sessions and topics; it was exceptionally hard choosing which meetings to attend.  Following each session, we gathered together as a group to collaborate and share ideas that we learned during the conference.  We connected our ideas together and were able to develop many tremendous ideas that we not only can use in our internships but will also be able to implement into our future classrooms.

      In our two-day experience at the conference, we also had the opportunity to share our ideas with other elementary and middle school teachers.  In our session, “Wrock On,” we as University of Evansville students showed our unique characteristics.  We dressed up as cows to entertain our audience.  Based on the book Philadelphia Chicks, we demonstrated how to create a readers theater for elementary level students.  To incorporate middle school level students into our presentation, we simulated a coffee shop read-aloud.  In this type of activity, students are able to select one of their poems and read it aloud to the class using expression.  This activity promotes fluency in the students’ reading.  The presentation was a great success and was exceedingly memorable.  The audience complimented us on our interesting and entertaining teaching strategies.

      Everyone agreed, after attending our first conference, our enthusiasm for teaching was reaffirmed.  We were able to collect countless ideas, collaborate, and build lasting relationships with our future colleagues that will follow us throughout our careers.  Our experience at the Indiana State Reading Association Conference was definitely a positive experience, and we are looking forward to attending future conferences.