Creating the Transform Challenging Behavior Online Conference (TCBOC) is THE most exciting thing I have ever done.
An unreasonable idea that stalked me.
Then, it became an almost easy reality when I learned that a friend-of-a-friend specialized in helping people run online conferences.
Sometimes life's magic like that.
The first time we held the TCB Online Conference in the Spring of 2018 THOUSANDS of people showed up! I did Facebook Lives for the first time. Actually, I did a bazillion things for the first time. I existed in an almost constant state of out-of-my-comfort-zone-ness from the day we opened registration 'till the day after the conference.
...and it was amazing!
I learned so much. Everyone loved the speakers. The Facebook group exploded with teachers sharing "a-ha's," asking questions, and reporting on the new strategies they were using successfully .
Margaret from Australia wrote and told me that every day for 7 days she came home, brewed a pot of tea, and sat down "with me" to watch all 3 videos of the day.
I held the conference again in Spring 2019 (all new material) and I've been working on the 2020 event for you since this past September.
I've interviewed some returning speakers...many new speakers...several speakers that you requested!!! Interviews done. Videos edited. Spanish translations almost done!
Registration started almost a week ago from today.
I had a moment of wondering, given everything that's going on in the world should we go forth?
(Even though we've gotten ALL SORTS OF EMAILS in the last 2 weeks with people asking about online PD in general as well as about the conference specifically).
So...maybe the better question is how should we go forth?
Here's what I know. I trust in this event. And, I trust in the community.
So, my guess is that some people who have never attended an online conference before - let alone this one - will decide it's actually the perfect time for some online professional development.
Some early childhood professionals are being required to do online learning - so they'll sign up to meet that requirement...and then they just might fall in love with the format, the topics, the speakers, and the community!
Some people are desperately looking for anything and everything to distract themselves. Since my event is free and even Netflix costs money they just might sign up! (Or, maybe they already binge-watched everything on they're watchlist).
Some people - maybe loyal attendees of the last two years - will decide it's not the year for them. And that's OK, too. (But that doesn't mean I have to bold anything in that sentence ;)
And, some of you who are considered essential workers probably need this more than ever. The world's been turned upside down, you have new kids you're working with, and we all know that the stress children are inevitably feeling comes out through their behavior.
In that case even if you're stressed and exhausted it might make sense to press play on a video that will help you with behavior while you cook dinner or do the dishes.
No matter which path you are on maybe you'll decide to sit down with me and a cup of tea one evening and learn about Conscious Discipline from Elizabeth Montero-Cefalo...
...Or, maybe what you really need is to listen in on my conversation with Julie, Julie and Lawanda about Trauma and Culturally Responsive Self-Care....
...Or, maybe you simply want to learn how to finally get to the root of even the most difficult behavior with Dayna Abraham.
Registration is now open.
I hope you will join me.
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Have you seen the YouTube video, TIme to Come in Bear? It's "a children's story about social distancing" by author, Kim St. Lawrence. What's lovely about it is it's not about how to wash your hands or the exact facts. Rather it captures the essence of what we're going through in a fictionalized way that allows children to see their current reality reflected. I found it very moving.
Please share your thoughts in the comments below!