Love this quote by Dale Lumpa. Replace your subject are for reading and writing if that's not what you teach!
Teaching students to read and write is a teacher's job. Teaching students to love reading and writing is a teacher's gift.
Showing posts with label quotes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quotes. Show all posts
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
High Expectations
This quote by an unknown author is a great summary of high expectations:
You must learn, you can learn, you will learn. The fact that you have not yet learned means that I have not yet found the way to explain the subject so simply, so clearly, and so exactly that is is impossible for you to not understand. But I will find the way. I will not quit on you.
You must learn, you can learn, you will learn. The fact that you have not yet learned means that I have not yet found the way to explain the subject so simply, so clearly, and so exactly that is is impossible for you to not understand. But I will find the way. I will not quit on you.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Imagination and Rigor
"I believe that everyone has imagination. What is sometimes not paid attention to is the rigor needed to fuel the imaginative energy." Anna Deavere Smith (actor and playwright)
This quote is so applicable to any discussion of rigor. It's not just making it harder, but it does include challenging students to get out of their comfort zone.
This quote is so applicable to any discussion of rigor. It's not just making it harder, but it does include challenging students to get out of their comfort zone.
Friday, September 2, 2011
What does it take to differentiate?
One thing I've learned: you have to find out more about every student than you would ever think in order to make it happen! Skills, interests, talents....so much more!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Struggling with a quote from Twitter
Last week, I ran across this quote on Twitter--“Every day that you teach you have two options: be focused, passionate & caring, or to be focused, passionate & caring.”-Robert John Meehan
It bothered me, so I waited, then read it again. I realized my discomfort was two-fold. First, teachers do have two options--to be focused, passionate and caring, or NOT to be. And, although rare, I do meet some who choose the latter. The bottom line is, assuming everyone views being focused, passionate and caring as the only option isn't true. We need to recognize that, and help those who are struggling.
Second, I hear teachers over and over tell me they don't feel like they have any choices--they are told what to do , when to do it, and how to do it. I am always saying--you do have choices, even ones as simple as whether you smile or not, or whether your attitude is positive or negative. I've been very careful in my workshops to offer true choices to teachers, so they make that decision rather than me making it for them. Isn't that at the heart of motivation--to help someone be intrinsically motivated to change or improve?
I do like the spirit of the quote, and I've never met the author (although I do know he is a poet and is focused on teachers and teaching). I'm just learning to pay attention to our words--and make sure there are no unintended consequences.
It bothered me, so I waited, then read it again. I realized my discomfort was two-fold. First, teachers do have two options--to be focused, passionate and caring, or NOT to be. And, although rare, I do meet some who choose the latter. The bottom line is, assuming everyone views being focused, passionate and caring as the only option isn't true. We need to recognize that, and help those who are struggling.
Second, I hear teachers over and over tell me they don't feel like they have any choices--they are told what to do , when to do it, and how to do it. I am always saying--you do have choices, even ones as simple as whether you smile or not, or whether your attitude is positive or negative. I've been very careful in my workshops to offer true choices to teachers, so they make that decision rather than me making it for them. Isn't that at the heart of motivation--to help someone be intrinsically motivated to change or improve?
I do like the spirit of the quote, and I've never met the author (although I do know he is a poet and is focused on teachers and teaching). I'm just learning to pay attention to our words--and make sure there are no unintended consequences.
Friday, August 26, 2011
What do children need?
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Here's a great Friday quote from Carolyn Coats:
Children have more need of models than of critics!
Children have more need of models than of critics!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Rekindling Motivation
Love this quote by Albert Schweitzer:
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
Who has rekindled your spark? When you have lost your motivation, and feel like you are not making a difference, who helps you remember that you are? I can still remember the teachers who originally helped light my flame for teaching, and I count with gratitude those who encourage me today. If today isn't your best day, take a moment and think about those who helped you discover your gift for teaching. Now, find whoever helps you today and say thank you! By the way, if it's a really bad day, find someone else and say an encouraging word to them. You may be the only one who does.
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
Who has rekindled your spark? When you have lost your motivation, and feel like you are not making a difference, who helps you remember that you are? I can still remember the teachers who originally helped light my flame for teaching, and I count with gratitude those who encourage me today. If today isn't your best day, take a moment and think about those who helped you discover your gift for teaching. Now, find whoever helps you today and say thank you! By the way, if it's a really bad day, find someone else and say an encouraging word to them. You may be the only one who does.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)