Having a Vision for Your Students

What is Your Word Today?

Encouraging Schools

How Should We Teach Today's Student?

 

If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s,
we rob them of tomorrow.

John Dewey

Is teeaching a lost art?

Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.

—Jacques Barzun

What if students don't come to us prepared to learn?

If kids come to us from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. 

If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important.

-Barbara Colorose

Moving from Negativity to Positivity

Are you in the middle of a fishbowl of negativity? 

Do the negative attitudes of others bring you down? 

Take a chance!  Find a fresh start! Go for a positive beginning!

What are teachers doing?

From my great friend, research assistant, and former student Missy Miles:

A teacher will be some place in the world tonight preparing lessons to teach your children while you are watching tv. In the minute it takes you to read this, teachers all over the world are on their own time for your children's literacy, prosperity and future. If you can read this, then thank a teacher.
 

Think Positive Today!

It may be the end of a hard week for you, but it's still important to think positive. 

Our thoughts drive our actions, and if we aren't careful, our negative thoughts can take over our lives! 

So today, what is something positive that has happened to you?

Ready for school?

Are you ready for school?  My son started high school Monday; my nephew started middle school, and my nieces started fourth grade and kindergarten!  Life is full of changes, and starting school is one of them.  For me it's always a chance for a fresh start.  Enjoy the challenge....and the opportunity!

What is learning?

What is learning?  I've read the dictionary definition, but I'd like to propose something broader:

Learning is following one piece of information to multiple other sources to find out more.  Learning is when two people start talking about a topic and their enthusiasm leads to more knowledge for both.  Learning is when three or more pieces of information or texts are synthesized in a way that students pull new applications from the materials.  Learning is when a four-year old has the look of excitement on his or her face when he/she learns something new.  Learning is when five days a week, students leave your class excited to come back the next day.

What would you add to my list?

Big Dreams Start Small

As a new year starts, I remember how excited and nervous I was every year.  I was excited and filled with hope for new possibilities for learning for my students.  But I was also nervous.  What if they didn't learn? What if I wasn't good enough? What if.......?

As you start a new year, remember that you can and will make a difference for your students.  As Walt Disney said, "I only hope that we never lost sight of one thing--that it all began with a mouse."
I only hope you never lose sight of one thing--this year you WILL make a difference for your students. 

Summer Reflections

Have you taken time this summer for reflection?  To think about last year and how you were successful?  To make some plans for this year based on that?  If not, take a bit of time before the rush of another school year starts to think about it and then develop one or two goals for the coming year. 

Gives Me Hope, Part Five

I have a copy of a wonderful book called "Gives Me Hope: The 127 Most Inspiriting Bite-Sized Stories".  It is worth every penny!  This week, I shared five stories from the book. If you are struggling and feel defeated, read these stories, read the book, and remember that hope is still alive! 

An elderly lady came to my register and was buying milk and bread.  She didn't have enough money and had no way of paying.  There was a 12-year old boy buying a video game and a toy.  He handed me his gift card to buy her items.  He said she needs food more than he needs a video game.  He gives me hope. 

Gives Me Hope, Part Four

I have a copy of a wonderful book called "Gives Me Hope: The 127 Most Inspiriting Bite-Sized Stories".  It is worth every penny!  This week, I'll be sharing five stories from the book.

In our school, each student has to make a report in front of the class about someone they admire, my friend reported on a quiet girl in class, admiring her kindness.  We all cheered in agreement.  The girl was crying.  Later, I found out that was the day she'd decided NOT to kill herself.  The student gives me hope.

Giving Me Hope, Part Three

I have a copy of a wonderful book called "Gives Me Hope: The 127 Most Inspiriting Bite-Sized Stories".  It is worth every penny!  This week, I'll be sharing five stories from the book. 

My friend's younger sister was coming home by herself when a guy on the bus began hassling her.  An elderly man on the other side of the bus stood up and demanded that the guy "leave his granddaughter alone!"  The guy stopped, and got off at the next stop.  The elderly man, who was a stranger, gives me hope. 

Giving Me Hope, Part Two

I have a copy of a wonderful book called "Gives Me Hope: The 127 Most Inspiriting Bite-Sized Stories".  It is worth every penny!  This week, I'll be sharing five stories from the book.

My friend and I won toys at a fair and gave one to a mentally disabled boy.  He said, "Thank you."  His father cried.  The boy hadn't spoken in months. Children like him give me hope.

Giving Me Hope, Part One

I have a copy of a wonderful book called "Gives Me Hope: The 127 Most Inspiriting Bite-Sized Stories".  It is worth every penny!  This week, I'll be sharing five stories from the book.

Years ago I told my best friend Matt that I couldn't go to the senior prom with him because my parents couldn't afford to buy me a dress.  The night of the dance, Matt showed up at my door with a beautiful red dress, matching shoes and corsage, and two tickets to the prom.  Three years, a marriage, and one child later, he still gives me hope.  

Where does creativity start?

Imagination is the beginning of creativity.--George Bernard Shaw

The ABCs of Making It to the End of the Year

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything going on right now?  A friend of mine sent me a hilarious A to Z list of all his tasks to do before the end of the year.  I tried to make one, but decided the first two covered everything:

A is for "attitude, keep a positive attitude" and keep saying that to myself over and over again.
B is for "breathe in the midst of chaos".

Think that will do it for me!  What is your list?