I recently released a new book for children ages 2-8 called GRADY GETS GLASSES. Grady is a rabbit who lives with his mom and dad and baby brother, and he gets glasses. In 72 lines of verse, Grady explains the entire concept of glasses to a child: nearsighted and farsighted; how glasses help a person in everyday life; and how to take care of one's glasses. A simple concept? maybe. But with rhymes and adorable illustrations that make kids want to see and read more, the book is a real hook for making kids want to read, and making kids love reading is (and has always been) a personal goal.
I was a voracious reader as a child. I LOVED escaping into worlds unlike my own, where I could be both the hero and the heroine; the detective and the victim; the teacher and the student. My small town had a bookmobile that came to the Natrona Heights Plaza two times per week. The librarian of the bookmobile chose specific books for ME- and I loved them all. My vision deteriorated steadily for years because I read so much. It came as no surprise when I became an English teacher and taught high school for 37 years. I reveled in figuring out anticipatory sets and teasers to get students to read. For many of my former students, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD will always be their favorite book, just as it is mine. They became engaged readers during the time we were reading that particular novel as a class, and they found out how much pleasure (and knowledge) reading can provide.
I am currently setting up dates to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at elementary schools around the area, as well as globally, through virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom (http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ and Twitter- @Fieldtripzoom.) The part of this whole experience that I like best is this: I get the chance to help students- even reluctant readers- to enjoy reading!
Reading is the MOST fundamental of all skills, yet 32 million adults in the US (14 % of the population) cannot read. (Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/06/illiteracy-rate_n_3880355.html ) Take a look at these startling facts from the same source: According to the Department of Justice, "The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure." The stats back up this claim: 85 percent of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate, and over 70 percent of inmates in America's prisons cannot read above a fourth grade level."
What can we do as teachers? We must work harder to show students that reading is worthwhile. We must never give up on a student because he or she "doesn't care." We must look for and discover reasons WHY our students are not successful readers, and help those students to overcome their issues. Dyslexia? PDD? ESL? I believe that one teacher can make the difference in the entire outcome of a child's life, and that in the truest sense of these six words, not in the political sense, that no child should be left behind. I encourage teachers to host reading workshops during lunch and recess; to encourage peer tutors; to work with the school psychologists and special education teachers; and to do everything in their personal realm of power to help students to learn to read.
And what about parents? Emilie Buchwald said, "Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." Teachers can send home suggested book lists, or better yet, create a classroom lending library for parents who need a nudge in the right direction. When children see parents reading, they should follow suit.
In closing, I hope that all teachers will share not only their love of reading with their students, but also their passion for reading, which enhances both knowledge and opportunities.
If you would like me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES in your school- in person, or virtually, please send me an email at gradygetsglasses@gmail.com Please check out Grady's website at www.gradygetsglasses.com
As always, I welcome your comments or suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired!
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies avaialble for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com . The website www.gradygetsglasses.com IS UP AND RUNNING!!!. Signed copies ARE available!
Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER
www.dederittman.com
Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor
Last week, I was too emotional to write about the horrors of what happened in Paris.
The situation and carnage was so overwhelming; I needed some personal time and space to think about all the events that transpired. This week, I have had time to digest and think about the atrocities, so this week I MUST write about parents and children and terrorism and violence. Although my late husband and I were not blessed with children of our own, as a teacher for 37 years, children have decreed the messages I send as well as the importance of my life. And now, as an author of a book for student teachers as a children's book author, my caring for kids and all things educational continues, and that caring includes speaking to the effects of violence on children.
I did write a press release last week about parents and teachers helping children to cope with the violence and terrorism around them. I urged parents of small, medium, and large (read that as teenaged) children to hug their kids just a little bit tighter and to make sure that the kids feel safe at home. To be aware of any need the child has to talk is important, and I think it is all right to express sadness concerning the current situation in the world. The two most important things, from my point of view, are that your children need to feel safe and loved. Life is so much better for all children when they feel those two things at home.
I found all of my ideas to be expressed so eloquently- in subtitles- by a French dad, who explains to his very small and very scared son, that France is their home. He does not blanch at questions about guns; he counters with flowers and candles. This is a beautiful exchange between father and son. As a former theater teacher and expert on body language, I urge you to look at the little boy's face as he accepts his father's advice. This dad has made all the difference in making his son feel safe.
http://www.alternet.org/media/watch-viral-video-french-father-explaining-terror-attacks-will-break-your-heart
Parents and teachers are the dominating forces in the lives of young people. We must make sure that our message is strong, like the dad in the video. We must help children to be aware, yet unafraid; brave, but not foolhardy; and caring, but not careless.
Today's world, with the Internet, smartphones, and access to how to make explosives is so much different than the world in which I grew up. Although today's kids are more tech-savvy, they have the same fears that we had as children. We all want to feel safe and loved.
I urge you to hug your children tighter, and to tell them that you love them. I beg you to have dinner as a family, and to keep the connection of love and communication open in your family- always. I hope that you will tell your children that they are wonderful, and that although the world can be a scary place, that they are safe with you.
In closing, "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."— Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, with your families. . . especially with your children.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired!
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies avaialble for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com . The website www.gradygetsglasses.com IS UP AND RUNNING!!!. Signed copies ARE available!
Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER
www.dederittman.com
Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor
Dede could really use your financial help to make her dream of helping kids who need glasses come true. Please visit http://www.gofundme.com/zvzhuk for complete details about her upcoming book GRADY GETS GLASSES!
Although summer seems like it was just last week, Thanksgiving and Christmas and Hanukkah are almost upon us. At the high school where I taught for 35 years, Student Council made it so much fun to be a part of something bigger than one person, and not only to share with, but also to give to others. I remember our canned food drives and Santa's Stocking projects with such positive feelings. Our building (of around 1200-1600 students) often exceeded canned food drive goals of over 16,000 cans, which we packed up and donated to the local food bank. And for the Santa's Stocking project, homerooms were assigned one or two children to play "Santa" to; strict requirements were in place for families to receive this assistance. Parents had to be out of work for at least two years, and children had to be under a certain age. All of this was coordinated by the local food bank. What students did not know was this: some of the recipients were among the student population in our own school building, with younger brothers and sisters in the middle schools and elementary schools who were also the recipients of gifts from our generous students and staff members. The Santa's Stocking mission was very successful at our building; in fact, the project was added to Student Council initiatives in our middle schools and high school as well. Thousands of children have received gifts through the years; kids that would have had no Christmas presents, but for the generosity of students who were guided by a caring and dedicated staff of teachers and administrators.
School projects which include sharing and giving are so important. They teach life lessons of empathy and kindness, as well as caring and compassion. Students who experience the intrinsic glow and warmth of knowing they have made a difference will grow up to become citizens who understand the importance of charity. In a world that has gone crazy with barbarism and beheadings, kindness and caring are the intangibles that can make all of our lives better.
I urge all teachers to get your classes involved with a charity. Work with a local food bank or hospital. Become part of a local church drive. Coats, blankets, and small everyday supplies like soap and toothpaste are always welcomed at homeless shelters. An easy an fun choice is to have a classroom mitten tree or a mini food drive. Be sure to ask your administration first, but get your students involved in something positive! In my 37 years as a teacher, I know that a certain kind of 'magic" happens when everyone is working toward the same goal, and that students actually get to know and respect each other more through charitable initiatives. There is so much need in our country, that finding a project will not be a problem!
I hope you will let me know about any charities you and your classroom are promoting. I would love to share your successes with my readers.
One of my favorite quotes about empathy is from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, by Harper Lee, which I taught for 35 years:
“If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired!
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and i would make signed copies avaialble for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com . The website www.gradygetsglasses.com will be up and running within the next week. Signed copies will be available!
Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her soon-to-launch children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER
www.dederittman.com
Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor
Dede could really use your financial help to make her dream of helping kids who need glasses come true. Please visit http://www.gofundme.com/zvzhuk for complete details about her upcoming book GRADY GETS GLASSES!
I just arrived back in Pittsburgh on Sunday after a whirlwind weekend in New York City with Tate Publishing, the publisher of my new book for children ages 2-8, GRADY GETS GLASSES (the first in a series). The weekend was all about marketing and strategies, and various venues of selling books, since the traditional manner of selling books changed years ago. (You have certainly noticed the demise of the old brick and mortar stores.) I enjoyed a book signing with other authors in Logos, a historic bookstore on the East Side; a group dinner cruise around the Statue of Liberty; a group tour of Fox News, including meeting important people who work there and discussed what authors had to do to get there; a meeting with a Hollywood producer who is looking for books to be made into film; and an iconic radio show host who is ardent about interviewing new authors. The trip was a blast!
All of the presenters and the experiences were intended to show new authors just what they needed to learn in order to sell their books. Informal meetings were held with Tate Publishing executives and an enthusiastic marketing team, and the essence of what I gleaned from those meetings is in this list: be passionate and energetic about your book; engage others; extend yourself to others and be your authentic self; present yourself in a positive manner; find a "hook" to grab your prospective audience; and work hard to put the best YOU forward. After all, selling is all about making relationships.
As I listened to each presenter, I immediately thought of everything I had learned in my 37 years as a teacher. You, my loyal readers, know that I can always find a lesson about teaching and education (in virtually any situation), and this weekend of Grady's debut in NYC was no different. Guess what? Selling books is just like teaching 10th grade! Selling education and selling books are pretty much the same: be passionate and energetic; engage the learners; extend your real self to your students; be a positive person; create a "hook" to make your students want to learn; and work hard!
If you are a teacher, none of this information will be a surprise to you, as you have already learned that teaching is all about creating relationships. If students trust their teacher and the teacher performs well, mutual respect becomes not only a part of the classroom experience, but also a part of the learning experience. Do you know that students actually try harder when they think the teacher "likes" them?
I urge all of my teacher readers to revisit the list in this blog. Are you putting the best YOU forward every day? Are you creating "hooks" for learning that inspire students to learn? Are you working hard to be positive, both in and out of the classroom? Are you passionate about teaching? Does the energy for your teaching spill into the students in your classroom and inspire their efforts? All of these attributes will make you a more effective (and memorable) teacher. If you are a reader who is not a teacher, I believe that the same formula for professional success applies to all aspects of life. The key - being passionate and genuine.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired!
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and i would make signed copies avaialble for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com . The website www.gradygetsglasses.com will be up and running within the next week. Signed copies will be available!
Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her soon-to-launch children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER
www.dederittman.com
Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor
Dede could really use your financial help to make her dream of helping kids who need glasses come true. Please visit http://www.gofundme.com/zvzhuk for complete details about her upcoming book GRADY GETS GLASSES!
This past week, I enjoyed a journey back 41 years in time, to my college alma mater. The trip was not for Homecoming or a concert; rather, I was invited to speak to student teachers in the School of Education at Edinboro University and share some of the information in my book, Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop from a Master Teacher. I wrote, planned, and made a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, trying to include "Everything one needs to know about teaching" in a 90 minute talk. (Yes, I know that task is impossible, but I tried) The students were involved and engaged learners; the professors have armed them with voluminous amounts of knowledge, and they are loving their student teaching experiences. I could tell from the discussions we had that these young men and women are going to be great teachers.
From my observations of this group, it was evident that teaching is not merely a job prospect, but rather, a calling. When the group discussed the development of a teaching philosophy, they already had conjured up some important words to incorporate into their philosophies; words like :"student centered learning", "engaged learners", "a safe and welcoming environment." Their thoughtful answers let me know that they are quickly grasping the importance of the classroom teacher as a major influencer in every child's life. We talked about the importance of respecting students, and about developing confidence, preparing for classes, communication with students and parents, and being creative in lesson planning and discipline. Their comments showed me that they "got it." Knowing that so many bright young minds will continue to educate America's youth with such caring and concern makes me happy.
One of the PowerPoint slides proclaimed: "No job is more important than TEACHING. Congratulations on choosing teaching as your life's passion and profession." In my opinion, teachers have more of an ability to impact lives than any other profession. I stressed to these student teachers that they must take their position in the classroom very seriously, knowing that they are role models who will be quoted and emulated. We talked about the importance of kindness and empathy, required traits of good teachers. I enjoyed sharing stories with them from my 37 years in the classroom, including some "Oh, no, I did not learn how to deal with this in college" moments. I stressed that in every case, the teacher must always do what is best for the student, and they nodded their heads in agreement. Truly a great group.
I am enjoying being back in the classroom and sharing my wealth of knowledge from those 37 years with student teachers. I attained a well-rounded education at Edinboro, which grew even more with my plethora of classroom experiences. After being back at Edinboro last week, meeting with the professors, and seeing all of the university offerings, I feel even more uplifted about the student teachers who will become great teachers as they gain employment, their own classrooms, and a multitude of educational and teaching experiences. I am so pleased to see that the Early Childhood Department, chaired by Dr. Mary Jo Melvin, along with her colleague Mr. Robert Snyder, are so dedicated to making sure their students have both the core knowledge and the practical knowledge needed to be successful in the classroom.
My simple hope is that student teachers will always remember the power they wield as teachers, and that they will use that power in a positive manner to enhance the lives of their students. Great teachers impact so many lives . . . and as teachers, it is impossible to know just where and when that influence stops or begins.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her soon-to-launch children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER
www.dederittman.com
Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor
Dede could really use your financial help to make her dream of helping kids who need glasses come true. Please visit http://www.gofundme.com/zvzhuk for complete details about her upcoming book GRADY GETS GLASSES!
