I often write about as parents as our first teachers, and i can say unequivocally that I learned a valuable lesson from my mother at a very young age. When I was 6, my brother Brian was born on May 14, 1958. Brian was a beautiful baby who was plagued by allergies and rose fever in the first few months of his life. When he recovered, my older brother George and I became a part of Brian's "routine." My mother told us repeatedly that babies are happiest when they follow a specific and set routine; naptimes and feedings; playtime with siblings; diaper changing, and more. Brian rarely cried- except when his routine was disrupted. As time moved on, George and I developed our own routines with Brian as well- playing with him as he explored his favorite toys; the joyous daily greetings when we ran in from the school bus to see him (these remained consistent- from the time he was an infant, and as he grew into a toddler); the "rides" I gave Brian as I pushed him in my baby carriage around and around the house, until the wheels of the perambulator wore tracks, and then holes, into the threads, and then the padding, of the wool carpeting.
Years later, when I became a teacher, I remembered my mother's lesson about the importance of a routine, and I applied it to my own classroom for 37 years. Even 9th and 10th grade students want the feeling of familiarity with classroom expectations, procedures, and evaluations. (Did you ever know anyone who really liked a pop quiz??? Of course, not! No surprises, please- especially with grades!) Just a few routine items included: writing daily objectives on the board; assigning new seats every quarter so the kids could all get to know each other; previewing the day's lesson; reviewing the day's lesson with a sneak preview for the next day; outlining class expectations as often as needed; asking students to follow a prescribed method for better organizational skills for our class; greeting students at the door; having students keep a grade sheet (before grades were online); keeping classroom supplies in the same place for easy access. This list could go on ad nauseum, but you get the picture. Students felt relaxed and happy in our classroom, because there were no (upsetting) surprises. They knew the routine!
This is not to say that I was a boring teacher, Heaven forbid! I am the first to admit I was a kooky - and innovative - teacher, which the students enjoyed. I earned their trust and they took learning risks with me, and learning was fun! But the basic routines of the classroom- the structure, the expectations, the feeling of 'I am home and I know what to do" - were a solid and consistent foundation to build student trust, mutual respect, confidence, and a love of learning.
Thank you, "Mom" Audrey Faltot, for another parental lesson I can share with others - especially parents and teachers.
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading.
Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
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!
Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out! http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/
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 available 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! Grady plush toys are ordered!
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
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Summer vacation is not only for kids! I know that after teaching for 37 years. The summer is a time to rejuvenate and recharge. Although those vacation weeks fly by too fast, reading, relaxing, and reflecting definitely made me feel better equipped to handle the stressors of going back to the classroom.
I taught in a school building in which most of the teachers were quite positive, and these teachers loved their jobs, even when they needed a break. As a faculty, we supported each other: sharing lesson plans; our personal lives; ideas on how to reach a student; ideas on how to help a parent. However, sometimes a really good teacher would get down on the whole profession, and down on himself as well. That was when the friends and colleagues had to provide counsel and reminders of the students who have benefitted from knowing that teacher; sometimes calling out the names of those students for whom the teacher made such a difference. Our staff was truly together on thinking about the good of all students, and their sharing and caring ways prevented many of our group from succumbing to teacher burnout.
Summer vacation is halfway through, and I hope all teacher friends continue to become refreshed and renewed, because you will need all of your energy to continue to make a difference in the lives of your students very soon. Relax, reflect, and rediscover your passion! You make a difference every day!
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading.
Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
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!
Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out! http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/
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 available 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! Grady plush toys are ordered!
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 ®
The United States is in big trouble.
The Catalyst: Many people have lost respect for themselves and for others, and no longer practice The Golden Rule.
The Results: Low self-esteem, anger, shootings, killings, devaluation of life, and mayhem.
The Reason: The Golden Rule is no longer being practiced or taught at home, the place where children learn the basic tenets of how to behave in a civilized society.
The Solution: Teach The Golden Rule, teachers and parents model The Golden Rule; teach respect for others, and adults model respect for others. Show kindness and empathy to others, encourage kindness and empathy from others.
The Suggested Implementation: This will be a big group effort, but our country is worth it! It will start with one individual at a time, showing kindness and respect for another. Marketing firms must create wonderful feel-good messages to be run on all media. Television and radio stations, as well as Internet search engines, will have volunteer to run public service announcements-lots of public service announcements, so that kindness and respect and The Golden Rule become as real and recognizable as popular commercials. Every newscast, local and national, should end with a feel-good story about Americans helping Americans. Every person must begin to practice The Golden Rule, and talk about it with friends and strangers. Children must be taught to respect others, and corrected when they are disrespectful to others, including parents, teachers, and peers.
Great ideas, right? They are - on paper. Somehow, I don't see our society actually doing any of these things, even if I would like all of them to happen. So what is the solution? I don't know for sure, but I do know that even as one person, YOU can make a difference. Every person can make a decision to show more kindness, and; to model respect and caring for others. It is the only chance we have to change our society. We must show respect to each other and to parents, elders, authority figures, and peers.
My heart is so heavy this evening. More police officers were gunned down today in Baton Rouge, following the horrific massacre of police in Dallas last week. I believe that ALL lives matter, but that color does not, as I believe in showing the same respect and kindness to everyone.
Be someone who steps up to lead the way to care about others and practice The Golden Rule. America needs your involvement to become better.Teachers- teach and model The Golden Rule, and teach empathy. Here is a thought: if shooters had empathy and respect for their victims and their families, they would never be able to pull the trigger. (I know some are mentally ill.)
It is another sad day in America. I hope you can be the person who helps to make someone's day better.
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading.
Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
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!
Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out! http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/
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 available 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! Grady plush toys are ordered!
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 ®
Teaching can be an exhilarating and exciting, as well as a stressful profession. In my opinion, it is the very best profession in the world- the profession which teaches all others. However, teachers know that one of the really sad parts of the job is this: teachers can never enjoy looking at a "finished product." Our students move on in their lives, go to college, undertake gainful employment, and sometimes move away from the area. Trust me when I tell you that every teacher wonders what happened to the various students we have encountered, and we always hope they are successful and happy.
I taught at North Allegheny Intermediate High School for 35 years. Return readers to my blog know that I loved ALL of my jobs at school: teaching English and Theater, coaching golf, directing the musicals and the talent shows, working with student council, and more. The NA students were wonderful, as was the district, and I enjoyed a marvelous career. Something happened this past week that made me think of my teaching career even more than I normally do. A former NA student started a Facebook page for NA graduates, and a former student added me to the group. I read with interest what my former students had posted and how they were doing, whom they had married, and where they were living and working. A few days ago, I posted remarks about the wonderful students from my past, and how much I enjoyed my job at NA. I mentioned my husband's passing, as well as my new career as a writer and speaker. The response I received from my former students was overwhelming! I am both humbled and honored to be remembered.
Students from years ago said they have wanted to tell me "thank you" for believing in them; some remembered special moments from the musical and talent shows; many remembered their "favorite book" TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD from my class; some recalled a special poem or assignment; one recalled a poignant (true) story I told about a former student, and she said "if you ever wondered if we were listening, we were." One young man told me I was the one who changed his life . . . he was a stutterer and I cast him as an emcee for the talent show. he shared with me that his self-confidence soared because of that role, and he still enjoys public speaking.
I loved sowing the seeds of knowledge for these students, and I must confess that it never occurred to me that I would ever reap such enormous rewards.
My heart is bursting with gratefulness that my former students are happy and successful and enjoying their lives- and that they, too, still think about me from time to time, just as I think about them.
You see, teaching is about relationships, not just the exchange of knowledge and information. I always enjoyed knowing my students as people, not just as my pupils. A solid relationship built on mutual respect and caring knows no time limit, as time does not diminish respect and caring. I am touched and moved beyond words.
Teacher readers, I am posting this story for all of you. Every teacher makes a difference every day to his/her students. Even though teachers rarely have a glimpse of that finished product, I say confidently that you should stand proud. You helped to shape a child's life in a positive manner, and your influence will never end. The accolades I enjoyed this week are ones that I share with all teachers - I was just the lucky one to receive them! The world is a better place because YOU are in the classroom.
I am so thankful that I chose to become a teacher. I hope all of my teacher-reader-friends feel the same!
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading.
Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
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!
Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out! http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/
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 available 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! Grady plush toys are ordered!
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 ®
When I was a little girl, July 4 meant fireworks and picnics and watermelon and parades. In today's world, open the newspaper or turn on the television, and you will see "4th of July sales and specials" in every store. I am not a fan, and sometimes I think the world would be better if we could just slow it down a little, and actually talk to each other, instead of looking at phones.
As I was growing up, Pennsylvania had "The Blue Laws", which meant that stores could not be open on Sundays and holidays. (First enacted in 1682, the Blue Laws were all about no fun on Sundays. http://old.post-gazette.com/regionstate/20000218sunday5.asp ) Forgot to buy the hot dogs and charcoal? You did without. Out of gasoline? Too bad- wait until the station opens. Times were so simple back then, and although things were more inconvenient, I think families were closer.
I was born in 1952, and I remember my brothers and I getting ready for the 4th of July parade to come past our house. When George and I were older- 10 and 12- we were permitted to follow the parade for a few blocks on our bicycles, which was a very big deal. July 4, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and other holidays were celebrated as a family. Chores went on as usual, but the afternoon and evening were our "family" time. We sat on the front porch and talked or played games like Parcheesi, Chutes and Ladders, and Scrabble.
Sometimes, the neighbors came over, and we -"the kids"- waited for darkness to light sparklers and make air designs with their loveliness.
Our big front porch itself made for a relaxed atmosphere. We had a comfortable glider (always covered, except when in use) and three metal rocking chairs with some side tables and ashtrays. My dad smoked back then- almost all the adults we knew smoked- and f too many people stopped by, the steps were a comfortable porch seat as well. When I think of my mom and dad, who have been gone for 14 years, I often picture them on the porch. Both of them worked so hard: Dad worked at Allegheny Ludlum Steel on the swing shift (8-4,
4-12, 12-8) for almost 44 years, and my mother worked equally hard inside the house taking care of us, cooking, sewing, and meeting all of our needs. Mom and Dad really enjoyed their relaxation time on the porch.
The "hurry, hurry" atmosphere that permeates everything in our society has found me reminiscing about those simpler times on this July 4. I hope that this holiday weekend, you have a chance to sit on the porch without electronic distractions and enjoy the company of those around you. Personal connections are so much more rewarding than electronic
connections, and enjoying the company and conversation sans cell phone will refresh your soul and calm your spirit. I am off to my brother's house, to sit on his front porch and enjoy a family picnic.
Happy 4th of July to America and to all of you!
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading.
Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
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!
Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out! http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/
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 available 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! Grady plush toys are ordered!
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 ®
