I often write about the lessons the game of golf teaches for us the game of life. Another major lesson happened last week, when Sergio Garcia became the Masters Champion on Sunday.
Sergio Garcia had a great beginning to his career, and then nothing happened. His win at the Masters is his first top finish win in 74 starts over 19 years. He won some on the European Tour, but nothing HUGE, like The Masters.
I like it that he never gave up. He continued to chase his dream, even though for years, he has been the guy explaining why he did not win. Sergio Garcia is a great example of PERSEVERANCE.
As teachers, i think we should share stories of real people who personify the word PERSEVERANCE. In our world of instant gratification, students need to know that in real life, nothing happens instantly. They need to learn the lesson that PERSEVERANCE can be the difference between success and failure.
When I was in the classroom for those 37 years, I liked to spend a few minutes on a story from the news or the sports world that had an interesting and teachable lesson. The students liked it, too. sometimes, when we were discussing a theme in literature, a student would reiterate one of those teachable moments from the year and apply it to our discussion. (Yes, your students are listening! )
I hope you can fit Sergio or other role models who offer positive and teachable moments into your weekly lessons. Somehow, hearing, reading about, and seeing a real person succeed because of a trait such as PERSEVERANCE makes the lesson that much more attractive and inspiring!
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
You can find many strategies for teaching in Dede's book. 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 or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Student-Teaching-Inside-Master-Teacher/dp/1633850102
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!
GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/
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 now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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; Grady Gets Glasses; Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop from a Master Teacher
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
No comments:
Post a Comment