"You inspire me." (note received from an elementary student)

Sometimes wonderful things happen when we least expect them!

I have presented at several elementary schools during the past few months. I have a fun and interactive PowerPoint for kids about being an author, how glasses help people to see, my love for bunnies, and how all three of those things came together for me to create my award-winning children's book, GRADY GETS GLASSES.  One of the slides of the PowerPoint explains that I have a vision - to make money to create a GRADY GETS GLASSES FOUNDATION, or to join another charitable group, to provide glasses for children who cannot afford them. (FYI-Refractive error is the number one cause of blindness in the world - completely curable by wearing glasses.)  The students reacted to this slide with delight and applause, but that is not the end of the story.

The school librarian sent me an email asking for my address.  It seemed that a student really liked the idea of helping kids with glasses, and wanted to send me a donation. A few days later, I received a note in the mail from a student, who also enclosed $10 - the seed money for my upcoming charity work!  A picture of the note card is above - "YOU INSPIRE ME."  The note reads: 

 "Dear Dede Rittman,  You inspire me.  I love that you want to raise money for kids who cannot see.  I wanted to give you some money so you can help kids.  Thanks again.  Love, "

This child's empathy and sensitivity touches my soul, so I had to share this beautiful note with my readers.  This note also reinforces the great influence teachers  have on students.  
I was a guest author/speaker in this school for a 35 minute presentation - long enough to make a connection with this student.  Teachers, this is a big reminder that students are listening, even when you think they are not!  

I hope this gesture touches your heart, as it did mine!  A picture of the note is below.  (I am protecting the student's identity.) 

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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/  

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 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 or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
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Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

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