"Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception". - Buddha

Writing a weekly blog is not always easy.  I try to pay careful attention to others around me to find topics and inspiration, and I found both at church on Sunday in a sermon given by Del Treese.

Our church youth group traveled to Wisconsin for what was called "A Week of Hope."  The group of teens and adult chaperones was divided into smaller groups and given assignments to help in specific venues.  Some went to the local YMCA to be with small children, to play games with them, help them to learn some basic skills, and provide friendship.  Another group was assigned to be companions and engage with a group of adults and young adults with physical and mental challenges and disabilities. When the youth group came together at the end of each day, they shared stories of their experiences and what they learned. As I listened to Del Treese give this sermon, I thought about the trip title, "A Week of Hope,"  and I decided this: in reality, no one has to travel or be a part of a group to give hope.  Every person has the ability to give hope by showing kindness and support to others every day. Simple gestures of kindness toward others can have a major impact. 

Think about an unexpected kindness someone did for you.  How did you feel?  Isn't it a marvelous feeling to know that YOU are important to someone, and that someone is thinking of YOU?  Just imagine a world in which everyone is courteous of others!  That world would be so wonderful!  I am so glad that the young people in my church had positive experiences to share, and I hope they will continue their kindnesses beyond one week. I really like knowing that our young people are being groomed to be kind.

I confess that I look for opportunities to show kindness, like taking someone's cart back to the store when they are finished unloading groceries to their car, or giving a compliment to a stranger.  I like giving smiles, and I also enjoy receiving them in return.  Days spent showing kindness just make my heart feel lighter!  

I agree with Buddha - "Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception."  Do you agree?  If you haven't already done so, try sharing a smile or a random act of kindness. The results might surprise you.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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  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
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses 

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self." Mr. Rogers

A movie about Mr. Rogers is playing in selected theaters.  I am eager to see the movie, because I actually knew Mr. Rogers. In the 1980's, Scott and I had tickets for the Pittsburgh Public Theater on the same night as Mr. and Mrs. Rogers.  We would exchange hellos and pleasantries, and it seemed to us that the man was so real.  His TV persona of kindness was unwavering when he was seen in person.  Once in the lobby before a show, we observed a young girl run up to Mr. Rogers. "Look at my new dress, Mr. rogers!" she exclaimed.  He gave her a smile and a nod, and remarked, "Your dress is very pretty.  But, remember, it is more important to be pretty on the inside."  Scott and I just looked at each other - it was a real "Mr. Rogers" learning moment. He was the same on the public street as he was on television.

I think the world was a kinder and gentler place when Mr. Rogers was on television, helping kids deal with tough issues like divorce, serious illness, death, and even assassination.  Just the sound of his voice enveloped his audience in a field of comfort and safety.  I wish his gentle demeanor and methods of discussion and explanation were here today. The children who are dealing with school safety issues as well as gender identification problems and bullying would benefit from this gentle man's point of view.  Mr. Rogers'  ideas and words could help to steer children through this difficult world.

I also admired Mr. Rogers because he always wanted children to be the best versions of themselves, while staying true to themselves.  He liked us "just the way we are."  As adults and teachers, we need to reiterate his positive messages to the children we influence, especially his messages about being kind. One thing I know for sure is that our world needs more kindness.  

Have you seen the trailer for the new film about Mr. Rogers?  Here is the link.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV_kxc9PxrQ 

I am so proud that Mr. Rogers was from Latrobe, which is outside of my hometown of Pittsburgh.  He made Pittsburgh and the rest of America a better place with his empathy and sincerity, embracing each new person he met as his "neighbor"  and friend.  I hope this new film will help his message to reach new "neighbors", inspiring us to be better human beings. Thanks for being you, Mr. Rogers.  And thanks for expecting us to be the best authentic selves we could be, while always treating others with kindness and compassion. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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  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
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses 

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me." Jim Valvano

This weekend will be Father's Day, and I will be thinking about my Dad, who left this earth in 2002.  A small but wiry man, Daddy was only 110 pounds, but he was so strong that his nickname was "Herk" for Hercules.  My brothers and I were afraid of our Dad when we were little; only when I grew up did I really get to see who my Dad was. Long talks in the living room and on the front porch when no one else was home allowed Daddy to tell me some things about himself that I am not even sure that he ever shared with my Mother.

Daddy's parents came to the United States from France.  The last name was Faltot (pronounced fell toe, but butchered by many as something else.)  They spoke French at home until my grandfather Faltot decided that they should become "American" and speak English everywhere.  Sigh.  (I took Spanish for 9 years, and wish I could have had French at home.)  Daddy said that fitting in as Americans was very important. 

Daddy never went to school beyond graduating from high school.  A practical man all his life, he had a way of assessing a situation or problem and inventing several possibilities for solutions.  "Can't learn that in college - just in the school of hard knocks", as Daddy would say. When I was in college for four years, Daddy would often ask me what I was learning in my classes.  Always excited to learn and teach, I would regale him with facts and hypotheses, book readings and poems.  I have written before about my father becoming an avid reader in his 60's when I was in college.  He worked so hard at reading that he was able to overcome severe dyslexia, which he explained to me as "the words making no sense and moving around."  I taught him the note card method of reading with a note card below (and above, if needed) the line of text, which enabled him to lose the swirling words.  Sometimes, if he had an especially tough time reading a lengthy sentence, I suggested he read it aloud for better comprehension.  Daddy loved all of James Michener's books - and Mr. Michener wrote some sentences that were several pages long - so this reading aloud strategy was particularly important to Daddy. Dad's reading difficulties were just between us.  My brothers and mother were never nearby when we discussed books or his reading issues.  I was so pleased when Dad told me he was reading so fast compared to the slow pace at which he started.  When I was a little girl, I would reread books several times, and Dad would sort of laugh about that and ask me,  "Why are you reading a book you already read?"  In his reading, years later, he discovered that if one read of a book offers enjoyment, several reads can offer even more learning and enjoyment.  I will guess that he read SHOGUN 10 times, and KING RAT more than 15 times.  He finally understood.

My father never really advanced too high in his job, but he was well-respected and an important figure as head of his department at Allegheny Ludlum Steel.  And he worked swing shift for 43 1/2 years - how could anyone do that?  8 to 4; 4 to 12; 12 to 8, all those years!  He took good care of his family and went to work whether he wanted to go or not.  My father gave me a great work ethic.

Dad disclosed to me on more than one occasion that he believed that his brothers and sisters fared better than he did.  I know that to be partially true, and it hurt me that he felt he had to compare bank accounts with them.  Old sibling rivalries die hard. 

There was a time when I was considering quitting college during my sophomore year.  I just wasn't happy, and I was so homesick.  Daddy told me he would support me in my decision, but warned me that staying home with "old dad" was not going to get me a career, and that quitting would be like shooting myself in the foot, so I never quit. Dad didn't talk a lot, but when he did, his words were thoughtful, well chosen, and to the point. He wanted me to become a teacher, and he was so proud on the day that I graduated from college. 

Sometimes, when he was really down, we talked about his mental illness and shock treatments during the 1950's; often we talked about his depression.  My father endured so many dark days.  I know he did not discuss his depression openly with my brothers or mother - they most always got dad's happy face.  I'm glad he trusted me to help lift his burden.

I miss talking to my dad.  I wonder what he would have to say about the rude world this has become, a world where people insult others to their faces on national television. My dad was a gentle soul who tried to work with others and get along, because for him, the whole was more important than the part.  Seems no one thinks like that anymore. He had good manners and would not say anything bad about another person.  My dad abhorred gossip. 

I am lucky that I had two parents who loved me deeply and believed in me. I miss them both.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy.  I will forever be your little girl, no matter how old I become.  

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Daddy with George, Brian, and me in 1960

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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  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
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses 

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"Play is a child's work and this is not a trivial pursuit." Alfred Adler

 My readers are people interested in Education, and their ages range from the 20's to in the 70's. Those who are older will remember "our" kind of playground - lots of hard blacktop surface with painted hopscotches; a "merry-go-round" with no governor to control speed, allowing kids to spin faster and faster until centrifugal forces threw us off; tall sliding boards,  usually stainless steel or aluminum, both conductors of heat in the sunshine; and the perilous Jungle Jim, and monkey bars, enticing us to compete in tests of strength, leading to many broken arms.  Of course there were swing sets, cemented in the hard blacktop.  The playgrounds of the 1950's, 60's. and 70's had no spots for a soft landing.

Then, along came a group who wanted a softer and gentler playground, which eradicated the dangerous merry-go-round and many other challenges and enjoyments. Playgrounds became safer, but also duller.  It seems the tide has turned again.

I read an article this week, and then saw a television story about changing playgrounds into a risky fun zone for kids. They are called "Adventure Playgrounds', and they are supposed to build confidence and courage, along with resilience, in children.  Psychologists have long agreed that play is powerful for our children, and the adventure playground allows kids to be kids in an unstructured environment with no adult interference.  

I am a fan of this playground concept.  For so many years, parents have planned every activity in their child's day.  I believe that if I were a kid in today's world, I would hate all those planned non-spontaneous activities.  My generation spent every day outside on our bikes and in the ball yard, swooping into the house for short meals, then rushing back outside to play.  No obesity problems back then - we were too busy catching fireflies, as well as playing stick ball and 7-Up; "It" and "Hide and Seek,"  The most important rule of our days was to be home when the street lights came on.  Times were simpler, and we learned to solve our problems on the playground and on the ball field, with no adult intervention. The playground and unstructured days with friends became our summer classroom. 

In 1931, a Danish landscape architect noticed that kids were playing everywhere except the playgrounds.  They loved construction sites, and burned out buildings of WW II were favorite spots for kids to play. Some of the concepts of today's adventure playground borrow from that architect and involve risks.  Loose boards, old engine parts, and other "junk" are scattered on the playground to stimulate creativity.  I would  loved to have played on that kind of playground! 

I urge you to take a look at the article about this idea for playgrounds to help kids learn and be creative.  I think it is an idea whose time has come.  Kids need to be less protected in their homogenized environments and stretch their wings and imaginations.

Here is the link to the article:  https://tocaboca.com/magazine/adventure-playgrounds/ and here is the link to the news story https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/30-seconds-to-know/video/some-cities-rethinking-traditional-playgrounds-to-encourage-kids-creativity-1247409731576

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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  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
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses 

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®