Lessons Learned from the Bunny Teacher: December 2018

Saturday, December 29, 2018

This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change." Taylor Swift

New Year's Eve is a great chance to begin again. It is a time to reflect on the past, to assess one's mistakes and triumphs, to put the past in perspective, and to plan the methods to make the next year better. Sounds easy, right? But, it is not.

Too many people try to overhaul their entire lives in a matter of days, and because we are all creatures of habit, changing EVERYTHING does not and cannot work, so we fail. I have a better idea.

I say to change just one thing about your life, and many other facets of your life will change. I want to help you to get organized. One's resolution cannot be simply to "get organized." That category is too broad to conquer. Please allow me to share a few strategies that will make your family life, professional life, and social life to "flow" better.

First, you need a dry erase calendar hanging in your kitchen. Have a family meeting, and announce that everyone is responsible for posting their school events, sporting events, and other important events on the monthly calendar. Parents - this could include your out of town dates and social dates as well. Focal point - the kitchen, where everyone congregates and everyone is on the same page. You might need to make some reminders for the kids, but this calendar is going to make everyone's life better and less stressed, because there will be no surprises.

Parents- I know you like your phone calendar, and the phone provides great reminders, but you actually need a calendar that is comprehensive and lets you see the "big picture" of what is going on in your professional life. I suggest you buy or make a large desk calendar for the year. Write everything you need to do on this calendar. I used this method for all 37 years I taught high school- where I also coached varsity golf, directed the musical and the talent shows, worked with student council, and served on several boards. (My average work week was 60-90 hours) My calendar included faculty meetings, dates I had to monitor detention hall, department meetings, parent meetings, rehearsal times, auditions, guidance meetings, and everything else. I could know my entire week at a glance, and plan for it accordingly. My stress level was reduced because I had no surprises - I knew my responsibilities. I know this method can help you, too.

I have shared this strategy with thousands in my book for student teachers. STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER (www.dederittman.com) I have also shared the calendar with my own students for 37 years and the hundreds of kids I tutored. Results included better grades, better time management skills, more time to study, and more restful sleep, because of less stress.

I hope the calendar method will help your new year become a great new year!

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 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

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!

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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

"Keep your Christmas-heart open all the year round." Jessica Archmint

Have you noticed that many people show more kindness during the Christmas season? (I am not referring to the Black Friday shoppers who trample and run amok with carts!) I mean the drivers who seem to be more generous about allowing a car to cut in the line of traffic, and the people who dig the change out of their pockets for the Salvation Army Santa. I have enjoyed numerous positive encounters at the grocery store and post office as well. Although many are in a hurry, the season of giving seems to nudge us and whisper "be kind."

I have always loved the Christmas season - not for the gifts, but for the way it makes one feel. Magic is in the air, regardless of one's age, and seeing families and friends, with favorite foods and the act of giving, is so uplifting. How I wish that all people could keep that Christmas feeling going for twelve months a year! We would all be better and happier people if we could!

A very Merry Christmas to all my reader friends! May you enjoy the blessings of the season!

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 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

"Disabled children are equally entitled to an exciting and brilliant future." Nelson Mandela

I have been writing inspirational/educational posts for several years, and this is the first time I am writing about a program called SUPERHEROES BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, a group that not only makes people aware of children with disabilities, but also supports the children by sending birthday gifts to 180 children per month all around the country. The goal these gifts is to help those children facing medical challenges from autism to cancer to "feel like superheroes." Each child receives a birthday present of a specific mask of a superhero, along with age appropriate gifts, according to the personal interests of each child.

Needless to say, this task requires a herculean effort, great organization, lots of volunteers, and fundraising. Founder Amy Hasson Faltot (my niece through marriage) is the founder. She was inspired when her son had a lengthy stay at Children's Hospital in 2013, and she was inspired by the children who were so strong, as they faced their particular medical challenges with smiles and humor, prompting the moniker "superheroes." .Amy approached the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with an idea of a calendar of the children "superheroes", and they worked together on a photo shoot of the kids, which is amazing! The Art Institute, through their CARE program, even designed a logo for the charity. You can see Amy's interview and a clip of the photo shoot at this link.

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/video/program/750/3992943-special-calendar-to-support-superheroes-believe-in-miracles/

Calendar sales will go toward birthday gifts for the thousands of children who are involved in the program. The cost of the calendar is just $10, and you can order your calendar at their website. You can also get involved as a volunteer. Please check out the website for information about this inspirational program. https://www.superheroesbelieveinmiracles.com/

At this time of year, so many charities are asking for donations. I have seen the difference this charity makes in the lives of kids facing major challenges, and the confidence and spiritual lift these children receive is overwhelming.

If you enjoyed the video and like their mission, I hope you will consider a donation or the purchase of a calendar for your own personal inspiration from some exceptional children.

SUPERHEROES BELIEVE IN MIRACLES personifies the quote by Nelson Mandela that
"Disabled children are equally entitled to an exciting and brilliant future."

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 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

"We are a nation of communities- a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky." President George H. W. Bush

George H. W. Bush died at the age of 94, just seven months after Barbara, his beloved wife of over 70 years. The nation is in mourning, not just for the loss of a great man, but for the kindness and decency he brought into the world.

Mr. Bush made his life one of love for family and service to his country, I do not idolize him, but I do admire him. He volunteered to serve in World War II, and then made his fortune in the oil business, which was so new and risky at the time. He followed his higher calling to serve the country he loved, a job he continued for all of the years of his life. He served on many committees and charitable organizations long after his Presidency ended, continuing to exemplify his spirit for volunteerism. .

I have listened to some of the talk shows, and the passing of 41 has made Americans reflect on the manners and persona of the President. George H. W. Bush worked with all branches of the government in a true bipartisan effort, aimed toward improving the lives of the American people. He signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which helped to level the playing field for those who wanted to compete, but could not open the door. George H. W. Bush may have been the President with the most encompassing view of diversity.

Perhaps one of his greatest gits was to his family. He made every grandchild feel that he was the "favorite," Interviews with Jenna and Barbara Bush show that although he had the weight of the world on his shoulders, he was totally present in their lives, never leaving them to do "work." His love for family shows us the strength of love and its everlasting effect on others.

Others more informed and more eloquent than I will eulogize Mr. Bush. I am grateful he was my President and the leader of one thousand points of light for so many in our world. God speed, Mr. President. You made a difference for so many.

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 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise. 