Lessons Learned from the Bunny Teacher: 2019

Sunday, December 29, 2019

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." Oprah Winfrey

No question about it.

Everyone needs a fresh start and a new year. Everyone needs the count to begin at ONE again. Everyone has something from 2019 to forget.

I think the new year comes at just about the right time. It's winter time, which in the northern part of the country forces a better focus on work, with no poolside, backyard barbecues, and golf to beckon us away from work.

January 1 is a great time to start over. Here is my top 5 list of things to leave behind:

1. Anger. Start the new year in a positive manner. I know this sounds difficult, but let go of the anger that made you so unhappy and frustrated in 2019. When you carry anger, the anger is poisoning YOU. Forgiveness will make you feel so much better.

2. Self-doubt. You really have so much going for you, so there is no need to compare yourself to others, as they have not had your same journey. Look at yourself through fresh eyes- squint a little bit so you don't see those comparisons. Make a list of your good qualities and the things you do well. Make a list of those who love you. Keep the lists where you can see them! You are so much more than you know.

3. Jealousy. Oh, that green-eyed monster lurks everywhere, feeding on people who give into its whims. Were you passed over for a promotion? Maybe the other person worked harder, or maybe they were related to the boss! You can just keep being the best YOU there is - and forge ahead. Jealousy will consume you - not the other person, and just like anger, the jealousy is poisoning YOU. Let it go.

4. Negative thinking. I have come to the conclusion that we are what we think. I have coached and played thousands of rounds of golf in my lifetime, and if you say to yourself,
"I 'm afraid I am going to choke on this shot", you surely will. When that little negative voice comes into your head, replace it immediately by thinking of something you did well. It is impossible for the human brain to think of two thoughts at the same time, so keep the positive thoughts going.

5. Dreaming - without acting upon those dreams. This one is really tough! Everyone has a dream, but dreams don't come true unless we work toward them. What do you want to do? Write a book? Set aside a little time each day to begin - which is the first step. Do you want to start your own business? Make an appointment at a bank to see what kind of capital they are willing to lend. Do you want to lose weight? (I think we all do.) Visualize yourself thinner and set small goals. No one can lose 20 pounds in one week! Change one thing you do each day - like cut out the sweet office snack at 3:00 and replace it with some fresh cut vegetables. You will save so many calories!

So, there is my top list of things to leave behind in 2020. Human beings need new beginnings - an unplug and restart is just the impetus we all need to be better. A personal note about the anger issue - I carried anger for several years, and it really bothered me. I also carried the hurt that went with that anger, until one day when the load just got too heavy, and I tossed it aside. I even told others that I had thrown the old anger over my shoulder, never looking back. I feel much lighter now, and you will, too. Letting go of anger and forgiving others will improve your life.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy 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 and a company called www.StreamableLearning.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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Thursday, December 19, 2019

"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." Edna Ferber

Brainy Quotes

I am a big fan of Christmas. I like the carols, the decorations, the food, the merriment, the presents, and the tree. Best of all, I like the manner in which the Christmas season makes everyone just a little bit nicer. In fact, I would say that kindness and generosity rule during the Christmas season.

I believe the whole world needs Christmas, and I know for sure that America needs Christmas! In a time that United States is more divided than any other time in our history, except perhaps during the Civil War, we REALLY need Christmas.

My Christmas list: I hope the Christmas season can help all to put aside their differences and work toward resolution. I hope that some vacation time can help those who are stressed to the breaking point. I hope families can celebrate together without drama. I hope all in your lives is peaceful, and that love surrounds you.

Merry Christmas.

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

Friday, December 13, 2019

"Gratitude is the memory of the heart." Jean Baptiste Massieu

Quotestosaythanks.com

Although I usually write about Education and Inspiration, today I am writing about GRATITUDE. December 12, 2009, my world changed forever when my Always healthy husband was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He was essentially handed a death sentence, with about one year to live. We were devastated, and suddenly all the plans we made for the future evaporated like steam, as we formulated a game plan for chemo and surgery to try to save his life. .

Before that day, we were happy and in love. We had so many friends and opened our home to so many who had nowhere to go. We were each other's best friends, as well as lovers, and although we often spoke of how lucky we were to have each other, our families, our beautiful home, our jobs, and our friends, I believe we never felt the true meaning of those things until that day. I don't think we were grateful enough, until we knew we were going to lose it all.

I can't be too hard on myself, because I think it is human nature to accept gifts without fully appreciating them. I'm not even sure you can appreciate something fully, until it is threatened. One does not appreciate breathing.

My message this week - take a few silent moments to look at your life and your loved ones. Tell them you love and appreciate them. If you are religious, speak the three word prayer often spoken by Mister Rogers - "Thank you, God." Be open in showing your GRATITUDE to people and to the Universe.

Life can change in a single heartbeat; be thankful for your life and for those you love. Dede

This picture was taken on December 12, 2008, at Diamond Run Golf Club, exactly ONE YEAR before Scott was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Who knew this would happen?

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

Thursday, December 5, 2019

"When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves." William Arthur Ward

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Last week, I was part of an awesome interview/podcast with Juan Campos, an educator I know only from Twitter. We have been following each other's tweets, and we connected strongly about our shared outlook of what teaching is all about.

We think teaching is about kindness, connection, and high expectations, as we look for the best in each of our students.

Juan and I contrasted stories about those teachers who practice the "Don't smile until Christmas" philosophy with our own "Extend yourself, be your authentic kind self, and show kindness" approach. We like our practicing philosophy better.

Juan and I believe that every student is a person, to be treated with dignity and respect. We believe that students respond to a kind heart, an encouraging word, and a personal connection. We believe that when students know the teacher believes they can achieve, that the possibilities for success are endless.

One of my stories concerns a Theater class I taught, with 17 gifted students and 3 special needs students. On the very first day, I said that our group would become a family, and that families share and learn from each other, and that each person in the class had something to teach the others, and that everyone should extend himself to others. This class story of transformation and kindness is one of the favorites in my career. The students were ALL included, in every way, every day. Throughout the semester, I called every parent to tell them of the way in which our class had become a family, offering specific examples of kindness and inclusion. I cried during each of there phone calls, and the parents cried with me. It is amazing how a teacher can set expectations of kindness and inclusion, and the rest of the class practices those values. I set the expectation, I believed in the students, and they did not disappoint. And somehow, through this entire experience, I became a better teacher and human being because I was fortunate to teach this class.

Thank you, Juan Campos, for allowing me to articulate my passion for teaching - even now, when I am retired. Thank you for sharing your fire for helping students to be their best. I only wish we could have been colleagues!

I will post the link to the interview as soon as Juan uploads it!

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

Monday, November 25, 2019

"There's no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are." Mister Rogers

PBS Kids

I saw the Mister Rogers movie today, "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," and I will be returning to the movie theater to see it again.

This post is my love letter to Fred Rogers for all the good things he brought to the world, just by being himself.

I won't write a synopsis of the film - but I will tell you that I witnessed the impact the film has on each person who sees it. I went to a 3:45 pm show, and no one got out of their seats until all the credits were finished rolling. I overheard people talking about the many messages of the film.

There is just something about the goodness, the tenderness, the compassion, and the loving attitude that Mister Rogers showed to every person he met that punches us - right in the heart.

How could a person be that good, all the time? Well, to be honest, he was an ordained Presbyterian minister, although he never really preached, the way most preachers do. He led by example. I had to laugh at the part in the film when the journalist asked Fred about his persona on set vs. his persona off set. He had not yet learned that Fred Rogers was the same, no matter where he was and whom he was with. The journalist also had to learn that Daniel Striped Tiger and King Friday the 13th were also Fred!

Everyone who sees the film should walk out with a sense of wonder and appreciation and tolerance for family, friends, and even people they don't know, because Mister Rogers message is clear and strong that "There's no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are." His message of forgiveness is one to carry in one's heart. His compassion for humankind is shown in every interaction he has with a person. His love for children and helping them to cope with the realities of life are brilliant and not a bit condescending. Mister Rogers taught the world about inclusion at its finest.

Our world today could use some hourly doses of the kindness of Mister Rogers. Maybe if enough people see this movie, the world will become a kinder and more tolerant and compassionate place.

By the way, if you want to read the piece in Esquire magazine that inspired this film, here is the link: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a27134/can-you-say-hero-esq1198/

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving! I hope you have a chance to see the film!

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

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." Charles R. Swindoll

I am now a Brandon Matthews golf fan.

I did not know this young man on the tour until he lost the Argentine Open and did something extraordinary.

Brandon was playing the third hole of a sudden death playoff, and he just needed a little 8 foot putt to close out the win. Instead he missed it, because a fan yelled out during his stroke. He lost his concentration, missed the putt, and lost the tournament and his chance to gain an entry into next year's British Open. Of course, he was upset.

Later in the locker room, Brandon discovered that the person who yelled out at the most inappropriate time was a male fan who has Down's Syndrome. He changed his reaction from frustration and sadness to kindness. He said he wanted to meet the fan who cost him the win, not to confront him, but to talk to him.

Brandon grew up with a friend whose sister had Downs. Brandon's mom managed a group home for people with Downs, and Brandon wanted to make sure the man did not feel badly about all the negative attention he received after the outburst that cost Brandon the win. Brandon chatted with the man, signed a golf glove and ball, and even gave him a hug. I admire this young man's kind reaction to such an unfortunate incident. This is humankind at its finest.

This is a very fine young man, with good values and an understanding of how to treat others. His kindness and compassion toward the person who cost him the win was exceptional.

Yes, I am now a big Brandon Matthews fan, and if the Golf Gods saw any of this incident, I hope he will be rewarded with some wins and an entry into next year's British Open.

Here is a link about more of the story https://www.golfdigest.com/story/brandon-matthews-lost-a-playoff-and-potentially-a-british-open-start-when-a-fan-yelled-but-his-response-was-a-winning-one

And one more link https://www.today.com/news/golfer-brandon-matthews-forgives-fan-down-syndrome-who-yelled-during-t167546

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

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

#CardiganDay is Wednesday, November 13, 2019, honoring Mr. Rogers and WORLD KINDNESS DAY

Wednesday, November 13, 2019, is WORLD KINDNESS DAY. As part of the 65th anniversary and the Year of Kindness, WQED asks that everyone wear a cardigan sweater on Wednesday to honor kindness and the man who taught all of us to be kind, Mr. Rogers. If you aren't in Pittsburgh and can't stop by the WQED Studios, take a selfie in your cardigan and tweet it using #cardiganday.

Mr. Rogers, in his unassuming and patient manner, was a huge figure in the United States and beyond. Even now, years after his passing, his lessons of kindness stay with us. I hope his lessons will reverberate for many generations to come.

I have written about this before, but for my new readers, here is a little story. My late husband and I had tickets to the Pittsburgh Public Theater on the same dates as Fred and Joanne Rogers. We would often see them and exchange pleasantries. Once, a little girl in a beautiful lacy white dress saw Fred and ran up to him, saying, "Mr. Rogers! Look at my new dress! Isn't it pretty?" He answered. "Yes, it's very pretty, but remember that it is more important to be pretty on the inside." Mr. Rogers was exactly the same in real life as he was on television. What a great man.

Hope you wear your cardigan sweater on Wednesday, November 13!

Here is a link to an article about #cardiganday.

https://triblive.com/lifestyles/more-lifestyles/be-like-mister-rogers-wear-your-cardigan-for-world-kindness-day/?utm_source=second-street&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Triblive+-+Afternoon+Headlines

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