"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." The 14th Dalai Lama

Our country is so divided politically that it seems people cannot agree on anything, except perhaps that a little boy and his act of kindness toward a new classmate with autism is totally uplifting and heart-melting. The story takes place in Kansas. 

On the first day of school, an 8 year old boy noticed a classmate rolled into a ball and crying.  Little Christian walked over to the crying boy, consoled him, got him up, and walked him into the school building.

Such a beautiful gesture.

Turns out that Connor, the boy crying, has autism and struggles with speech. Connor was having a meltdown because of so many unfamiliar surroundings and much anxiety for the first day.  He was overwhelmed.  Connor calmed down when Christian consoled him, and he allowed Christian to walk him into the school, showing the world that a small act of kindness and compassion can have an amazing impact.

Sometimes, children show us the way the world should really be.  Just think of how great day to day living would be if everyone treated others with kindness and compassion! 

I am not the only one who loves this story, as it has been shared millions of times. If you have not seen the photo and the article, here is the link.

https://people.com/human-interest/conner-christian-autism-first-day-school-photo-kansas/

Wishing you a weekend and life filled with the giving and receiving of kindness. 

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." The 14th Dalai Lama 

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!

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 ® 

"When teaching, light a fire, don't fill a bucket." Dan Snow

Quote Fancy

Dear Teachers, 

Students go back to school this week and next week in my corner of the world.  This is my 8th year of retirement, and I still miss going to school, which is why I continue to write words of encouragement for those who are still enjoying their teaching careers. 

For the exciting back to school week, I want to remind teachers that boring is out and excitement is in!  Show the students that you are passionate about two things: your subject and teaching.  You will find that enthusiasm is contagious!  Many of my students used to tell me they liked my class because I was so happy about teaching English and Theater, and that happiness made them feel happy.

Remember to be kind, and remember that the parents are sending the very best they have to give. Every child is well-loved by someone.

Wishing you a wonderful year of changing lives and having a positive influence on young lives.   

Dede

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!

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 ® 

"So often, children are punished for being human . . .grumpy moods, bad days . . . yet adults have them all the time. "- Rebecca Eanes, Author

School days are beginning shortly for some and have already begun for others.I always loved the excitement of the first day of school, both as a student and as a teacher.  I fondly remember seeing my friends, getting a new locker assignment, catching up on the latest news, and comparing schedules for lunch periods. As a student, I can remember teachers droning on and on about their classroom expectations.  Years later, when I became a teacher, I would also discuss expectations with my students.  As a teacher, I took care to remember the best and the worst of my teachers, and I altered my teaching style accordingly.  I did not drone. 

Looking back, some of my former teachers were so unrealistic - even though they had bad days, students were not supposed to do the same.I vowed to never be that teacher- the "Do as I say, not as I do" teacher. When I was in the 3rd grade, Mrs. Kennedy was my teacher.  Usually quite strict and forbidding, she put me on her lap several times when I burst into tears after my grandma died.  What a difficult year that was - my family lost 9 relatives: cousins, uncles, aunts, and 3 grandparents, all when I was in the 3rd grade.  I cried more than once in class, and Mrs. Kennedy was such a comfort.  She knew that telling me not to have a bad day would not matter - often, words cannot change feelings. 

Through my 37 years in the classroom, I  emulated Mrs. Kennedy, as I comforted many 10th graders who were heartbroken and suffering the pain of loss. Many of my lunch periods were spent listening to kids whose parents were divorcing, or who lost a boyfriend or girlfriend. Others were battling addiction issues, had alcoholic parents, or were in intolerable living conditions. I certainly couldn't tell them to "suck it up" and move on.  Feelings are real, and teachers who expect good days out of every student every day are simply unrealistic. As adults, we must honor a student's feelings, listen to their breaking hearts, and help them find the help they need. 

Most importantly, teachers must remember what it felt like to be a student. A bad memory of a 7th grade Science teacher comes to mind. He belittled all the girls in the class; consequently, I was not good at science. Teachers have tremendous power to shape young lives, and they should use that power in a positive manner.

Remember that you are not teaching a subject, you are teaching human beings, who deserve your attention and respect.  Have a great year - never stop remembering how you felt as a kid, and you will be a better teacher. 

Have a great year, teachers! 

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!

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 ® 

TEACHER - because superhero isn't an official job title

It is almost back to school time.  Some teachers don't like to hear those words, but they still stir my heartstrings.

Although I have been retired since June of 2011, I am still on the school schedule in my mind.  After all, 37 years of doing a job has a way of ingraining itself in a person. 

I loved the beginning of the school year.  The first day offers so much excitement at the high school level, as kids reunite with their friends.  Everyone has a back-to-school haircut, and the kids look like shiny pennies.  All teachers know feeling of newness will not last.  What will last, and should last, is the excitement of learning. Although teaching is the most difficult job in the world (don't judge if you haven't tried it), good teachers make magic and find ways to pique student interest and make learning fun and enjoyable. Teachers are old souls who know that they might not see progress immediately, or ever, but someday, their lessons and nudging and demanding and cajoling kids to learn will pay off - for the kids.  And that is a great reward, even though superheroes seldom receive rewards.

Teachers know that what they do matters every single day of the school year - and beyond.  They teach kids confidence through love and patience; the alphabet and reading in the same way.  One caring teacher who believes in his students makes a world of difference for the students! Although they are not celebrated enough, teachers are superheroes who lead the battle against a world of ignorance.  

Have a great year, teachers! 

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!

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 ® 

"Golf is the closest game to the game we call Life." Bobby Jones

After three injections and four months of physical therapy, my left shoulder impingement and right shoulder tendinitis are both doing better.  In fact, I have played three rounds of 18 holes in the past 10 days.  It's so great to be back on the course!  Today, I played golf with my good friend. Barb, and we talked about how much golf is like life, with the many lessons it offers. I decided to write my weekly post about this subject, which is one of my favorite topics. 

What lessons does golf teach?  In no particular order: 

Patience - Golfers must learn to be patient with themselves, especially when they have endured physical health challenges and can't shoot an 85 first time out in two years. (I know this from personal experience.)  Golfers must also be patient when trying to find their  authentic swing, and while retrieving their muscle memory from years past.  Depending on the playing partners and the speed of the field, golfers must also be patient with others. Golf is not a game for a person with no patience. 

Winning and Losing - Golfers learn that winning is fleeting, as golf is "A game that can't be won, only played." (Bagger Vance)  If a player is lucky and talented enough to win, repeating that feat is difficult, so winning must be done with both class and humility. Losing is difficult, especially when a golfer feels he has given his all.  

Humility - No one can play a perfect game of golf.  One is bound to make mistakes, and rather than be embarrassed by a terribly errant shot, one must have humility and recognize that sometimes, winning and losing comes down to the person who gets the luckiest bounce.  Best to show humility when winning of losing, since they are often only a few inches (or just one stroke) apart.  

Self-Confidence - Sometimes,when the round is "owned" by the golfer, it is easy to be self-confident.  Conversely, when nothing seems to be going right, every bounce takes the ball the wrong way, and the putts just won't drop, facing the game with self-confidence is much more difficult.  I like to visualize past good shots and internalize that feeling from making a great shot. Playing with confidence, even when not playing well, requires some soul searching and remembering past good rounds, along with remembering basics and set up. Total effort is paramount to regaining self-confidence. 

Empathy - When you miss the birdie putt, your friends cringe with you.  When you lose a ball on the 18th hole of a straight-up match, your friends feel your pain.  Golfers feel each other's pain because they have all experienced the negative bounces that can ruin a game, and they share the highs of winning, because they know what it takes to get there.  True golfers have great empathy for their playing partners, and even for their opponents.  Just watch the end of a professional golf tournament, when competitors hug and congratulate their competitors. Golf teaches empathy like no other sport. 

Perseverance - Every golfer knows that feeling of "the worst game ever", and then, on the 18th green,making a 40 foot putt!  Despite a terrible round, it just takes that one shot that will make a golfer come back to play another day. Arnold Palmer says it best in the photo below,

I love the game of golf, and playing golf for these 50 years and coaching golf for 33 years have made me a better person, on and off the golf course. I hope you will consider playing, if you are not already a golfer.  It's the greatest game ever invented. 

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!

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 ®