"Time is free, but it's priceless." Harvey Mackay

Rockwell Global Media 

All human beings are influenced by their surroundings and the people closest to them.  For 9 months a year, teachers are usually some of the biggest influencers for kids, but not this year.  This year is is all about the parents, the siblings, and how a child chooses to spend alone time. 

I have been thinking about how the pandemic and being at home is changing some kids.  I can think of one young friend - an amazing musician who plays many instruments - and he is happier on the home schedule than he ever was at school.  He sleeps in, does his lessons, and spends the remainder of his time practicing and composing and honing his talents.  I think the time from the pandemic has served him very well.  His story makes me wonder about whether great things will happen because people had time to spend on something they love. 

I saw a story on KDKA TV last night about pop artist Burton Morris.  Turns out, he was in a body cast for months as a child, and he could only move his arms, so he spent every day (all day) drawing, which led to his occupation, as well as his fame and fortune. Maybe that same thing will happen to thousands of kids who have the time to explore what they love for endless hours, and as a consequence, our world will become more beautiful.

Parents must continue to encourage their children to find and follow their passions for learning in this most unusual time in our country's history.  Who knows what genius may be inspired? 

Here is the link to the Burton Morris story. 

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2020/04/22/start-of-burton-morris-career/

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 web page 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 

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