Wednesday, June 24, 2020

"Remind your students that you believe in them every single day. Your faith in them matters."




I was a teacher for 37 years and a golf coach for 33 years.  Old habits of teaching and coaching never go away because they are such a big part of who I am.  However, after being retired since 2011, I sometimes forget the powers held by a teacher and coach.

 I recently went to a golf course  to play 18 as a single.  I called four friends, and no one could play, so I went alone.  I played the first 9 behind two men, who continually looked back at me.  I have to say I was playing great - 6 pars and 3 bogies on the front.  On the back 9, they asked me to join them, and since golf is a social game, I did. They complimented me on my game - I was playing even better on the back 9 - and we made small talk and the group was quite comfortable.  The younger of the two men hit an errant shot - next to a large oak tree.  He looked quite perplexed about how to handle the shot, and kept looking in his bag, then looking at the tree.  he had plenty of space - and the tree would not interfere with his swing, except in his mind.  I walked over and said, "The tree is not there."  He looked at me and said, "Yes, it is,"  I disagreed, "No. it is not.  The tree is not interfering with your swing, so it is not there.  And you are only about 30 years away, so think about how hard you would throw the ball to get it to the green if you were throwing it underhanded.  Then swing your club exactly that hard."  I repeated the directions when asked , and he executed the shot perfectly, putting the ball next to the pin.  He turned and asked, "How did you make me do that?"  I laughed and explained that I had been a teacher and a golf coach, and my philosophy has always been this simple line:  If someone thinks you can do it, then you can do it. 


This is the true essence of teaching - taking a human being who is unsure, and explaining how to do something, and telling that person that you believe they can do it.  It's all about relationships, believing in the student, and helping them to believe in themselves. Such a simple formula, but with so many intricacies.  I was so happy to be able to help this golfer to improve his mind and improve his game.  He will remember this lesson.

 I loved teaching and coaching, and it's great to know that I can continue to uplift others - through my children's book, my book for student teachers, and through golf.  Teaching is still the best thing I know how to do.  Kudos to all the teachers who live their influence through students every day - in person, or virtually.  You matter more than you know!  

         
   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 readingSigned 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
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 ® 








 

 

Thursday, June 18, 2020

"Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air." Ralph Waldo Emerson




Summer officially begins on Saturday, June 20 at 5:44 p.m. Like many others, I I have always loved summer, but his year, the approach of summer seems so different.  First, I can't imagine how summer is even here - since all of us were in the house for the entire spring season! And where I love in Pittsburgh, PA, county pools remain closed, and many team sports have been eliminated for the season.  The Pirates are not playing baseball, and the NHL hockey season never finished.  What a strange year!

2020 is a year like no other, and I hope like one that will never be again.  2020 has caused so much pain.  The raging fires in Australia began the year, followed by the pandemic, and now we hear of murder hornets, and we view the constant protests.  If any humans ever needed summer, this is the time. 

The corona virus does not fare well in hot weather, so it seems we are all holding our collective breath and hoping for some sense of normalcy this summer.

My hope for you is for rest, relaxation, and renewal - with friends, family, and loved ones.  I hope for less loneliness in the world and better communication, along with generous amounts of kindness, compassion, and understanding.  Our world is so sad right now - for lots of reasons - and I hope Summer can help to heal it's wounds. 

Here is the link about the Summer Solstice: 


Happy Summer, Friends! 

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 readingSigned 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
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 ® 


Saturday, June 13, 2020

"A child who reads will be an adult who thinks." Unknown




emilysquotes.com 



I was a guest on TUCKED IN TUESDAYS with Dr. Belinda George, a principal who reads a bedtime story every Tuesday online to kids both young and old.  I read about her idea to connect with kids and share a story and some words of care and kindness.  She is wonderful.

I sent her my children's book GRADY GETS GLASSES when I saw a story about her on the news.  I enjoy supporting those who support others! Her kindness and compassion toward kids is so uplifting!  If you missed the story, here is the link:  https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/story/principal-reads-bedtime-stories-kids-facebook-live-loves-61454447

Although I had an issue with my camera and the audience could not see me, I was delighted by Dr. George and her other author guest, Virtuous Cornwall. Dr. George never reads a book ahead of time, so her reading is fresh and fun.  When authors are on the broadcast, she involves them in discussions to help her viewers see the author's perspective.  Dr. George is such a caring person that her viewers send her hearts and sweet words during story time. 

I strongly recommend TUCKED IN TUESDAYS.   Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/TuckedinTuesdays/  Tuesdays at 8:30 ET and 7:30 CT. 

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 readingSigned 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
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 ® 




Wednesday, June 3, 2020

"Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?" Henry David Thoreau

quotefancy 

Like millions of others across the globe, I have been heartsick since the death of George Floyd.  In fact, in some ways, I wish I had never seen the video of his last words, calling for his mother, and saying that he could not breathe.  It is a series of images I cannot erase from my mind.

I am not sure why some people are mean to those they perceive as being less than they are, but it is a subject I have pondered since I was a child.  Was it something that happened in childhood?  Was there an adult in their lives that tortured them, and they just couldn't help becoming the same way?  Do they lack empathy? (Yes - always - buy why?) Why do they love that feeling of power over others?  How do they feel after they have demeaned a person?

I was a high school teacher for 37 years, and a school is a microcosm of society. I saw lots of kids who seemed to enjoy hurting others and/or putting others down.  I had countless meetings with parents and guidance counselors concerning these kids, and some got the message that what they were doing was not OK, but many did not.  I can think of a few such students who met with incarcerations, or even untimely deaths.  Now, just like then, I could implore a person to see the light and reform, and try to impart the idea of empathy,  but the ultimate choice is up to the individual. 

It is my opinion that we need to be vigilant about treating others with empathy and kindness. Now is the time to look at others we perceive as "different," and find our similarities instead.  When I was a very young child, I saw a black man and asked my mother why his skin color was different from mine.  Her answer was so simple, yet so sensible.  "God made lots of people in different colors and who look different from us.  He made a whole variety of people, but the most important thing he wants us to know is that inside, beneath different colors of skin, we are all the same. No one is better or worse.  We are all the same inside.Then, as she always said, my mother said to "Treat everyone the way you want to be treated, no matter their skin color if if they are different from you."  Audrey's number one rule, both inside and outside the house, was the Golden Rule.  My brothers and I heard that rule so often; consequently, we have become human beings with great empathy. 

With empathy, all problems can be solved.  With empathy, gaps between groups narrow and communication can be established, and new treatises can be reached.  It's all about teaching and practicing empathy. 

I feel for those of you who are hurting - from the pandemic, from this terrible tragedy, from watching our country in turmoil. 

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 readingSigned 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
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 ®