Saturday, September 26, 2020

"A change of scenery can help everything." Drew Pomeranz

 

    

Brainy Quote 

During this pandemic, I believe we are all just sick of staying inside and eating our own cooking. I think it is time for a change of scenery - even if that change just means a day or an afternoon away from our "normal."

I enjoyed a wonderful change of scenery yesterday. I drove from my home in Pittsburgh to a friend's camp in Andover, Ohio, just for the day.  We bought Amish donuts and ate out for lunch.  We went to Cherry Hill Amish Furniture and More, and looked around for at least an hour.  (I even found beautiful new bedroom furniture I think I am going to order.) On the 2 hour drive up and back, I took two different routes.  I had time to daydream a little, enjoy the scenery a little more, and to listen to music and sing aloud with the roof down and the windows up. (It was a little chilly.) I thought about some issues that have been bothering me, and just being away from home gave me just what I needed - a fresh perspective.

If you are feeling "stuck" right now, maybe it is time for you to have a day out by yourself or with loved ones, just for a change of scenery. 


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 ® 















Friday, September 18, 2020

"Normal is not something to aspire to; it's something to get away from." Jodie Foster

 


QuoteFancy


Although many of us would "normally" agree with the quote above, I think all of us are currently wishing for our old "normal."     

We have had enough of the pandemic and it's control over every aspect of our lives.

Friends on the telephone say:

"I wish we could go out to eat, inside our favorite restaurant." 

"I miss the movies."

"I had season tickets to the theater.  Wonder when a show will ever be playing again." 

"I miss watching _______ (fill in the sport) in person."

"I wish I could watch my son/daughter/nephew/niece in their high school game _____ "(fill in the sport)

"I wish I could visit my mom/dad/aunt/uncle/grandparent in the personal care home." 

"I wish my child could have play dates and be in school."

"I wish I could attend church and sing in the choir." 

I wish all of those things for myself and others, and I wish I had a crystal ball to know when this will all end, but I don't. Some think a vaccine will be a panacea, but I disagree. People are vaccinated for the flu, but they still become ill.  And many will not take vaccinations at all.  I don't think any of us have the answers, so we will just have to wait and see.

In the meantime, I am so grateful for the chance to be on the golf course several times a week and eating lunch outside at my golf club.  That is as close to my "normal" as anything else in my life is right now.

I am hoping that you have found a few "normal" things to do this summer, and that things will get better as we move into Fall, which begins in a few days. 

Who ever thought we would be wishing for "normal"?  

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 ® 




















Friday, September 11, 2020

"Never forget. A time to remember those who died, those who served, and those who carry on."

 


Today is the anniversary of 9/11. 19 years have passed, and that day is still as fresh in my mind as if it had just happened.

It was Picture Day at my school, North Allegheny Intermediate High School. The kids were combed and clean and shiny as new pennies.  I was wearing a soft yellow top with a gold necklace, a denim skirt, and penny loafers.  The day was gorgeous - with a high blue sky and plenty of sunshine, with a perfect temperature and low humidity. I taught my first period class, and a very cordial study hall group was in my classroom for second period.  It was my practice to turn on the class television set at precisely 9 am, so the kids who needed a current event could grab a headline.  Shortly before 9 am, a teacher stopped by to tell me that a plane had crashed into one of the Twin Towers in New York.  I knew in my heart that this was not an accident.  i turned to the kids and asked them if they minded if I turned on the TV - making sure everyone was finished with their homework, as I always did.  One young man asked for an extra minute to complete a math problem, then nodded to me to turn on the TV. It was almost 9:02, and when the television came on, my entire study hall saw the second plane hit the second tower.  

We were stunned.  They looked at the TV, then they looked at me.  "What happened, Miss Rittman????"  I said I did not know.  We watched in silence until the bell rang at 9:10.  I will be forever linked to that class, because we watched a mass murder of our fellow Americans in my classroom.

The school was a somber place to be that day. When we heard that another plane hit the Pentagon, and another went down in Shanksville, only 90 minutes from our location in Pennsylvania, no one understood how and why America had been attacked.

The days and weeks following 9/11, patriotism was at an all time high.  Flags flew in front of so many homes; Americans proudly displayed patriotic garb and flag pins; Old Glory appeared on pillows and sheets and T shirts.  The country was united in a way I had only heard about from my parents, who talked about the excitement surrounding the American victory at the end of World War II.People stayed home and watched their television sets every evening. People got to know their neighbors, and the nation learned about the heroes who did what they could to save others.  All Americans were humbled by the displays of heroism we read and heard about, and we were proud to be a part of such an extraordinary group of citizens called Americans. 

Fast forward 19 years.  Anarchists are attempting to take over our cities, and schools are teaching hate for our country.  The police and first responders, hailed as the world's greatest heroes just 19 short years ago, are under attack, called names, and victims of hate and prejudice.  I am heartsick to see what America has become.  Talk and negotiations are better tools toward chance than violence, I believe, but it seems I am somewhat alone in those thoughts. I recognize that some inequities need to be addressed, but I disagree with the methods of tearing down and destroying rather than discussing and building.

America is not perfect, but that is why it is so great to live here.  We are constantly striving to make it better.

My wish for today is that everyone should take some time today and remember. Remember the heroes and the patriotism. Remember the indignation and grief that terrorists could  and would do this to our fellow citizens. Remember that we are better when we work together than when we tear each other apart. 9/11 #NeverForget 

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 ® 
















 

Friday, September 4, 2020

"It is a greater work to educate a child, in the true and larger sense of the world, than to rule a state." William Ellery Channing

 

Readers Digest 

It is a difficult September as most of America attempts to go back to school in person, online, or as a hybrid model.  My colleagues who are still working are so frustrated.  They are working hard and still trying to iron out the technical issues, get to know the students' names, help their own children at home to learn, and, in some cases, teach a new curriculum and/or introduce a new book.

Now is a very trying time to be a teacher, and I am glad I am retired.  It seems like most of my former colleagues are working twice as hard, but they feel like they are chasing their own tails in circles. 

Since teaching is completely about relationships, the beginning of this school year is much more difficult than ending last school year.  Teachers already knew their students. They had shared classroom space and ideas for at least two months into the second semester before the shutdown happened.  Starting fresh with new students is much more difficult.

I say this.  Be honest with your students.  Tell them that you are learning along with them, and that you are doing the best you can.  Ask them for patience from them, just as you will be patient with them in the coming days.  If I know anything about kids after teaching 37 years, it is this: students will respond to the authentic and sincere teacher.  You may even be able to teach a few lessons on empathy on the side.  They know what it is like to try hard, be frustrated, and try again.  They will appreciate you more, and making the grand gesture of honesty and disclosure may prompt making relationships with your students happen more quickly. 

I am so sad for all the students and the teachers who much deal with new ways of teaching during this pandemic. I believe if students see you doing your best, they will also do their best. Good luck, Friends. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via 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
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 ®