"One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it." Knute Rockne

 

                                                                             AZ QUOTES 

I saw the last few moments of a story this week that touched my heart, and I had to go online to find out the rest of the story. I found it to be so inspiring, that I am writing my weekly post about it!  As teachers, parents, and coaches, we try to do our best to teach sportsmanship.  We look for examples to share to illustrate what true sportsmanship really is.  This story defines sportsmanship perfectly.

A senior named Brandon Schutt is a runner for the Bellevue HS team, which is in Nebraska.  When he was closing in on the finish line, he saw Blake Cerveny, an opponent,  collapse in the track. Rather than run past him, Brandon helped to get the runner to his feet, and by holding him up, the two crossed the finish line together.  

In an interview, Brandon noted that when he saw the runner collapse, he remembered when the same thing happened to him about a month before. Brandon knew the feeling, and his empathy and caring  kicked in.  Brandon sacrificed a win for himself to help a runner who was not even on his same team.

Sports offer so many life lessons to players, coaches, and spectators.  This lesson of exemplary sportsmanship by helping others, rather than seeking the self-glory, is one that everyone can learn from.  When asked in an interview about the most important lesson learned from this event, Brandon answered: "Even if it is an individual sport, you're still in this with your team mates and opponents; you're going through the same thing."  

I feel sure that Brandon's parents, teachers, coaches, and team mates are so proud of him.  I am proud of him, and I don't even know him!  What a fine example he has given to the world.

If you would like to see a delightful interview with this outstanding young man, please click on the link below/

https://www.newsnationnow.com/heroes/sportsmanship-is-winner-in-dramatic-end-to-cross-country-race/ 

"One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it."  Knute Rockne  

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

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Special Olympics Athlete Oath

 

                                                                   

                                                                Bits of Positivity 

                        

I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the City of Champions.  Pittsburgh boasts three great sports teams.  The Pittsburgh Steelers have won 6 Super Bowl championships, The Pittsburgh penguins have won 5 Stanley Cups; and The Pittsburgh Pirates have won the World Series 5 times.  Pittsburgh also has some of the most generous and giving players on their professional teams, and today I want to focus on Joe Hayden, cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steeler, who was recently named Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics.  This two-time pro bowl player knows all about people with special needs, because of his little brother, Jacob.  Jacob has a cognitive disorder that makes it impossible for him to speak.  Always protective of Jacob since they were children, 9 year-old Joe once saved Jacob's life, when the 4 year-old was drowning in a swimming pool.

Joe Hayden personifies kindness and compassion  He sees the similarities in people, rather than their differences.  Joe understands the passion to play and the desire to have fun with friends transcends any disability!  Joe and the Pittsburgh Steelers have done so much for their "special" friends.

Here is the link to an interview with number 23, Joe Hayden.  Please allow yourself a few minutes to watch - I promise you will be uplifted.  As soon as I saw this clip on television, I knew it would be my inspirational topic for this week's post. Professional athletes have so much influence on our culture, and it is so wonderful to see Joe Hayden's positive outreach in the global community.

https://www.today.com/video/pittsburgh-steelers-player-talks-about-his-work-with-special-olympics-123832389885

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

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty." Jack Canfield

                                                                       Quote Fancy 

I can remember the first time I ever read this quote - it was on the door of the health teacher's room at my school, more than 20 years ago.  A lover of provocative quotes, I thought about the perfect wording of this quote and the simple and heartfelt message.

I saw a story on CBS by Steve Hartman that personifies this quote.  I was so inspired by Susan Thompson-Gaines, the woman in the story, that I want to share it with you.  

Susan Thompson-Gaines lives in Arlington, VA.  She collects items from her neighbors and town, and then has a gigantic yard sale.  This year marked her third annual yard sale.  She made $12,000, and every day she spends a little of the money on random acts of kindness.  She might buy donuts for some nurses, or a homecoming dress for a needy teen, but she tries to do something every day.  Susan says when you look for ways to show kindness, you will find many.

I am inspired by this story, and by Susan herself.  She says that doing acts of kindness has made her a much happier person, and with all she ought at the yard sale, a brand new box of PURPOSE was the best purchase. :)  You have to love her outlook!

I agree with Susan.  Being in the classroom and coaching for almost 40 years was where I felt happiest, because I could help more than one person every day.  By the way,  I still work to perform at least one act of kindness per day.  

To view Steve Hartman's take on this delightful and inspiring story, please click on this link

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yard-sale-funds-random-acts-of-kindness/   

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

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher." Japanese Proverb

 

                                                                    Mum's the Word 

I loved being a classroom teacher for 37 years, and I witnessed over and over the powerful difference a teacher could make for a student.  I revered and respected my role to help my students be the best they could be.  I still miss being in the classroom years later because of the many rewards - rewards that I gave and received.  The miracle of learning will always be at the forefront of my mind.

I saw an extraordinary story on the news about a man with autism whose life was changed by a single teacher. Dan Bergmann was one of the commencement speakers for this year's graduating class of Harvard Extension School.  He was not always looked upon as gifted.

For years, Dan Bergmann was seen as intellectually disabled.  He waved his arms and made meaningless noises.  He could not communicate except to shout the word, "COOKIE !" when he wanted a cookie. And then he met a teacher who gave him the gift of language through a method of answering questions that he understood, and as Dan says, his mind began waking up.  He was 12 years old, and he learned to communicate by stabbing his pencil through cut out letters on a board..  He loved being able to answer questions and communicate, and that led to a love of learning.  I think one of his greatest insights about the learning process is this astute observation:  "If someone seems like they can't or don't want to learn, look for the physical obstacle, and remove it. This applies not just to the millions of people like me who have autism and can barely speak, but to people who are prevented from learning by distance, language, or economic pressures."

To hear Dan's full commencement speech to his class, which he typed into a computer with one finger, one letter at a time, please click on this link.  You will be swept up into his story, made possible by one teacher who figured out his obstacle to communicating.  This video even includes pictures of Dan as a child and shows him typing.  What an uplifting story!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2zA4yslXqc 

You see why I chose the following quote to introduce this blog.  "Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher." Japanese Proverb 

One great teacher made all the difference for Dan Bergmann. 

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

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"Autumn, the season that teaches us, that change, can be beautiful." Heather Stillufsen

                                                             Heather Stillufsen, Autumn Quotes 

Like millions of others, I am a huge fan of the month of October.  After the oppressive heat and humidity of the summer months, the crispness of the air, the rich hues of the leaves, and the shortness of the days signal that a more serious season has arrived.  The frivolity and beautiful nonsense of the summer has dissipated, and real grown-up life has taken its place, at a much lower temperature! When I was teaching for those 37 years, October 1 was a serious date, as about half of the first 9 weeks was through, and the end of the first grading period would soon end.  Students were accustomed to their schedules and teachers by October 1, and their school tasks were before them to complete.  Yes, I think October helps us to work at our objectives and tackle the work we must do.

Please do not think that my love for October means I am looking forward to winter!  In southwestern Pennsylvania,  there is no prettier month than October.

I hoe an October frame of mind helps you, my readers, to enjoy and embrace the change in the rhythm of life, and to be all that you can be. 

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

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® .