"My goal in the classroom was always to make sure they were having so much fun that they didn't realize they were learning." Rick Riordan

 

                                                                        QuoteFancy 

I loved teaching for 37 years.  During that time, my students taught me that they learned best when they were EXCITED about learning. I saw a story from Steve Hartman I want to share with you that is a perfect example of a great teacher who is making learning exciting.

Robin Hughes is a teacher at Southshore Charter Academy, which is near Tampa, Florida. When she introduced a book about snow, her students could not imagine what snow would be like, as the Tampa area has not seen any snow for 45 years.  Robin found it difficult to engage her students in the book about snow, especially when they couldn't grasp the concept of snow, so she made a plan.  Robin called her sister in Kentucky, a state that did have snow on the ground, and she asked her sister, Amber Estes,  to make a snowman and ship it to her in Florida.  Amber was skeptical - and she made a joke that if the snowman made it to Florida, his name would have to be "Lucky."  Amber honored her sister's request and sent the snowman off to Florida. He made it, still frozen,  and the students did name him "Lucky." Teacher Robin Hughes takes Lucky out of the cafeteria freezer a few times a day so that students can touch snow and enjoy seeing the miracle they have never witnessed in their own town. The squeals of happiness and pleasure at seeing and visiting with Lucky the snowman fills the heart with joy!  The students love Lucky as if he were a real person.  

Such is the joy of making learning fun.  Robin Hughes has made a memorable year for so many students, and learning about snow is not only exciting, it is a concept the students can now embrace!  To see the love the kids have for Lucky the Snowman, please click on this link.  I promise you will smile. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/a-snowman-that-melts-hearts/#x

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 ® . 

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Sir Richard Steele

 

                                                                Quote Master 

        

Pittsburgh is fortunate to have a new program to help readers ages 4-12, and the program has nothing to do with a school classroom. The program, called ANIMAL TALES, is the brainchild of The Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, which has three locations.  Director of Community Programs, Sandra Smith, gave an interview with Jon Delano of KDKA television about this remarkable program.  Students must take an orientation class before the actual reading date occurs.  During the orientation, which costs $10 to cover an orientation packet, kids are taught things like how to interpret the body language of a dog, cat, or bunny.  They learn to recognize what behaviors will lead to the most receptive listeners.  

The ANIMAL TALES program benefits both the reader and the animals.  Students who are reluctant to read in a classroom for fear of making a mistake are not fearful of sharing their voices with animal friends, who are so forgiving.  Thus, the student reader gains confidence in his own voice and reading ability.  The dogs, cats, and bunnies have stress from being in the shelter, and the socialization with the kids releases that stress.  The safe interaction of reading is a great distraction for the animals, and some even feel comfortable enough to nap while listening! The socialization is good for both animals and their human friends, making this program a win-win. 

I taught high school English for 37 years, and during those years, I had many readers who struggled with word recognition and the pain and embarrassment of attempting to read aloud in front of peers.  I see ANIMAL TALES as a great confidence builder and as a positive reinforcement for reading, which is the single most important skill a person can have  Congratulations to Humane Animal Rescue for this community initiative.  I hope that others who read this post will create a similar initiative in their hometowns. 

To see the interview and learn more about this terrific program, please follow this link

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/video/6202646-sunday-business-page-animal-tales/?amp

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 ® . 

"Nine-tenths of Education is encouragement." Anatole France

 

GradeCam

I saw a heartwarming story about the Global Teacher of the Year that I must share during Black History Month. A young woman who was raised by her grandmother in Jamaica   Keishia Thorpe was born into poverty in Jamaica, and she and her twin sister were raised by their grandmother.  Keishia represented Jamaica in the Olympics as a part of the Track and Field Team.  That talent helped her to receive a scholarship to Howard University, where she tutored her peers.  She has been teaching at the International High School outside of Washington, DC, since 2004.  She teaches her students what her grandmother taught her - important lessons like "don't give up" and that lesson that a person has "no limits." Keishia won a million dollars as the winner of the Global Teacher prize.

What an inspiration she is!  Keishia has an amazing and magnetic personality, and the video of her interactions with her students shows how much they care for each other and respect each other.  She encourages her students to be work hard and be their best!  Keishia Thorpe is an inspiring and deserving winner!

To meet Keishia Thorpe, please click on the link below. 

https://video.foxnews.com/v/6295446717001/

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 ® . 

"Never underestimate the influence you have on others." Laurie Buchanan

 

                                                                 SayingImages.com 

Athletes wield an amazing amount of power and influence in today's world.  It seems that the money and power granted to athletes continues to grow exponentially, through the media, social media, team sports, etc. It is completely up to each athlete to decide what he/she wants to do with that power, and whether they decide to provide a positive or a negative influence for their fans.  

A Philadelphia Eagles player,  Anthony Harris,  set a great example of an athlete's positive influence by helping a Texas girl. Audrey Soape is 11 years old, and in the sad past year, she lost both her father and her grandfather. With the school Daddy-Daughter Dance looming, Audrey was devastated to have no male in her life to take her. Audrey's mother reached out to Audrey's favorite player, Anthony Harris, through social media. Recognizing her need, Anthony agreed to take Audrey to the dance.  Not only did Mr. Harris fly in to escort Audrey to the dance, he also insisted on paying for her dress, hair, and make up. because he wanted to make her "feel like a princess." He gave her a beautiful night to remember.

I really like reading stories about people who help others in their time of need.  I also admire athletes who set a good example for others. This young girl is hurting after the loss of two important and close family members, and Anthony Harris stepped up to help in a big way.  His unselfish actions with helping Audrey show who he really is as a person.  I hope other athletes will take note.

To see a picture and a story about  the two new friends, please follow this link. 

https://6abc.com/philadelphia-eagles-anthony-harris-daddy-daughter-dance-texas-girl/11543281/#:~:text=Eagles%20safety%20Anthony%20Harris%20takes%20Texas%20girl%20to%20'Daddy%2DDaughter,feels%20like%20a%20princess.'%22&text=When%20it%20was%20time%20for,her%20daughter's%20favorite%20football%20player. 

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 ® . 

"The world is changed by your example not by your opinion." Paulo Coelho

 

QuoteMaster.org 

 

Watch any TV show, or listen to any radio show or podcast, and you will notice that the entire world seems to think that they are required to give an opinion. It doesn't seem to matter what the subject is, and whether or not the person actually knows anything about the subject, they just seem to feel the need to comment.  Look at Facebook and Twitter and you will see the same behavior.  I, for one, am sick of hearing opinions and rude comments.

As for me - I just want a presentation of the facts, and I prefer to decide for myself.  If something is on TV that I don't like, I change the channel.  If I see a post or tweet that I don't agree with, I scroll past it. I do not feel the need to argue or comment online.  

Our society has become so judgmental, and I wish people would lead more by example instead of by opinion. After many conversations with individuals, I know I am not alone in this thought!

Rant over. 

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 ® .