"Life is an echo. What you send out comes back. What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get. What you see in others, exists in you." Zig Ziglar

                                                                               QuoteFancy 

I will be 70 years old in late November.  This past weekend, my Highlands High school Class of 1970 had a "70th Birthday Party Bash" for the entire class, since we will ALL be turning 70 this year. As i mingled with the crowd of friends and danced to the great music of the 1970's, I reflected on the friends and the years that have passed, which have mostly been good, with some tragedy as well.  No person can live without experiencing tragedy. 

I have always been a positive person, looking for the good and seeing the glass half full, as well as refillable. I have always believed that radiating positive vibes and ideas will help to keep your life a positive one, regardless of circumstances. That's why I like this Zig Ziglar quote so much.  

Whether or not it is true, I do believe that we reap what we sow and get what we give.  So, I say, give GOODNESS, and you will improve your own life and the lives of countless others around you.  Plus, bu giving goodness, you serve as a role model for others who are unsure of where they stand. Goodness is like ripples on a body of water, that expand into larger and larger circles, touching endless numbers of people.

In our kooky world where there is so much negativity, I hope you can send out goodness. The world needs it. 

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,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,                     and Grady Gets Glasses

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

 

"One man's fault is another man's lesson." Maltese Proverb

 

                                                                    www.wow4u.com 

I am in the midst of writing a book about professional development with two teachers from Connecticut.  The three of us are very passionate about helping teachers, paraprofessionals, and new staff to be the best they can be in order to help students succeed.  One of the co-authors of the book is Dan Blanchard, a teacher and author I met when I was working as a producer for The Total Education Network. Dan has a book on Amazon called THE STORM: HOW YOUNG MEN BECOME GOOD MEN and he asked me to read and review it. I read the book in a single sitting on Friday, and I loved it.  How I wish this book would have been around when I was teaching reluctant and struggling learners.

The book is about a young man named Dakota, who has been asked by his grandfather to meet on Dakota's birthday.  Dakota is an angry young man, and the victim of an abusive father and a mother who cannot defend her children the way she wishes she could.  Rather than turn his anger into more anger, Dakota turns to sports, where he can use his displeasure with his personal circumstances to make himself better at sports, with a chance to do well and to earn the respect of others.  When he meets with his grandfather on his birthday, the granddaddy shares many secrets about making choices, looking at life, and understanding and learning about who Dakota is, as a boy, who on the brink of manhood. The story is told in such an easy, yet compelling, way, that it is Monday and I still find myself going back to the book to read a few lines again, and reflect upon their meaning in my own life, as well as to think about the impact such words could have upon a young person.

In my 37 years of teaching, I taught many students who were struggling with home issues, identity issues, and a lack of self-esteem.  They did not know how to set goals and make a plan and stick to it.  These were things we worked on when they were my students in 10th grade, but then they left and went to the senior high; so helping students to continue their efforts became a problem.  How I wish I could have used Dan's book to give them an anchor, indeed, a treasure trove of guidance, that they could refer to and implement into their lives. Dan's book imparts so many important lessons to help shape young men into good men. 

The book is a short, but intense, read.  Dan has also created a workbook of activities to complement the book. Here is the link to Amazon - and you can peek inside the book!

https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Young-Become-Right-Question/dp/0986239828 

Here is a link to the workbook:

https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Student-Workbook-Dan-Blanchard/dp/0986239844

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,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,                     and Grady Gets Glasses

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"I've always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings." Jenny Han

 

                                                                        Good Housekeeping 

Today is August 15, which means many schools have already started and some will begin within the next two weeks.  In my opinion, it is an exciting time of year.  During my teaching career, I had 37 years of first days.  I always found the first day to be exhausting, yet exhilarating.  All those new names, new schedule, new classroom, new personalities are just waiting to be discovered. The first day holds so much promise for both the students and the teachers.  The first day means you get to put last year's issues behind you and start anew.  Everyone needs a fresh start sometimes!  The first day means another chance to improve upon the skills you learned before, and maybe even a chance to shleve a strategy that did not work and utilize a new strategy. Yes, the first day of school holds limitless possibilities!

Here is my wish for all the students and teachers for this first day of a new school year:  Beleive in yourself, and give the school year your best try.  Wishing all much success and learning and personal growth.  I only wish I were having a first day with you.  Have a wonderful first day and school year! 

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,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,                     and Grady Gets Glasses

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"When you focus on someone's disability you'll overloook their abilities, beauty, and uniqueness." Yvonne Pierre

 

                                                                    SleepingAngel.com 

I saw an amazing story about inclusion that I must share.  First, I will tell you, that when inclusion began with the IDEA Act, I became a better teacher.  I also think my students became kinder and gentler kids, because they had the chance to see life through a different set of eyes.  Although I am not a fan of labeling students, I am a fan of setting high expectations for everyone, regardless of the disability. 

There is a group called the Beautiful Lives Project.  https://www.beautifullives.org/  Started by Bryce Weiler, the group gives folks with disabilities the chance to do something they would normally not do.  Bryce is blind.  He had the opportunity to be a part of the University of Evansville basketball team for 4 seasons, and he said that experience changed his entire outlook on life.  Consequently, he creates and provides ways for others to experience something equally special. I love this line from their webpage about their cause:  "They believe that when people can stop focusing on disabilities and abilities, they will start to see what people are able to achieve and what they can offer to others."

The Beautiful Lives Project has already created 20 events from Boston to Minneapolis - all centered around baseball.  Bryce secures the right to use a minor league baseball park on a day when the field is empty, and then, working with the minor league team players, they create a chance for kids with disabilities to have an amazing experience inside the ball park. The link below shows the richness and importance of such an inclusive event for so many people!

I love this story, and even more, I love that the group's founder, Bryce Weiler, has been expanding his circle of experiences to include broadcasting baseball games!  This is a first, I think - a blind man at the microphone, calling plays. Bryce has a message for all of us:  "Surround yourself with people who believe in you." 

I hope you can spare a few minutes to be uplifted by watching this story about the Beautiful Lives Project!  You will be touched and inspired!

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/nonprofit-stages-baseball-games-for-people-with-disabilities/#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,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,                     and Grady Gets Glasses

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. IT DOES." William James

 

                                                            GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 

Sometimes, a young person is so amazing that others have to sit up and take notice.

Meet 16 year old Landis Sims from Elizabeth, Indiana. He is a young man who is making a difference for so many kids, as he inspires others to be the best. 

Born limb deficient, Landis has  no hands and no lower parts of his legs.  Yet, he says that although he is legally handicapped, he does not see himself as physically handicapped.  Landis is a baseball player.  Yes, he is a quad-deficient person playing baseball! With the help of prosthetics and assistive devices to hold the baseball bat and more, Landis is living his dream to play baseball, all while inspiring other kids with disabilities to follow their dreams. Landis even threw out the first pitch at a Yankees game and spent time with the Yankees team! 

And now, Landis is the subject of a film, which was 8 years in the making, titled LANDIS: JUST WATCH ME. The film was just released on July 12. The interview at the link below includes Bob Babbitt, co-founder of the Challenged Althletes Foundation, a group that has helped so many young people to pursue their dreams of competing in athletics.

https://www.kusi.com/meet-landis-sims-a-quad-limb-deficient-teen-baseball-player/

Here is a link to the movie trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7df8Z9qa-fE 

Here is a lik to the film:  https://landismovie.com/ 

Here is a link to information about Landis as a child.  Even then, he was someone extra special. 

https://www.challengedathletes.org/athletes/landis-sims/

I am overwhelmed by the sheer tenacity of this young man, and I hope you will take the time to learn a little more about him.  He is making a difference to so many people - kids and adults.  They look at his challenges and decide that if he can overcome his problems and challenges, they can overcome theirs.  This young man is pure inspiration!

A picture of the movie poster from YouTube: 

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 ® .