The importance of preparing well is one of the best lessons I learned as a teacher. I fondly remember my cooperating teacher saying that it is better to have too much material in a lesson, rather than not enough! When I interviewed for and got my first job, the curriculum coordinator emphasized "Plan your work; work your plan" and also The 5 P's: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. These are things I practiced for all my years of teaching and I still practice today.
So often, just a little planning and preparation goes a long way, whether that planning be in one's personal, business, or social life. I think that when people say they "don't have time," it is because they are playing catch up - from of a lack of planning. Success comes easier to those who prepare.
Throughout my teaching career, I helped hundreds of students to plan better for time management and prepare better for evaluations, and those two strategies led to more success for those students. One of my best planning tips is this: buy or make a large monthly calendar that you can have on your desk. Put EVERYTHING on it - business appointments, luncheons, family obligations, doctor appointments, fun stuff, etc. You will have your week and month at a glance.
With all the things we all need to do every day, it feels good to plan ahead, prepare what you need, and be organized. Prepare yourself for success, not failure! Such sage advice from Ben Franklin! "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Benjamin Franklin
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
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!
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
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