.jpg)
I saw a story this morning on THE TODAY SHOW that reminded me of the years I was teaching at North Allegheny Intermediate High School. For more than 30 years, our school participated in the "Santa's Stocking" project, as we teamed with the local food bank to make Christmas happen for children who would not otherwise have any gifts for Christmas. The love, joy, and spirit of giving was so alive all those years in our school, and the story I saw today made me feel and remember those same wonderful Christmas feelings again.
Kipp Star Harlem Elementary School in New York City is comprised of children in grades 1-4. In October, they started a sock drive for the homeless, with a goal of collecting 1000 pairs of socks. Instead, they collected 9,300 pairs! The students enjoyed the giving experience so much, that they went on to complete a canned food drive in November and this month, they are involved in a toy drive.
Hoda Kotb of THE TODAY SHOW made a visit to the school and talked with some of the children, whose enthusiasm for giving is effervescent! She asked them about their experiences of giving, and their answers were so sincere and heartwarming. One little boy said, "We're basically mini-Santas." That, they are. Macy's and Toys 'R Us surprised the kids with two gifts - 500 Sesame Street toys for their toy drive, and a gift for every child in the school. Seeing the kids absorb this information and their ecstatic reactions is delightful! Unbelievably, two little girls who opened their personal gifts asked it they could donate their gifts to the toy drive. That is the real spirit of giving.
Give yourself a spiritual lift and watch this short clip from THE TODAY SHOW.
https://www.today.com/video/today-brings-a-holiday-surprise-for-group-of-nyc-kids-156232773870
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
No comments:
Post a Comment