I have been spending some serious time thinking about all of the inappropriate behavior that American children see in screens every single day. Depending on the parental television controls at your house, they could be watching Jerry Springer, violent movies, news stories about sex trafficking, music videos with X-rated lyrics, dancing (and, yes, even "twerking"). Who knows what they are watching when they are at a friend's house? Even on the mainstream news, both candidates for the great office of President of the United States have said some inappropriate words and lines; they have called names, and overall, they have made the election look more like a schoolyard fight between children than two adults running for the same high elected office.
What can parents and teachers do?
The answer is surprisingly simple: parents and teachers can model the best behavior - the behavior you want your children or students to emulate. Teachers have about 8 hours of classroom time each day to influence appropriate conduct and performance. During those hours, students are observing every detail of their classroom teachers: the clothes, jewelry, demeanor, patience or lack thereof, body language, interactions with professional staff and students, manners, control of self, sense of humor - EVERYTHING! I know this because I was in the classroom for 37 years, and kids do not miss a thing. I am reminded of a section about a teacher in Harper Lee's novel TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, which my 10th graders picked up on and wanted to discuss. The situation involved Miss Gates, whom Jem heard say something that bothered him, as the kids were leaving the courthouse after the Tom Robinson trial. Jem heard her say "The next thing you know, they'll be wanting to marry us", and as I recall, something else about "Keeping them in their place." Scout tells the reader that Miss Gates presented a lesson against Hitler in the classroom several days before, and she emphasized that the killing of Jews and others was wrong, because people should be equal in a democracy. Jem is quick to notice the hypocrisy of the teacher when she is not in the classroom. Unfair as it may be, our jobs as teachers always require us to be on our best behavior, because students are always watching.
Parents can discuss inappropriate behavior that their children have observed. They can point out that even adults sometimes act like children (we have seen lots of that), and they can say that they do not endorse that behavior. Like teachers, kids are always watching parents in diverse situations: driving the car and behind the wheel, the way they deal with clerks and cashiers, their interactions with other parents and other children, and the kinds of things they discuss about their friends, colleagues, and workplace.
We want our children to have self-control and react to situations with appropriate conduct. With so many bad examples of poor behavior in the world for children to see, modeling suitable behavior is the best way to teach kids what is proper in our world.
You just never know who is watching you, and the impact your conduct will have on others.
"Children learn more from what you ARE than what you TEACH." W. E. B. DuBois
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/
Visit Dede's webpage 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
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
For all of those who read my posts weekly, you know that when I retired from the safe world of teaching, only to become a writer, speaker, and then an entrepreneur, I had no idea of what I was getting into, even less of an idea of what I was doing, with no strategy to follow, and no study guide to help me through the perils of entrepreneurship. Nothing. No experience in teaching and no classwork in college prepared me for all that I was about to undertake- writing a children's book, marketing the book, and creating and ordering the plush toy character in the book. Sometimes in my office, I think of how much work I have done to get to the place where I am right now in my business, and I silently thank my parents for the strong work ethic they modeled for me all the days of their lives.
Being a writer/entrepreneur can be a lonely business. Although I have surrounded myself with good lawyers and bankers, it is my vision alone that I am unravelling, without a clear path and a yet-to-be-determined ending. Life is a little scary sometimes, with putting myself (and my own money) out there! But something really wonderful happened this week that gave me a huge boost.
GRADY GETS GLASSES was named the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 by a group called The Authors' Zone. Although TAZ is based in Pittsburgh, book submissions poured in from all over the country. I was thrilled to be one of three finalists, and so honored to be chosen as the winner. This is actually my second award from TAZ. Last year, my book STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER, won second place in the Self-Help category, second only to a book about parenting an autistic child.
My whole life has been about trying to make a difference and doing more for others, and I must say that this recognition gives me even more impetus to keep working. I have a mission and a message to help others, and the positive feedback in the form of an award is a shot in the arm for me
My advice to you is simple: keep working hard. My mom and dad were right - and so was Thomas Edison, a man who knew all about working hard, as you can see from his weekly time card below. the week of August 27, 1912, he worked 95 hours, 49 minutes.
"There is no substitute for hard work." Thomas Edison
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/
Visit Dede's webpage 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
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
I have had a tough few weeks with an emergency appendectomy and some other not-so-good things that have been happening. Things are certainly not terrible, but life is not exactly not smooth sailing, either. You understand what I mean, I am sure.
I am a person who accumulates lots of "stuff" - I am not sure how- but it is fun to have it all, as I really enjoy sharing and re-purposing my stuff. I give to many different organizations, as well as to my church, and groups that serve specific populations of needy folks. All of this brings me to two matching suitcases which my late husband and I purchased - not normal suitcases, but rather GINORMOUS matching red suitcases.Scott passed away 4 years ago, and I have kept holding on to these suitcases, using one, only once. The size alone made the suitcase unwieldy for me to use, and the memories attached to those suitcases made me sad, so I decided to donate them to our local Goodwill, with the hope that they would find a good home and be enjoyed by someone who needed a really good suitcase. I carefully went through the suitcases, discovering some of Scott's things in his; - some restaurant matches, nail clippers, a tiny bottle of Polo, a few momentos from past trips to NYC. I thought I had removed all vestiges of both of us, but I somehow missed an identification name tag. I know this for only one reason.
While I was in the hospital with appendicitis, Someone who sounded like a very nice and polite young man left a voice message on my home phone. He said, "Mrs. Rittman, this is sort of a crazy call. You don't know me, but I bought your suitcase at the Goodwill. I want to thank you for donating it so that I could buy it. It is a really great suitcase, and I thank you so much. It's the best suitcase I have ever had. Well, that's all. Thanks a lot."
I could not believe it! First, I thought about how dumb I was to leave my ID in the suitcase, but then I thought about how my mistake allowed a thoughtful young man to make a phone call of appreciation. My heart felt so happy. I am so thankful that my sharing was able to provide for someone else who was needy, and that the receiver of the goods actually called in appreciation. It our fast-paced world, where everyone yells 'ME, ME, ME", what a wonderful gift from a phone call this young man gave me.
So often, a small kindness can make such a big difference for someone. In my view, the words THANK YOU could be spoken so much more. I make an effort to say these words often, and I hope you do, too. A world with manners and consideration is so pleasant, don't you think?
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's webpage 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
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
I had an emergency appendectomy last weekend, at the age of 63. I always figured that if my appendix lasted this long without issues, that it was good to last for the rest of my life. Not so! All over abdominal pain and a high fever, followed by localized pain on my right side several hours later forced me to drive myself to the local hospital emergency room on Saturday morning, which turned out to be the right thing to do. I was in surgery a few hours after my arrival, and then back home in bed about 36 hours later. Let the healing process begin, right?
I think an appendectomy is much more difficult to deal with at 63 than it would have been at 16. After the surgery, I found out that my normal breakneck pace of doing work, going out with friends, playing golf, writing articles, marketing my books, working all of social media platforms, and filling every hour with some activity was just not going to work. I couldn't do it - no energy, and too much pain. Who knew I could spend so much time in bed, just thinking? Turns out that I have plenty to think about!
I had time to mentally plan upcoming presentations, to think of new marketing ploys for my books, to invent fresh ideas for tweets and Facebook fan page postings, and to gage my work these past few years. I had time to ponder a strategic plan and to set short and long-term goals. Also, I took time to think about how much I continue to miss my life partner, my husband Scott, who died on May 8, 2012. I thought about my wonderful 37 year teaching and coaching career, and I counted the many blessings of life.
I also took some time to watch my favorite movies and some old TV shows on TV Land, and I wrote greeting cards to friends, and I enjoyed all of those things! I even read a few books. I watched 8 hours of the Golf Channel's coverage of Arnold Palmer's funeral, and read every article published about the man. So often since I published my first book in September of 2014, I take a little time to play golf, but most of the time, I work. Working fills my time and makes my single life less lonely. I work on marketing and social media and writing and creating presentations and as a producer for The Total Education Network. I already worked 37 years as a classroom teacher, and I am supposed to be at least semi-retired. Most of the time, I do enjoy working, but a small infected appendix forced me to stop and reflect about the many hours of my self-imposed workload, and to take a little time for myself.
I am still healing, and I suspect I won't be playing any more golf this season, but I think I learned a lesson about slowing down. I know I am not the only one who goes too fast and does too much, so I am sharing this lesson with you. For starters, just take the time to do ONE thing this week that you would not normally take the time to do. It feels great! have a wonderful week!
Eddie Cantor is the person credited with my title quote. Born in 1892, orphaned at 2, and raised by his grandmother, he became a Vaudeville and radio star. A few other famous quotes from Eddie Cantor:
"It takes 20 years to make an overnight success."
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's webpage 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
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Golf legend Arnold Palmer died on Sunday, September 25, at a hospital in Pittsburgh. He had complications from heart problems which took his life, leaving a huge hole in the hearts of his legions of fans, known as "Arnie's Army."
I first met Mr. Palmer in 1983 while working as a volunteer at the U.S. Open at the fabled Oakmont Country Club, and our paths would cross many times through the years, both through my volunteer work with the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association, my membership in the WGAWP, and my 33 years of coaching high school golf. He will always be my favorite golfer, and no one will ever take his place in my heart.
As I read the local papers, watched the coverage of his passing on The Golf Channel (which he founded) and the major television networks, the outpouring of love and admiration for Arnold Palmer eclipsed anything I have seen in my lifetime, save the coverage of the funerals of Ronald Reagan and Princess Diana. The word "beloved" comes to mind.
All of these accolades provoke this thought: just what was it about Arnold Palmer that made him so special? I think I have some good answers. Arnold Palmer never forgot his roots. Although he lived in Florida and had houses in other parts of the country, he loved being home at Latrobe, puttering in his shop, working with his golf clubs, getting his hair cut at the local barber shop, playing golf at his club, and eating lunch in the grill room. Simple pleasures for a man who enjoyed living simply.
Arnold Palmer cared about his community. He was a major benefactor for the town of Latrobe: he built the Winnie Palmer wing of the hospital; he contributed to the state police drive for underprivileged children; he built a fieldhouse for his high school, and more. His giving is legendary in Westmoreland County.
When asked for his autograph, Mr. Palmer did not shrug off his fans and walk away. In fact, I heard on the news that Arnold Palmer's autograph is just about worthless- because he signed his name with his perfect penmanship so many times! However, that clearly penned name is not worthless to the legions of fans who own that signature, because of the interaction and short time they spent with The King while he was signing. Mr. Palmer had that uncanny ability to make everyone feel important- from the local butcher to the President of the United States. There will never be another Arnold Palmer, and I feel so blessed to have known the man.
Arnold Palmer taught millions of people life lessons - for example, to go for the green and push the risk/reward; that humility in victory is as important as humility in defeat; to treat everyone with respect and to look people in the eye; to acknowledge others as they acknowledge you. He showed good manners and grace at all times - and never let his anger or frustration show in public. I have never heard or read about anyone saying a derogatory statement about Arnold Palmer.
Arnold Palmer's quotations inspired me as a golf coach for 33 years, and I often used his quotes in the team yearbooks I made for my boys. I continue to be inspired and to persevere because of this quote by Arnold Palmer: "The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done." Who would have thought that the son of a greenskeeper who was too small to play football would become such a giant in the sports world?
Rest in peace, my friend. I hope the golf courses in Heaven are as beautiful as the ones you designed here on Earth. You will be missed. And thank you for sending that beautiful rainbow over the golf course and your statue as your ashes were being scattered on the 18th hole. Your special rainbow gift made everyone feel better!
A few pictures of us through the years!
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Eight of Arnold palmer's top quotes are in this article https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/282920
More about Arnie's rainbow: http://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/look-rainbow-appears-over-country-club-after-arnold-palmers-ashes-are-spread/
Visit Dede's webpage 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
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
