Lessons Learned from the Bunny Teacher: February 2017

Saturday, February 25, 2017

What is the climate in your classroom?

Graphic by The Innovative Instructor

Although February is the shortest month of the year, February usually seems like the longest and snowiest month to live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Schools normally have a day or two off for inclement weather, along with some two-hour delays. Pittsburghers mostly loathe February.

But not this year. We have just experienced a weather miracle in Pittsburgh! For over a week, our daily highs have been between 60 and a record-breaking 76 - which is our average temperature for June 3! Golf courses are open; the park is full of bicycles and joggers; no one is wearing a light jacket, let alone a winter coat! And the people are rejuvenated! Passing strangers make small talk about the weather, and everyone is smiling. It seems as though the good weather has provided people with a positive attitude adjustment!

All of this good weather has made me think about classroom weather. Every classroom has a climate, created by the teacher. It is the teacher who decides upon rain clouds or sunshine; windstorms or beautiful sunsets. Since everyone likes sunny and favorable weather the best, teachers must strive to make their classroom climate welcoming and appealing, and a place where students want to be.

What can teachers do to affect their classroom climates? Teachers can stand at the door and welcome students as they enter. They can make small talk about the big game, or give a compliment for a new shirt or haircut. Teachers can look students in the eyes, and really listen when a student is talking. Teachers can encourage all students, especially those who seem to have given up. Teachers can set high standards for students, and applaud their efforts when students meet those expectations. Teachers can be organized and prepared, have good control, and enjoy a give and take with the class, to make sure everyone feels important. Teachers can be sure that every learner is included, and provide extra effort to include those who seem to want to be on the periphery. Teachers can get to know their students as people, not just as students, and those positive relationships will make the classroom climate even sunnier.

Teaching is a difficult job, to be sure, as teachers work so hard to meet the needs of every student. I can say for sure, however, that if teachers can create a positive classroom climate, tardiness and absenteeism will diminish, and grades will improve. I urge all teachers to give a little more effort toward improving the disposition of their classrooms, because when it's sunny in class, the day flies by, and everyone is happier.

I would love to know your results, should you try to make your classroom even sunnier. I know the strategies above worked for me for the 37 years I was a classroom teacher.

Here's to sunshine in your classroom!

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

You can find many strategies for teaching in Dede's book. 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 or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Student-Teaching-Inside-Master-Teacher/dp/1633850102

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!

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/

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 ®

Saturday, February 18, 2017

"Their goal wasn't to stand out because of their differences; it was to fit in because of their talent." Margot Lee Shetterly, "Hidden Figures"

I saw the film HIDDEN FIGURES last week, and the lessons in that film are so numerous that my mind is still spinning, filled with flashback images and lines from the movie. I may even return to see it for a second time!

I was living in Natrona Heights, PA, and I was just 9 years old in 1961, when the film opens. The racial divide was great, and it hurt my heart to see the manner in which white people treated others who were not white. Pennsylvania did not have the signs that read "White Only" and "Colored." I remember seeing such images on television on the national news, and asking my mother about why all people were not treated equally. Mom believed everyone was the same - she would say, "We all bleed red and we are all the same inside-. the outside doesn't matter." I agreed then, and I agree now. She never could come up with another answer, except to say that, "Some people don't think the way that we think. I don't know why." I agreed them, and I agree now.

HIDDEN FIGURES offers so many lessons about life! The film is about a strong work ethic and believing in oneself; and doing the best job possible under the worst of circumstances. This movie shows people doing extraordinary things, and standing up for their beliefs, helping to set the example for the next generation. The movie transcends race and time and gender, with positive and uplifting messages. (I MUST see it again!)

I believe that this film should be shown in every high school. Social Studies classes could examine and discuss the great racial divide portrayed in the movie all those years ago, and maybe that discussion would promote better understanding of events in today's world. Supporters of STEM could use the three lady mathematicians as examples of the importance of education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and point to their contributions to put a man in space. Indeed, the film provides endless possibilities for discussions, research, and writing assignments in English class! In fact, the kids will love this movie so much that they will suggest topics for discussion and writing that the teachers will never think about!

If you not yet seen the film, treat yourself and go to the movies. In the theater where I watched the film, the audience applauded at the end! That hasn't happened in a movie theater for me in years!

Teachers- use this film! Always use a teachable moment or movie! Life lessons are at stake!

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 ®

Sunday, February 12, 2017

"Inclusion is about creating a better world for everyone." - Diana Richler

I saw a story on the news about inclusion that I must write about! In the Seneca Valley School District, a new student-run coffee shop called "Grounds for Thought" has just opened. Students enjoy congregating and ordering their favorite coffee libations, and they enjoy just "hanging out" together. This coffee shop is unlike other coffee shops; it is special because of who manages the shop!

The coffee shop is staffed and run by students in the Life Skills program. Their work in the school shop has provided these students with special needs with a plethora of learning experiences! They are interacting with others in a different kind of social situation beyond the classroom, and they are making new acquaintances and friends. Additionally, they are learning responsibility to themselves and others, new social skills, and self-reliance. Moreover, they are totally included in the school community, especially when they say "I work at the coffee shop."

The goal of educational inclusion is so much more than having students with special needs sit in a classroom. The workings of a school coffee shop unify the student body in ways students may not even recognize. The "regular" education students learn to engage with students who have special needs, and they have the opportunity to get to know those students by creating a casual friendship at the shop. The contributions of the students with special needs show that through appropriate activities for inclusion, every student can play an important part in the school system. From the television report on the story, the Life Skills students are thrilled to make new friends and to "be known." Students have a new appreciation for each other, and in schools, as in life, appreciation leads to mutual respect.

In my 37 years as a teacher, my goal for inclusion was to have students participate and belong as members of the class and citizens of the school. With help from my "regular" education students, we tried to help each of our "special" students to learn and develop to the best of his/her ability, and we tried to include them as important and contributing members of our classroom and our school.

I think this program in the Seneca Valley School District is terrific! I am sharing the link to the story in the hope that some of my loyal readers will share and use this idea! True inclusion is so important- for the entire school population.

Link to the television story:

http://www.wpxi.com/news/grounds-for-thought-student-coffee-shop-helps-students-with-special-needs-help-others/492617862

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/

Sunday, February 5, 2017

“A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out.” - Tony Blair

Immigration is a very hot topic in America. People from all cultures continue to clamor to be a part of the American dream. Please allow me to share a story - not my story- but the story of an immigrant turned American citizen

I have been traveling for a few weeks, and one of the greatest things about traveling is meeting new people. I made a new friend this week whose story is truly inspiring. With all of the talk and protests going on in America right now regarding immigration, Katherine's story is the great American success story.

Katherine's life began in Poland, living with her parents and brother and sister in a one bedroom apartment under communist rule in the small town of Rapa, Poland. To make more money for the family, her mother milked cows and tended a garden. Her parents felt the oppression of the communist government, knew that their lives would not improve under communism, and applied for visas to move their family to America. They waited 10 long years until their visas were granted in 1962, when they traveled ahead with their two children, while Katherine stayed behind for a short time. The day that Katherine was scheduled to leave Poland for her new country was November 22, 1963, the day that President Kennedy was assassinated. After making her way from the country to Warsaw on that fateful day, the communist government denied her departure, and sent her back to her home in the country. After 9 long weeks and more applications filed, Katherine was finally permitted to leave Poland.

When she arrived in America, Katherine had only a few possessions: $5 in her sock, and a small suitcase containing a few dresses, a pair of shoes, a sweater, and some underclothes. She did not even have a phone number to reach her mother, and through the kindness of a stewardess contacting a man who spoke Polish, Katherine was able to reach an aunt whom she had never met The aunt united Katherine with her family, and then came the task of finding a job, learning English, and assimilating.

In Poland, Katherine held the position of bookkeeper for a company, and she was also in charge of the payroll. Her first job in America was that of a live-in maid. She did everything in the house for a single Hungarian woman who was an artist: she shoveled snow, walked the dog, cooked, laundered, swept, dusted, shopped, and kept the house in perfect order. Her pay was about $25 per week in 1964. One day, while shopping with her employer in a delicatessen, Hearing that the shop owner understood Polish, Katherine spoke to him in Polish, asking him for a job. She told him she had been a bookkeeper and payroll manager in Poland, and he hired her to work with his business accounts! Although she had completed some college in Poland, Katherine had to study to pass the high school equivalency test in the United States, while she also took English classes at night. Through hard work and determination, Katherine eventually became head teller of a bank, managing all of the branch tellers, all of whom had college degrees.

Katherine returned to Poland only twice, once to marry her beloved Werner, whom she had known since childhood. The government would not allow his request to emigrate to the United States because they were not married, so Katherine became his bride in a church in Poland so she could get him out of the country. She went back another time, when Poland was still under communist rule, and realized that Poland held nothing for her, as her family, her husband, and her allegiance were all in America. Katherine studied to became a naturalized citizen as soon as the US government allowed, which was 5 years.

At the end of our time together, I asked Katherine this question: "What is the BEST thing that happened to you since you came to America?" This was her answer: " I got a job, I drove a car, I could own a house, I had a yard, and I have freedom." I became teary-eyed at her outpouring of thankfulness, for these are privileges I have always known. She forced me to look at my life with a new perspective.

Please know that this is not a political post, but rather a post of gratitude. Gratitude for freedoms which Americans take for granted, gratitude for hearing a story which makes me love and appreciate my country more; gratitude for the many immigrants who have helped to build every aspect of our country; gratitude that I met someone who had such courage that she came to America with $5 in her sock and one small suitcase, looking for a better life, who worked hard to achieve success. Katherine's story is much like the story of many others, and she has offered this writer pure inspiration. Thank you for reminding me of what it is to be an American.

*Note: Katherine and Werner celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2017. They continue to

have a wonderful life together.

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/