Do you remember when you were in school? Did you have a favorite class (other than lunch and study hall)? Did you have a favorite teacher? Was there one special teacher who turned on your brain's light bulb, and made you LIKE a subject and/or learning for the first time?
Students recognize the teachers who really enjoy teaching, and their time in the classroom. Good teachers know that adding some zest and passion, along with some humor and fun, will help students to learn, and even help them to like the subject and the class.
When I was in the classroom for 37 years, 35 at North Allegheny Intermediate High School, our building was filled with talented and passionate teachers, and we reveled in making our lessons even better. My good friend who taught Latin organized Saturnalia, complete with decorations in the cafeteria, which transformed the cafe into a Roman holiday venue. A World Cultures teacher had assorted outfits, hats, and headdresses - turning himself into many famous people in history, including Buddha! Another friend, a Geometry teacher, made rhymes and movements along with a few steps, in order to help kids remember formulas. I loved doing the extra research to "hook" my students and make them interested in something that I was required to teach that could be considered "dry." In fact, as a review before the big test, I played ALL the parts in Julius Caesar, dying on my desk. Kids always remember that scene, as well as Marc Antony's famous "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech. All of these examples helped students to become more interested and to learn.
I saw an article about a teacher in Oregon who has actually made his students like Math. I think he has even made ME like his class, just from one short video! Here is the link to see this energized and energizing teacher:
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/03/michigan_teacher_uses_breakdan.html
Students are bound by law to attend school, but they are not bound by law to like it or to learn. It is my belief that teachers should give some extra attention to making their classes interesting and engaging. Students WILL learn from a teacher who is passionate about his subject! I know - from first-hand experience!
You can read more about Dede's teaching ideas and philosophy in her book STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER, avaialble at www.dederittman.com or on Amazon.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school. if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com 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 and Gradygetsglasses
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