I am a huge fan of CBS reporter Steve Hartman and his "On the Road" segments. I find his stories of ordinary Americans to be refreshing and uplifting, especially in the political climate of today. If you are a regular reader, you know that I was a teacher for 37 years, and that I enjoy practicing and sharing stories about kindness.
Such is the story for today. A six year old girl with a major hearing problem was set to go to a school for kindergarten. Her parents decided on a regular school, rather than a school for hearing impaired children. The bad news - no one in her neighborhood school was like Morey - everyone could hear. Morey Belanger and her parents were wary of her mainstreaming at first, but then something wonderful happened at Dayton Consolidated Elementary School. The kids learned basic sign language! They wanted Morey to be included, so with books and help from Morey's aide, all the kids learned some signs to communicate with the little girl. What a beautiful gesture of kindness and inclusion from children! Adults should take a lesson from these beautiful children.
If you have not seen this story, here is the link:
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/students-learning-sign-language-to-support-a-classmate/
In our current time of turmoil and antagonism, with polarized parties and little true communication, it is so wonderful to share a story about reaching out to another for no political gain, just for friendship and kindness.
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
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 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.
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!
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