"A good example has twice the value of good advice." Albert Schweitzer

 

                                                                            AZ QUOTES 

I read a story this week about a teenaged Katherine Hepburn and her father.  They were in line to go to the circus, and a family of 8 children and 2 parents were in front of them.  The eight children were so excited to have their circus adventure!  When the father approached the window and heard the price of admission for 8 kids and 2 adults, he did not have enough money.  Mr. Hepburn reached into his pocket, dropped a $20 bill on the ground, and said to the man, "Excuse me sir, you dropped this money."  The man was so grateful, as he shook the hand that saved him from disappointing his family.  Katherine and her father drove home - her dad had given away the money for their admission tickets.  Yet, they were happy, because they had made someone else happy.  You can read the full story here https://bangladeshasf.com/a-learning-story-from-katherine-hepburn/ 

This story really hit home with me.  Although I am not a parent, I am an older sister and an aunt, and I was a coach and teacher for more than half of my life.  Children - young and old - learn from example.  Children are watching everything their parents do, from the way they react to adverse situations to juggling tasks and packing lunches.  Children hear the kindness toward a stranger and the anger directed at another driver. Children notice the tone of voice a parent uses toward strangers and loved ones. Parents are their children's first teachers, and those examples of parental behavior have a major influence on their children, as well as  far-reaching repercussions.

I hope you will read the article, and that it will remind you that kindness matters, and that someone is always watching and learning from you. 

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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.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 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 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

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." Brad Henry

                                                                    Quote Fancy 

On Tuesday evening, I attended at Delta Kappa Gamma (notable women educators) meeting at the Senator John J. Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.  https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/  The current exhibit on loan is Smithsonian’s Portraits of Pittsburgh: Works from the National Portrait Gallery.  https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/exhibits/smithsonians-portraits-of-pittsburgh
I was delighted to see an amazing and lifelike portrait of my late friend Arnold Palmer in his pink Laurel Valley jacket, along with many surprise portraits of people with Pittsburgh connections, such as Fred Rogers, Willa Cather, and August Wilson..  

During the presentation part of our meeting, a young man named Robert Stakeley, History Center Affiliates Program Coordinator (Bob is a former student of some of our members) discussed the various exhibits and collections owned by the History Center. He talked about the contributions of ordinary citizens, who follow their passions to collect items and share their enthusiasm for collecting with others.  Robert talked about the late Mr. Lehew, whose collection of all things Heinz, was donated to the the History Center.  That collection is the largest corporate collection amassed by an individual. At that point, Robert talked about igniting one's passion, and he shared a tidbit of personal news.  Bob said that he has always loved learning, because of the teachers who inspired him to learn.  He has a new book debuting in December, Digital Storytelling as Public History: A Guidebook for Educators. (Routledge Press), and in that book, as a sign of appreciation, he listed the name of every teacher he ever had in school, from kindergarten to college. .  This revelation made many of us in the audience quite teary-eyed, and I thought to myself, "What an amazing tribute!  I need to share this beautiful gesture in my blog." With Bobs permission, I am doing just that! 

So often, teachers are viewed as glorified babysitters and public servants.  I hope the pandemic has changed that perception, as parents attempt to help educate their children from home.  Bob's verbal and published kudos to so many educators touched my heart, and I hope it touches yours.

If you would like to find out more about Robert's book, take a look at this link: 

https://www.routledge.com/Digital-Storytelling-as-Public-History-A-Guidebook-for-Educators/Fisanick-Stakeley/p/book/9781138710412 

For an example of a digital story (and how a historical society can use the “finished” or final piece), please reference “A Town Called Donora” at (it is located about half-way down the page):  https://www.sites.google.com/site/donorahistoricalsociety/1948-smog

I was a teacher for 37 years, and even as a retired person and writer, I am still teaching.  I just can't help myself.  I am so pleased when people in fields other than Education ignite and perpetuate the love for learning. 

If you have the chance, please visit the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. Their exhibits are both informative and inspiring.  Thank you, Bob Stakeley, for your love of learning and your appreciation of teachers who cultivated your imagination. 

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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.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 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 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

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty." John Ruskin

 

October in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania is a stunning array of the autumn colors of gold and orange and red.  I enjoyed a day trip with two friends and we oohed and aahed at the magnificence of the colors of autumn.  I shared with them that another friend told me that she had a visitor from southern Texas, where the leaves do not change.  She said that seeing her neighborhood through the eyes of a person who never experienced Fall in Pennsylvania made her appreciate nature's beauty in her everyday life even more.

I like the idea of "seeing through another's eyes." Sometimes, it is a good idea to step back and look at things from a different angle, or to pretend you are seeing something for the first time.  I know when I see things from another viewpoint, I appreciate the "normal" more and gratitude abounds.  Showing and experiencing gratitude makes me feel happy.  

During this pandemic, it has been difficult to find positive and happy things in our narrow and fearful existences.  Fall is a perfect time to be outside and view the beauty of the autumn paintbrush.  Being outside in nature and looking for beauty through fresh eyes is very uplifting. Winter will be here before you know it, so enjoy Fall's beauty now! 

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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.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 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 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

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"Wisdom is the reward of experience and should be shared." Author Unknown

 

Jar of Quotes 

Last week, I was invited to the Alpha Phi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (notable women educators) to share my experiences in becoming an author after retiring from my 37 year career in teaching.  I prepared a fun PowerPoint for the group, and I was honest in sharing both the triumphs and the pitfalls of these past 6 years in my new career. The ladies were so receptive and asked such great questions!  I was so touched by their friendliness and sincerity, that I could easily call this chapter my DKG home if they were not an hour's drive away. 

One of the reasons I like to speak to groups and share my experiences is this:  I hope to save others from the mistakes I have made.  I started my own company - Rittman Publishing, LLC - and wrote and published two books within a short amount of time.  I had one publisher rip me off, and I have been doing a solo act in promotions and sales.  I enjoy sharing all that goes into the writing and publishing of the book, and the massive work that follows.  I am proud that I have helped about 10 people to write and publish their books!  (Still a teacher - can't help myself.) I am also happy that I helped them to negotiate and avoid some pitfalls that I did not.  

"Wisdom is the reward of experience and should be shared."  I truly believe that statement. We can all learn from others, and that is what makes our world so wonderful.  The sharing of ideas and expertise, just like the handing down of traditions and knowledge in a family, clan, tribe, or group, is imperative to help others to be their best.  I am always happy to help!

If you have a group who would be interested in one of my many presentations, please email me at  DedeRittman@gmail.com I am happy to present in person or virtually. 

Below is a picture taken at the end of the presentation. .  Many elementary teachers were in this group, so I focused the presentation on Grady Gets Glasses. 

I truly enjoy sharing my wisdom gained from experiences with others!  Here is the link to the article DKG wrote about my visit. https://alphaphipa.weebly.com/alpha-phi-news.html 

If you are a female educator, I urge you to join your local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. https://dkg.org/

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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.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 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 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

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

alphaphipa.weebly.com

"Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change." Stephen Hawking

             

                                Professor Stephen Hawking A Briefer History of Time  

Today is October 1. In southwestern Pennsylvania, the leaves are changing, along with the wind and the sky. Cool winds push clouds the color of cigarette ashes across the sky.   My sleeveless golf shirts are put away, and my cashmere sweaters are out of the cedar chest, ready to wear. My thoughts of cooking are turning from grilling to making soup.  Fall is here, and Winter can't be far behind.

I enjoy the change of seasons.  Despite the snow and cold, I have no desire to move to sunny Florida.  I like to go there for vacation, but I will keep Pittsburgh. One of the lessons to take from the Pittsburgh climate is this: One must be able to adapt to change, which is inevitable.  That is also a great lesson for Life.

So many of us have a comfort zone, and we don't want to change.  We like things just the way they are, and if Life is going well for us, we don't want anything to change.  Sadly, change is unavoidable, no matter how much we try to escape it.  We have no choice but to adapt.  Just as the trees lose their leaves and patiently wait through the long Winter before bursting into the flower of Spring, we must be patient with the changes that will happen to us.  Sometimes, we must wait a while and think them through, before deciding on the best way to cope with Life changes.  Sometimes, we have no time to consider the changes, and we must adapt the best we can as we go along. 

Change can lead to new and exciting adventures, and although it is sometimes scary, we must learn to adapt to the inevitable changes that will happen throughout our lives.  "Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change." Stephen Hawking 

Happy October.  Fall is here. 

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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.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 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 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

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®