"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Mark Twain

                                                                        Brainy Quote 

27 year old professional golfer and 2015 Masters Champion Jordan Spieth stole my heart when he began playing on the professional circuit.  Jordan's sister, Ellie, has special needs.  She adores her brother, and from the manner in which he treats her, the feeling is mutual.  Seeing them together is magical, and Jordan sets a great example of inclusion.

Last week, I saw an intriguing article in GOLF DIGEST about Jordan Spieth offering a free golf lesson to a young man who is on the autism spectrum. The group Autism Speaks chose 2020 to be the year of a million kindnesses, large and small, and Jordan was a part of that kindness. High school freshman Joseph Maguire is on the autism spectrum. Joseph's dad encouraged him to play golf about 8 years ago, and Jordan Spieth is Joseph's favorite golfer.

Although the lesson had to be virtual because of the global pandemic, Joseph had the great opportunity to benefit from a lesson with Jordan Spieth.  I enjoyed watching the interaction between the two.  Joseph is excited to be having the lesson, and Jordan is so respectful and engaging.  This story warms my heart. Professional athletes have a great following, and Jordan took this opportunity to set a wonderful example for his followers. 

If you would like to see the video of the lesson, here is the link: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/jordan-spieth-autism-speaks

Also, here is an article about the Spieth family and the family star, Ellie:  https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/golf/2016-04-06/story/star-jordan-spieths-family-little-sister-ellie 

Be safe, be kind. 

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!

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