Tuesday, February 23, 2021

"Learn about, read about, write about, talk about." Phyl Macomber T.H.E. P.A.C.T.

 


My friend, Phyl Macomber, invented a great teaching method called T.H.E   P.A.C.T.  I went to New England a few years ago to take the training for her methodology, and to team teach with her, and put it into practice. I found it to be the best and most organized way of teaching I had ever encountered.  Using color-coding and the simple premise of  an organized way of learning, I watched students with HUGE learning challenges react to and engage with The PACT.  One young man, upon meeting me, said, "When I see GREEN, I know I am going to learn something new."  He explained to Phyl that she gave him an easy way "inside his head" to learn. Just as using an iPad or iPhone is intuitive and simple, Phyl has made learning easy - because students have steps to follow!  And teachers have found that setting up their curriculum with T.H.E   P.A.C.T is also very easy to do! 

Here are the colors and learning steps as mentioned.

GREEN - LEARN ABOUT

BLUE -  READ ABOUT

YELLOW -  WRITE ABOUT 

RED - TALK ABOUT 

Phyl's genius idea is not just limited to special education, although it does bridge the gap!  I observed this concrete and simple method work with gifted students, as well, and with subjects from a children's book to science. 

Just last Saturday, Phyl's second book was listed on Amazon, where it took over the number one spot.  I was humbled and honored to be asked to write the foreword for Phyl's new book, which is now available on preview on Amazon for a reduced price. I urge educators to investigate Phyl's great ideas and methods, which are used internationally.  For information on T.H.E   P.A.C.T, go to https://aboutthepact.com/   For information on ordering her new book, please go to 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W1PV57T?&linkCode=ll1&tag=grachopeconsl-20&linkId=2ffd0e712dff7f713e31b7045203dc1c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl 

I was a classroom teacher for 37 years, and Phyl Macomber has created the best teaching method I have ever seen.  I wish I had known about T.H.E   P.A.C.T when I was in the classroom!

Phyl's info: 

Phyl Macomber, M.S. ATP
Author, Keynote Speaker, & Education Specialist

President of Make A Difference, Inc. and Practical Assistive Technology Solutions, Inc.

AboutTHEPACT.com 

Twitter: @AllAboutTHEPACT 

Facebook: Phyl Macomber 

Facebook: T.H.E. P.A.C.T.

LinkedIn: Phyl Macomber

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   GradyGetsGlasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 






Tuesday, February 16, 2021

"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." Christopher Reeve

 



                                                                    Quote Fancy

With the vaccination of thousands of Americans so far, and more on the horizon, the tiny head of Hope is beginning to peer over the horizon.  

It was Friday, March 13, 2020, when Americans were asked to lock down for two weeks. The night before, I was at church choir rehearsal, and a group of us went out for a bite to eat and a drink.  We speculated that our outing might be the last we would see of each other for a short time.  Needless to say, we have not seen each other in almost one year!  Who would have ever thought that there would be no church, no singing, no restaurants, no sporting events, and no interaction between friends?  

I think for a while, people were losing hope.  Nothing to do, nowhere to go, inside, with one day blending into the next. Even now, with people scrambling trying to find the COVID vaccine, many are almost completely without hope, especially when they cannot find the vaccine.  I have friends that were online 7 hours a day looking for the shot -  as was I, and all of us did receive our first injection on February 2.  How appropriate to get the shot on Groundhog Day, as Punxatawney Phil, the prognosticator of prognosticators, said there would be six more weeks of winter!  Even his prediction could not dampen the hope of those who are looking forward to brighter days.

2020 was an abomination, and so far, 2021 has not been very friendly.  Here in Pittsburgh, we are already at the 8th snowiest winter on record.  We have endured storm after storm of snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain, with more to come this week. We have not been above 20 something degrees in 2 weeks, and we will have a single digit temperature tonight.  But, that is winter, and winter will end.  I hope. 

Hope helps us to put the worst behind us; not to forget, but rather to tuck away.  Hope helps us to remember that someday, the sun will shine, and we will go the the theater, out to eat, to the ball game, and the amusement parks without thinking of COVID.  Hope reminds us that next year's birthday celebration will be better, and that vacation is not too far away. I hope that I can be back on college campuses presenting to student teachers and in elementary schools, with my children's book.  How I miss connecting with others in such a positive way!  I embrace great hope for the next school year. 

I hope that in the bleak mid-February winter, you are able to find hope, for life to be better.  Life is always better when you have hope.

"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." Christopher Reeve 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   GradyGetsGlasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 









Wednesday, February 10, 2021

"Becoming a champion is not an easy process . . .It is done by focusing on what it takes to get there and not on getting there." Nick Saban

 

                                                                           AZ QUOTES 


During Super Bowl week and thereafter, the word "champions" is bandied about by pundits ad nauseum. Pittsburgh has long been known as "The City of Champions."  Tampa Bay has now become "Champa Bay."  And then, there is Tom Brady.

I was a coach for 33 years, and I have enjoyed studying champions through the years.  By champions, I am referring to people like Arnold Palmer, Muhammed Ali, Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods.  I have to add Tom Brady to my list of impressive champions.

Tom Brady looks like he has it all- storied career with different teams, super-model wife and life, great kids.  People become angry with Tom Brady because he has it all, but they seldom think about what he sacrifices for his career. He keeps a strict regimen of diet, exercise, and rest.  He has morphed into a player/coach/friend, encouraging others on his team, including them, and drawing out their strengths - all for the team.  Although I was never a huge fan, I am an admirer of all that Tom Brady is able to do.

I wish I would have placed a bet on the game, but in these pandemic times, I did not.  I would have chose Tampa by 20 points. 

The TODAY SHOW did a great spot on Tom Brady, which gives major insight into his work ethic and who he is.  Here is the link.

https://www.today.com/video/how-does-tom-brady-do-it-a-closer-look-at-star-quarterback-s-regime-100739653835

Tom Brady did not become an overnight success - he has worked hard for his accolades.  "Becoming a champion is not an easy process . . .It is done by focusing on what it takes to get there and not on getting there." Nick Saban 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   GradyGetsGlasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 







Thursday, February 4, 2021

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow." English Proverb



February 2 is a big day in Pennsylvania - it is Groundhog Day in Punxatawney, PA, and has been for 135 years.  Usually, crowds of people stream into the tony town in central Pennsylvania, and lots of fun activities are held for the town's biggest day of the year.  This year, 2021, because of the pandemic, events were virtual.

I look at Groundhog Day as the first sign that winter is on the way out.  If the groundhog sees his shadow, it is 6 more weeks of winter; if he does not, spring is just around the corner.  Either way, winter is with us for another 6 weeks - but we can see the hope of the coming of spring!

This year, with people working from home, kids going to school online, and no one having anywhere to go, I feel like every day is Groundhog Day.  I don't always know what day it is; I am in my "around the house" clothes, because that is where I am going - around the house!  I stopped to see a friend briefly today after a dentist appointment.  She has been quite down, because she is usually active in sports and groups and nothing is going on.  I took her some homemade chicken soup, because in my world, chicken soup makes everything seem better.  We talked about the whole "Groundhog Day" feeling, and I said that at least now, an end is in sight, and we will be moving more quickly toward spring.

Take heart, friends, that days are getting longer and temperatures will soon be heating up.  

Hang in there - we can do it! "No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow." English Proverb 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 readingSigned 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   GradyGetsGlasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®