I loved teaching for 37 years. During that time, my students taught me that they learned best when they were EXCITED about learning. I saw a story from Steve Hartman I want to share with you that is a perfect example of a great teacher who is making learning exciting.
Robin Hughes is a teacher at Southshore Charter Academy, which is near Tampa, Florida. When she introduced a book about snow, her students could not imagine what snow would be like, as the Tampa area has not seen any snow for 45 years. Robin found it difficult to engage her students in the book about snow, especially when they couldn't grasp the concept of snow, so she made a plan. Robin called her sister in Kentucky, a state that did have snow on the ground, and she asked her sister, Amber Estes, to make a snowman and ship it to her in Florida. Amber was skeptical - and she made a joke that if the snowman made it to Florida, his name would have to be "Lucky." Amber honored her sister's request and sent the snowman off to Florida. He made it, still frozen, and the students did name him "Lucky." Teacher Robin Hughes takes Lucky out of the cafeteria freezer a few times a day so that students can touch snow and enjoy seeing the miracle they have never witnessed in their own town. The squeals of happiness and pleasure at seeing and visiting with Lucky the snowman fills the heart with joy! The students love Lucky as if he were a real person.
Such is the joy of making learning fun. Robin Hughes has made a memorable year for so many students, and learning about snow is not only exciting, it is a concept the students can now embrace! To see the love the kids have for Lucky the Snowman, please click on this link. I promise you will smile.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/a-snowman-that-melts-hearts/#x
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
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!
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
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