The Littlest Golfer
I know many entrepreneurs, and I love to be around them. Although they work long hours and work hard, they have passion for what they are doing and they have FUN working toward their goals. I felt the same way about teaching.
When I was in the classroom for those 37 years, teachers were required to present some rather dry information. I always tried to make it interesting for my students. I remember when I was a newer teacher, and I wanted to impress the importance of the trial scene and the testimony in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. The trial chapters are crucial to the full understanding of the book. My late husband and I were both active in local theater groups, so I decided that the two of us would play all the parts in the trial using different voices - including me, with my normal voice, as the narrator. Scott was Tom Robinson, Jem, Atticus, Mr. Ewell, and others. I read the judge as John Wayne, and I was Scout, Mayella, and th prosecutor. We had such fun with this, and I used these tapes for years. The students loved hearing the trial - and I could stop the tape at important times to review the testomony and make sure that everyone understood the finer points. On the days that students were listeneing to the trial scene, no one was late, and kids would actually say things like, "Everyone be quiet! Miss Rittman, start the tape, please!" Helping students to enjoy the learning experience helps them to learn and retain knowledge.
Although it is near the end of the year, what enjoyable and memorable activity can you add into your classroom? And what can you improve for students next year? Teachers who have fun with teaching are usually very successful.
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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