I saw a segment on NBC Nightly News that I have to share. First, a little background. I grew up in a baseball family. My dad played baseball as a young man and semi-professional baseball as a young adult. Both of my brothers were in the local little league program. I wanted to play as well, but in the 1960's, baseball was only for boys. I still managed to play hundreds of games with the neighborhood guys in a field that was part of a local cemetery near our house.
When my brothers and I were growing up, we knew local kids who has special needs, both mental and physical. We also noticed that there were no organized sports for these kids. I can remember asking my mother about this problem of lack of inclusion and belonging, and she said, "It is just the way it is. Maybe someday things will change."
To my delight, I saw the clip on NBC about the Miracle league and the opening of their newest baseball field in Watkins, GA. Working with another nonprofit called Extra Special people, this new field offers an opportunity to all the people with special needs - adults and kids - who have never had the opportunty to play the game and be a part of a team. The game is modified, and each player is assigned a "buddy" to assist during the game. The score doesn't matter - everyone who is playing feels like a winner. For many of these players, this is the very first chance to be a participant, rather than an onlooker. The new field in Georgia is their 300th field. In the baseball games sponsored by the Miracle League, happiness abounds. I hope you will take two minutes to watch this delightful video from NBC News.
I loved teaching for 37 years, and inclusion has always been very important to me, in the classroom, on the stage, and in sports. I love that America's pastime is making so many smiles for new players.
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!
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Twitter @dederittman
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