"I've always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings." Jenny Han

 

                                                                        Good Housekeeping 

Today is August 15, which means many schools have already started and some will begin within the next two weeks.  In my opinion, it is an exciting time of year.  During my teaching career, I had 37 years of first days.  I always found the first day to be exhausting, yet exhilarating.  All those new names, new schedule, new classroom, new personalities are just waiting to be discovered. The first day holds so much promise for both the students and the teachers.  The first day means you get to put last year's issues behind you and start anew.  Everyone needs a fresh start sometimes!  The first day means another chance to improve upon the skills you learned before, and maybe even a chance to shleve a strategy that did not work and utilize a new strategy. Yes, the first day of school holds limitless possibilities!

Here is my wish for all the students and teachers for this first day of a new school year:  Beleive in yourself, and give the school year your best try.  Wishing all much success and learning and personal growth.  I only wish I were having a first day with you.  Have a wonderful first day and school year! 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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!

 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,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,                     and Grady Gets Glasses

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"When you focus on someone's disability you'll overloook their abilities, beauty, and uniqueness." Yvonne Pierre

 

                                                                    SleepingAngel.com 

I saw an amazing story about inclusion that I must share.  First, I will tell you, that when inclusion began with the IDEA Act, I became a better teacher.  I also think my students became kinder and gentler kids, because they had the chance to see life through a different set of eyes.  Although I am not a fan of labeling students, I am a fan of setting high expectations for everyone, regardless of the disability. 

There is a group called the Beautiful Lives Project.  https://www.beautifullives.org/  Started by Bryce Weiler, the group gives folks with disabilities the chance to do something they would normally not do.  Bryce is blind.  He had the opportunity to be a part of the University of Evansville basketball team for 4 seasons, and he said that experience changed his entire outlook on life.  Consequently, he creates and provides ways for others to experience something equally special. I love this line from their webpage about their cause:  "They believe that when people can stop focusing on disabilities and abilities, they will start to see what people are able to achieve and what they can offer to others."

The Beautiful Lives Project has already created 20 events from Boston to Minneapolis - all centered around baseball.  Bryce secures the right to use a minor league baseball park on a day when the field is empty, and then, working with the minor league team players, they create a chance for kids with disabilities to have an amazing experience inside the ball park. The link below shows the richness and importance of such an inclusive event for so many people!

I love this story, and even more, I love that the group's founder, Bryce Weiler, has been expanding his circle of experiences to include broadcasting baseball games!  This is a first, I think - a blind man at the microphone, calling plays. Bryce has a message for all of us:  "Surround yourself with people who believe in you." 

I hope you can spare a few minutes to be uplifted by watching this story about the Beautiful Lives Project!  You will be touched and inspired!

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/nonprofit-stages-baseball-games-for-people-with-disabilities/#x 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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!

 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,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,                     and Grady Gets Glasses

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. IT DOES." William James

 

                                                            GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 

Sometimes, a young person is so amazing that others have to sit up and take notice.

Meet 16 year old Landis Sims from Elizabeth, Indiana. He is a young man who is making a difference for so many kids, as he inspires others to be the best. 

Born limb deficient, Landis has  no hands and no lower parts of his legs.  Yet, he says that although he is legally handicapped, he does not see himself as physically handicapped.  Landis is a baseball player.  Yes, he is a quad-deficient person playing baseball! With the help of prosthetics and assistive devices to hold the baseball bat and more, Landis is living his dream to play baseball, all while inspiring other kids with disabilities to follow their dreams. Landis even threw out the first pitch at a Yankees game and spent time with the Yankees team! 

And now, Landis is the subject of a film, which was 8 years in the making, titled LANDIS: JUST WATCH ME. The film was just released on July 12. The interview at the link below includes Bob Babbitt, co-founder of the Challenged Althletes Foundation, a group that has helped so many young people to pursue their dreams of competing in athletics.

https://www.kusi.com/meet-landis-sims-a-quad-limb-deficient-teen-baseball-player/

Here is a link to the movie trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7df8Z9qa-fE 

Here is a lik to the film:  https://landismovie.com/ 

Here is a link to information about Landis as a child.  Even then, he was someone extra special. 

https://www.challengedathletes.org/athletes/landis-sims/

I am overwhelmed by the sheer tenacity of this young man, and I hope you will take the time to learn a little more about him.  He is making a difference to so many people - kids and adults.  They look at his challenges and decide that if he can overcome his problems and challenges, they can overcome theirs.  This young man is pure inspiration!

A picture of the movie poster from YouTube: 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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!

 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 ® . 

"Living in the moment, it's a gift. That's why they call it the present." Ted Lasso

 

                                                                            Magical Quote

It is July 25, so of course, advertisements for back to school are popping up everywhere- television, radio, and social media. When I was teaching for those 37 years, I hated to hear and see those ads in July, especially since school had only been out for about a month.  Our culture is always about what is NEXT, and few people live in the here and now.  I am not against planning; indeed, I am a great planner, but there is something wonderful to be said about being present in the moment. It is when we are present that real communication occurs, when we have our energy focused, when we are fully aware of our capabilities, and we can be fully ourselves. Many great ideas stream from being fully in the present. 

Teaching is a great profession, but to avoid bunrout, teachers need a long break to refuel energy and to restore health and hope.  Teaching is so draining - trying to meet the needs of everyone but yourself is exhausting.  As I recall, Christmas could not come fast enough!  

I hope teachers will ignore these early ads for back to school and enjoy living in the present.  September will come fast enough - no need to hurry it's arrival.  Enjoy life in the moment! Enjoy summer vacation!

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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!

 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 ® . 

NEW LIFELINE NUMBER 988 GOES LIVE JULY 16, 2022

                                                            Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services 

                

Somthing important happened with suicide prevention last week that I hope will make a difference for many people.  Instead of having to dial 1-800-SUICIDE, those in need simply need to dial 988.  After July 16, either dialing 988 or another number 1-800-273-TALK (8255) will connect the caller to the 988 number. 988 is more direct, simpler, and more expedient, along with being easier to remember.  I also like the idea that it is called a LIFELINE. 

The old system had flaws, including not always having a person avaialble to accept calls. The new number promises better service.   A national hotline number of just three digits seems to put suicide prevention in the important emergency category where it belongs.  I have read all of the information on the FAQ sheet, and it looks like they have all categories covered, including help for those who do not speak English. Here is a link to the FAQ sheet:   https://988lifeline.org/faq/

Let's hope that folks seeking help can get what they need through this new government initiative. Sometimes, the decision of whether or not to take one's own life is made very quickly, and expedient help is of the utmost importance.  I like the idea of the 988 number very much. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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!

 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 ® . 

"Think BIG. Trust yourself and make it happen."

                                                www.upliftingandinspiringcontent.com

My post this week comes from a most unlikely source - a dog. Not just any dog, but a dog who has adapted to a physical disability issue and shares the lesson that if we believe we can, we can. We just have to trust ourselves.

Dexter is a Brittany Spaniel who lives in Ouray, Colorado.  When he was a puppy, he escaped the safety of his yard and ran into traffic, where he was hit by a car.  He lost one front leg and the other was severely injured.  His owner fashioned him a sort of "dog wheelchair" to help him to get around, but then something miraculous happened. Shunning the wheelchair, Dexter began walking upright, on two legs, just like a person!  Six years later, Dexter has become a social media superstar, and people come from miles away to meet him.  Additionally, this dog's method of coping with a tragedy - to face it head on and move forward with his life - has been an inspiration to thousands of people.  Sometimes, we need to quit overthinking our problems and ACT !  That's what Dexter did.

I always enjoy the Steve Hartman specials, and I think his subjects provide great hope and inspiration, on so many levels, especially this adorable dog.  I believe that humans have a lot to learn from their canine friends, like living life in the moment, learning to be patient, telling your best friend how much you love him, enjoying all life has to offer, and giving the sniff test before deciding on a new friendship.  But this lesson - adapting to what is holding you back and moving forward - is perhaps, the best lesson of all.

If you would like to see the Steve Hartman video on this adorable and courageous dog, please click on this link:  https://www.cbsnews.com/video/one-upstanding-dog/#x

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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!

 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 ® .