Ring in joy!!!

It’s that special time of year, a time to celebrate holidays and usher in the new year, 2009. Many people send out special letters this time of year telling others how their year went. I want you to know that my own year was filled with more joy because of each of you who read these thoughts. You are the difference makers who make this world a better place for children. You are special!!! Thank you for what you do each day.

At this special time of year, I wish you lots of laughter, lots of joy, lots of love, and lots of sharing special time with loved ones. Everyone at Appelbaum Training Institute joins me in wishing you a happy and wonderful holiday season and a healthy, happy and wonderful new year. May you ring in joy!!!

With deep gratitude for the difference you make,

Maryln

P.S. The next thought for the day will be on January 5, 2009! We will ring in the new school year together.

Find the sunshine.

The weather outside may be cold and overcast, and it may be hard to find the sunshine outside. While you cannot control the weather outdoors, take time to find the sunshine indoors. Look for the “sunshine,” the bright spots in your day. This can warm you on even the coldest of days.

Have a great day.

Maryln

Take care of yourself.

There is so much to do this time of year that it is easy to forget to take care of an important person in your life—you!!! Nothing, absolutely nothing, can get done if you let yourself get sick. Eat healthy. Drink lots of water. It hydrates the brain and is good for the body. Get plenty of sleep. It “feeds” you just as much as food so that you can function and be your best. And best of all, take time to “feed” your brain with positive thoughts. The more you think positively, the less stress you will feel.

Have a great day.

Maryln

Give the gift of a smile

Smiles cost nothing, and yet they can light up the hearts of others. Give the gift of your smile not only to the students you teach, but to your co-workers too. Give it at the supermarket to the cashier, and give it to the clerk in the department store. It is a free gift that may be just the “gift” that someone needs.

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.


Maryln

Manage morning madness.

Mornings can be crazy times both at home and at school. Children thrive on sameness and routine. They need calm starts to have calm days. Here are some ideas for calm starts:

1) Be calm. Your attitude is more contagious than a cold.

2) Play calming music.

3) Establish a routine that works. Make it fun.

4) Greet and “read” students as they arrive to check their moods.

5) Start the class with something fun that totally catches the attention of students.

6) Above all, have fun. You are a difference maker.

Have an awesome day.

Maryln