Climb every mountain.

I love the song from the Sound of Music, “Climb Every Mountain.” It’s a song about following your dream--“A dream that will need all the love you can give, every day of your life, for as long as you live.*”

I believe that is what it takes to do this important work. You have to “climb every mountain,” even on those days when things are not going quite the way you wish they were. You have to follow your dream. Keep a song in your heart about this important career, and know that each and every day is a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children.

Have a great day and a wonderful week-end.

Maryln

* Words from song, Climb Every Mountain

Listen is in the word, "SILENT."

I was having tea at an outdoor café with a friend last week. There was a man sitting alone at another table. We started talking, and then just listened as the man talked. He was from a foreign country and started talking about his country and then he told us about his recent divorce, his children that he loves so much, his worries about himself and his children, and his goals. We listened and nodded our heads and occasionally made a comment. That’s all it took for the man to “unburden” himself.

There are many children who also need to unburden themselves. The best way to do that is to take time to listen. They usually will start with something safe to say, and as you listen silently, they will go deeper and deeper. It’s therapeutic for them.
Have a great day. You are a difference maker.

Have a great day.

Maryln

Wait time is think time.

Have you ever noticed that when you ask children to do something, there are some children who do it right away, and there are others who take their time. They mosey along, and finally do what you requested. It may not be that they are stubborn or defiant. It could just be that they need more “think time.” It may take them awhile to process what it is you want. A great way to prevent this problem is to tell children ahead, “In 5 minutes, we will be doing……” It prepares children by giving them processing time. Also use visuals to explain what you want whenever you can. There are some children who are visual learners who have a tougher time processing auditory requests.

Have a great day.

Maryln

Do a good deed and help someone smile.

I have had the most remarkable thing happen. I have always gone out to the curb in the mornings to get my newspaper. Sometimes it would be rainy or hot or cold. Recently, someone I know has started to come by my home and put my newspaper right in front of my door so when I get up in the mornings, I only have to open the door to get the paper. Every time I open my door and see this, I get a huge smile on my face. My very own “newspaper angel” has brought me the paper. It made me think about the little and big things everyone can do to make someone’s day a little brighter—to bring a smile to the face of others. Today is an opportunity for you too, to bring a smile. Maybe there is a child who rarely smiles, someone with whom you would like to connect. Do your own act of kindness, and reap the huge reward of knowing you have helped brighten that child’s day. You are a difference maker.

Have a great day.

Maryln

Give them a “license” to get to know each other better.

A really neat introductory activity for students is to have them take a sheet of paper and describe themselves by making their own personal license plates. They can make a drawing or they can use eight or fewer letters and/or numbers. Give them time to make it, and then have them walk around holding up their “license plates” as they get to meet other students.

It’s fun to see how students describe themselves. It’s a great icebreaker. Make your own too, and walk around with your class.

Have a great day and a wonderful week.

Maryln