Decisions, decisions, decisions

Life is full of choices. I remember sitting once next to a funeral parlor manager at a meeting. He told me something I never forgot. He said the families of the deceased never say, “I wish he or she had made more money.” Instead, what he says he hears over and over again is, “I wish we had had more time together.” There is regret that there was not enough time spent together. Those are moments that can never again be captured.

Every choice, every minute spent living counts. So today, choose to love just a little more. Choose to spend a little more time this week-end with someone special in your life. Choose to ask questions you always wanted to know. Choose to say words of love or kindness to someone who needs to hear them.

Have a great day and a wonderful week-end.

Maryln

Angry students need to "wind down."

When dealing with students who are angry and explosive, there are two times you can reach them best. The first is before they become so irate they can’t think rationally. Greet and read students as they enter your classroom. If you see a student who looks upset, either redirect the student to something enjoyable, take time to listen to the student, or ask the student to give you input on something that will be calming.

The second time that you can best reach a student is after a tantrum. When a student is in the throes of a tantrum, don’t try to reason with the child. This is not a time when students are thinking “straight.” Instead afterwards, talk to the student. Discuss anger options, other ways the student can handle being upset, so it never gets to the tantrum stage.

Have a great day.

Maryln

Take it up a notch.

Take it up a notch. Smile a little more. Say a few more kind words. Be a little more patient. Try harder with the student who needs the most help. Never forget, that what you do and what you say, makes a huge difference.

Have a great day.

Maryln

Maryln’s Cell Phone Etiquette

Cell phones and their use keep growing, even while problems associated with its use keeps growing. The Associated Press reported facts from the Transportation Department recently. Nearly 6,000 people were killed and a half million were injured last year from “driver distraction” which of course, includes drivers talking and texting on cell phones.

I went to the theatre recently to hear a concert. The lights were dimmed in the auditorium, but there were some lights that still flickered. It was the lights on cell phones as people were texting each other during the concert. It was very distracting. Have you ever been in a room talking to someone, and they are listening but also texting at the same time? Can they really hear you? What about children who are easily distracted? Can they learn in school, do homework, and text at the same time?

Because of this growing problem, I came up with what I call, “Maryln’s Rules for Cell Phone Etiquette.” I am including them here, but you can also go to our web site at http://www.atiseminars.org/ for a free copy to download and pass on to others.

Maryln’s Cell Phone Etiquette

• Have a hands free device for your car when you use your cell phone.
• Do not text and drive.
• Pull over to the curb or stop your car in a safe place to dial a number.
• If you are in the middle of a conversation with someone else and a text
or cell call comes in, do not answer it unless it is really important. In that
case, say, “Excuse me” to the person you are speaking with in person
before talking or texting, and keep your own conversation on the cell phone brief.
• Do not initiate a cell phone call or text when you are talking to someone else.
• Silence your phone in public places where it can disturb others.
• Make sure you have a ring tone that is not annoying to others.
• When talking on your cell phone in a public place, keep your voice low so you
don’t disturb others.
• Be sure to spend more time in person talking to those you care about than talking
to them on the phone or texting. It shows you care.
• If someone you know is driving a vehicle and calls you on their cell phone that is
not hands-free or texts you when driving, refuse to take the call or respond to the text.
• Before you take a photo or make a video using your cell phone, always ask permission
of the individuals involved.
• Set boundaries with children about cell phones and follow through. You will help save lives.

If you have anything you want to add about cell phones, share your views here.

Have a great day.

Maryln

What parents really want from teachers.

Some teachers say that working with parents is even tougher than working with the students of these parents. There are so many different types of parents. There are caring parents; helicopter parents--parents who hover; parents who are the opposite and don’t seem to care; parents who are demanding; parents who are angry; and parents who think they know more than the teachers.

All of these parents seem to want different things for their children. I am curious to know what you think is most important to all parents. Go to our web site at www.atiseminars.org and take a few seconds to answer the number one thing you think all parents want for their children.

And today as you teach, remember that you not only make a difference in the lives of children, but sometimes what you do impacts the entire family in positive ways.

Have a great day and a wonderful week.

Maryln

P.S. You can order my newest book, How to Handle Hard-to-Handle Parents at www.atiseminars.org