Use stories.

Stories are awesome for all ages. My favorite stories are the ones I use without any books. Instead, I like to paint a “word picture story.” I tell a story about something or someone to make a point, and do it in such a way that children can “see” the characters.

Here’s an example of the beginning of a “word picture story.”

“Little Jonathon was sitting all alone on a huge bench in the playground. His huge dark eyes were wet with tears, and more tears were running down his cheek. His thin body was shaking with sobs. He felt so alone until young Travis wheeled his wheelchair over to the bench. Travis looked very tiny in that big wheelchair. He couldn’t move his hands real well, but he sure knew how to smile. Travis smiled at Jonathon and said, “You look sad.”

Could you picture the two boys? That was the goal. You can invent your own stories to teach points about friendship, kindness, even class lessons.

Have a great day and a wonderful week-end.

Maryln

Action gets the prize over intention.

Have you ever had someone say to you, “Oh, I intended to call you on your birthday, but got busy,” or “I meant to do my homework, but I just didn’t have time,” or “I didn’t mean to hit him?” Those individuals had great intentions, but those intentions didn’t get the job done. In this new year, one of my wishes for you is that you set the intention of making a bigger difference than ever before, and then take the action to do it.

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.

Maryln

Say "No" to Violence and Vampires.

I recently read an article from Newsweek Magazine that surveyed what engages Americans based on popular books, movies, TV shows, and music in 2009. Here are the results of what Americans obsess about: Violence, 70%; Money, 60%; Sex, 45%; Youth, 40%; Vampires, 20%; and Politics and God, 10%.

Children need more than adults obsessing about violence, vampires, money, sex, and the other topics quoted above. You give them so much more when you provide children a warm and nurturing environment, help them feel safe, give them respect, follow through with what you say, and show how much you care.

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.

Maryln

The OOOPS Strategy

When children are defiant, or talk back, refuse to listen until they speak respectfully. Instead just calmly say, “Ooops.” This is a reminder for children to in turn say, “Ooops,” and make their request in a politer voice.

Explain this ahead so that children know what you will be doing and rehearse polite ways of asking for things.

EXAMPLE:
Child: “I hate you. You are mean.”

Teacher: “Ooops.”

Child: (Pauses) “Ooops, I was mad. I really would like to…”

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.

Maryln

What can you do?

Caren* is a little girl who recently lost both of her parents in one day in a tragic accident. The first weeks, she smiled and acted like nothing had happened, even though she had to leave her large home and go to live in a tiny apartment with her Grandma Ann. Then Caren’s behaviors started to change. She easily got really angry. Her faith in God was gone. This went on for a few months and then Caren started to change again. She got really sad. She cried often, but didn’t want Grandma Ann to hold her.

Caren is one of many stories of children in this world, sad stories, children who need help. There are children who come from broken homes, abusive homes, children with physical and/or emotional disabilities.

You may ask, “What can I do? I’m only one person.” Here is the answer. DO WHAT YOU CAN. Every little bit of kindness and caring makes a difference in the lives of children.

Caren’s story is ongoing, but she has a huge resiliency factor in her life, and that is that she goes to a wonderful school with people who are consistent, caring, and loving. She may have lost her family, but she has not lost these wonderful people who are in her life along with her Grandma Ann.

Have a great day doing what you can and even that little bit extra. You are a difference maker.

Maryln

*The name and details have been changed.