Filed under School …

Simply Silly Songs

Sometimes it’s the silly things that are simple pleasures. In the spirit of Presidents’ Day (so thankful for a work holiday!), I want to share with you a television commercial that never fails to crack me up, especially since it reminds me of the musical stylings of a family member who shall go unnamed (Gabrielle) … Continue reading →

Putting Your Best Face Forward

“You have a look of determination on your face,” said Mrs. Bishop to our young student. We work with first graders who are mildly autistic and, in some ways, developmentally delayed.  Recently our student had begun to make connections between letters and sounds – she’s learning to read!  On this day, she and I had … Continue reading →

May The Force Be With You

I love talking with kids.  And listening to them.  Especially young children.  Kids are eager to share their thoughts and ideas, their feelings and knowledge.  Sometimes I am amazed, other times I am amused, and sometimes I feel deeply touched.  Sometimes I just laugh.  This was one of those times. I was working with one … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving Day Table

Each year as Thanksgiving Day rolls around, I spend some time thinking about how I will want the dinner table to look.  I enjoy having the chance to treat my family with party favors and special decorations.  After all, I am thankful to have them gathered around me, and this is my way of showing … Continue reading →

The Inspiration of Children

When I approach a child he inspires me in two sentiments;  tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become. ~ Louis Pasteur As the school year is coming to a close, I find myself reflecting on the progress made by our second graders and on the meaningful interactions I have had … Continue reading →

Rivers Are Children Holding Hands

I came across this wonderful little poem.  It appeared in a second grade reading textbook in an article about the life of a poet.  To my dismay, the publisher of the book did not include the title of the poem or the year that it was published.  Unfortunately, my internet research has failed to uncover … Continue reading →

Everything is Gift: Celebrating Mango

“Everything is gift,” Kate Fletcher, founder of Hekima Place, shared with graduates of Duquesne University. At the age of 72, living and working in Kenya, far from her American roots, Kate had had an epiphany.  Looking around her in her African home, she realized that everything she had and everything around her is gift.  “Be … Continue reading →

The Simple Pleasure of the Leisurely Breakfast

This morning as I hurried to organize my lunch supplies for work, start the coffeemaker, put bread in the toaster and wrangle a bowl of cereal, I remembered, with only minutes to hastily consume my breakfast and still manage to be late for work, that one of my favorite simple pleasures in life is breakfast … Continue reading →

Successful Schools Remember To Have Fun

“There is little success where there is little laughter.” – Andrew Carnegie We were talking about this at work.  Not the quote, but an idea related to it.  I work in a public elementary school and we were discussing the concept that school should be fun.  Someone questioned whether this was possible; “How can school … Continue reading →