Category: Kids

Experience is a Great Teacher!

They say experience is a great teacher, so I am sharing my experience with the hope of inspiring a GREAT TEACHER. It has been some years since I have been “assigned” as a classroom teacher, but my memories are clear and dear. Those of us who find teaching to be a passion instead of a job will have many stories to share. Some stories will be memorable because we have made authentic connections with kids. Other stories will be celebrations because we beat the odds when others predicted failure. My folklore is a memorable celebration.

Imagine, it’s mid-August and you stumble upon an opportunity to interview for a teaching position. Envision that you attend an interview and when you return home, there’s a message on the answering machine indicating that you sealed the deal! Well, that’s my story! Being the young, naive, enthusiastic teacher that I was, I had no concept of who may sit in the chairs of that 5th grade classroom that was waiting for adoption. I had no notion of the seemingly worthy advice that I would receive from those who had experienced the wrath of those notorious 10-year old’s! If you haven’t figured it out yet…it was THAT CLASS! Yes, THAT CLASS! You know the class, the class that everyone talks about BEFORE the first day of school! The class that every experienced teacher thinks he or she could manage, if ONLY given the opportunity! Rest assured, when the opportunity presented itself, there was no experienced teacher waiting to adopt this class. As a matter fact, as my hiring status spread throughout the school like a wildfire, the “birth mom” meandered to my classroom to introduced herself. Birth mom was an experienced teacher who was nesting in third grade. She was quick to share why she had decided to put her darlings up for adoption. In what was supposed to be a “welcome to the building greeting”, “birth mom” spent most of the time talking about the “bad boys” and detailing every negative event that had occurred during the previous school year. The “welcome to the building greeting” concluded with her offering advice, that even a naive enthusiastic teacher, knew not to follow.

The first 2 weeks of school were calm. By week 3, the honeymoon was over! The boys, 4 to be exact, had established their positions and were ready for war. I won’t detail the events that occurred. I will say that there were numerous parent calls, daily conferences with the social worker, several visits from the principal, and even some crisis management from the police. Every evening, I left thinking of a new strategic plan. I was moving desks like a genie and giving stickers like they were candy! I was so strict, that I felt like I was in a straitjacket! I was constantly receiving advice from experienced teachers who literally gawked at my class as we walked through the halls. I was focusing so much attention on managing those 4 boys that I hadn’t gotten to know the other twenty-five kids. At the end of an exhausting week, my mother-in-law asked if I was going back. I responded “yes” but knew that I couldn’t continue to battle with the “Magnificent 4!”

The following Monday, I was resolved to make the classroom a welcoming environment for ALL my kids. I changed their desks arrangement to collaborative groups instead of rows. We had a class meeting and established classroom expectations. The kids told me about their interest, and we were off to a new start. I divided the “Magnificent 4” and considered each as an “Awesome 1.” I wrote positive notes to the kids praising their accomplishments and gave personal invitations to lunchtime ice-cream socials. Day by day, the classroom climate changed but the captain of the “Magnificent 4” was still at war with me. One day, when students were lining up, he decided that it was time for the final duel! Believe it or not, it was 1 of the “Magnificent 4” who told the captain that he was making a bad choice. I remember the student saying, “I don’t think she’s going to play with you.” The captain and I had a brief staring contest until he lowered his eyes. I am not certain why the student intervened, but I do know that when an experienced teacher was tongue bashing the student for doing what I had asked him to do, I had been quick to intercede. By November, the captain was removed from the classroom and placed in an alternative placement. The “Magnificent 4” no longer existed, there were only “Awesome 1s!”

This is my memorable celebration! I have seen 2 of the “Magnificent 4”; they are young men with great accomplishments! I’ve even run into a few students who weren’t part of the “Magnificent 4”, they still remember me and the fun we had that year.

Lessons learned and shared:

  • Every kid deserves a fresh start.
  • Don’t judge a book by it’s cover!
  • Don’t listen to old war stories.
  • Every kid needs a champion.
  • Write YOUR OWN STORY!

Kids Are the REASON!

During the previous school year, our district introduced a web-based professional development program whose underlining objective was to encourage us, the educators and leaders of the district, to better understand our students by better understanding ourselves. The PD refreshed many ideas that seasoned educators knew and had possibly placed on a back burner. Numerous lessons focused on building relationships with kids and finding balance in our lives. Through interactive lessons, we were reminded to refresh our personal batteries in order to bring our “best selves” to school. The PD referred to this refreshing process as “finding your sunshine.” As the school year progressed, “I’m going to find my sunshine!” became the spoken mantra among my teachers. While I was not actively seeking my sunshine during the school year, I am certainly an explorer now! As part of my exploration, I have committed myself to a daily fast-paced walk through my subdivision. My route encompasses 4 miles and allows me to do some detective work. I find detective work to be an accurate description of my keen observation of details. I am not a snooper; everything is in clear view! One might refer to me as “Sharon Sherlock.”

On this morning, my eyes focused on our community park. The park is well maintained and provides an engaging play area for children. The activity center features swings, covered sliding boards, and a climbing wall. The manicured grass and an assortment of bountiful flowers accentuate the area. There’s even a newly installed picnic table. As my roaming eyes continued to scan the area, I realized what was missing! The bench that had provided a beeline view of the activity center was gone! I stood there a little puzzled, wondering why the bench had been removed. I knew that I hadn’t visited the park in maybe 3 years, but I loved that bench! I had sat on the bench while my son, nieces, and nephews had swung, climbed, and taunted each other! From my family alone, there were 2 generations of little ones who had enjoyed our community park. Now the park had changed, the bench was gone! I wondered if I had missed an important Association Meeting to discuss removal of the park bench! After all, I have a voice and the residents of my subdivision have spent numerous hours discussing seasonal decorations! At that moment, I couldn’t comprehend why anyone would remove the park bench and replaced it with a cold steel picnic table!

While walking, I continued to think about the removal of the park bench. When I passed the park on the return route, I stopped and paused. With a clearer mind I considered some possible reasons for removing the park bench. Had the park bench served its time and simply needed replacing? Was purchasing a steel picnic table more feasible than purchasing a park bench? The population of my subdivision had substantially grown, with the population increase, were there more preteens and teens who visited the park? Had the park bench become a gathering place? Were the surrounding residents being disturbed? Lastly, did I even have a voice regarding the removal of the park bench? The park is maintained by our local park district. As I looked at the new steel picnic table, I realized that it provided a beeline view of the activity center. I saw that the picnic table was sturdy and securely installed. I also noticed that it had been installed in area that was very visible to the public. In summary, replacing the park bench with a picnic table may be the better alternative!

In the field of education, mandates, policies, curriculum, and instructional practices are always changing. Some changes are initiated at the state level, some at the district level, and some at the building level. In some cases, we have a voice and a choice; in others we have neither. We are faced with directives and requests that cause us to pause, regroup, and move forward. As educators, we must adapt to meet the needs of the children we have been entrusted to educate. The expectations are great, but we are Winners because we are Educators!

Oh No…Not My 10Se!

Here’s the disclaimer: ” I am not a loon, but I do find teachable moments in the oddest of circumstances!” Today’s blog is inspired by a personal mishap that could have turned into a major pitfall if I hadn’t weighted my options before reacting. The incident isn’t fatal.  As is with most unplanned occurrences, first impacts may appear devastating.

As the title indicates, I have a new cellphone. Mind you, I am not a cellphone stalker waiting for the latest trending cellphone to hit the market. In fact, this is the first time that I have purchased a cellphone that is currently featured in a major marketing campaign. I typically keep my cellphones until they retire themselves! Such is the case that caused my recent purchase. While visiting the store of my cellphone service provider, I was amazed with the upgrades to these handheld minicomputers. I was equally flabbergasted by their prices! As timing would have it, my provider was marketing a BOGO deal. I left with 2 cellphones, 1 wireless charging dock, 1 black phone case, 1 glittery phone case, and 2 screen protectors. I was pleased with my purchase and received several compliments stemming from the upgrade.

Now, let’s fast forward, 3 weeks after the purchase. I was driving with my cellphone lying in my lap. Unexpectedly, my S10e, in its glittery case, slid off my lap and landed between the driver’s seat and console. The minicomputer was retrieved; all functions worked as expected. My rapid heart palpitations started the next evening at exactly 5:50 p.m.  I noticed 2 major fault lines on the screen of my prized acquisition! Of course, I did the usual. I held the phone to the light and imagined that I was seeing a glare. Next, I wiped the screen with the softest cloth and slowly ran my finger over the fault lines. Reality quickly settled, the unmentionable had happened, my S10e had suffered a severe injury! My reaction was to quickly solve the problem. I searched the internet to find someone qualified to perform surgery on my S10e! I was dismayed when my first called ended with, “Sorry, we are not fixing that phone yet!”  I continued to hound the internet until I found a cellphone repair guru who promised to replace the screen for $199.00.  At 10:00 a.m. the following morning, I was at the guru’s shop. I had digested that I would have to forgo a couple pairs of new sandals in lieu of repairing my cellphone. I was so thrilled to find someone who could repair my S10e that seeing a sign that read, ” Cash Only! Sorry, our internet is down.”, didn’t faze me. I handed my cellphone over to the only person who could perform the delicate surgery. I quickly described the incident that caused the fatal injury and asked if the screen could be replaced. After a few sighs and grunts, the cellphone surgeon said, “You don’t need a screen. You need a new screen protector.” I asked him to remove the screen protector. He was correct! My cellphone screen was in perfect condition! I was thrilled! My first response was, “Thank you!” My second response was, “This is a good day!” He smiled and recommended that I purchase a new screen protector.

So, here’s the epiphany! Sometimes as educators, we think and feel that things are downhill. We lean more towards the negative than the positive, and we spend too much time contemplating things beyond our control. Then suddenly a strong gust of wind propels us to the top of the mountain. While standing on the mountain’s peak, we proclaim, “Today is a Great Day!” As educators, we must build relationships with our kids, celebrate our successes, and always give 100 % of ourselves.

With the opportunity to impact the lives of children; Every Day is a Great Day!

Daniel Is a Masterpiece!

Today is the second day of my “official” summer break. The adjective “official” is used because it really isn’t a “summer break.” I still have a “To Do List!” The current list includes many things that require minimal brain power and lots of stamina and creativity. For the past few days, I have directed my stamina and creativity towards beautifying my yard. As is probably true with all dedicated principals, my mental state has not fully transformed into a creative state. I am still reflecting on the previous school year and how to advance onward. I want so much for my team to realize their untapped potential for SUCCESS! I want them to move forward as Masterpieces capable of conquering anything with their talents and commitment!

In just 2 days, despite the influence of untimely rain showers, I have chopped down my “To Do List.” To my credit, I have painted the lions which are perched near the entrance to my driveway. One lion guards the mailbox, the other, an identical twin, sits proudly on the north side of the driveway. The guys took quite a beating during the polar vortex, but they are glamorous now! Their manes are adorned with highlights and low lights. Their nails are finely manicured, their eyelashes have been curled, and everlasting eyeliner has been applied. I’ve visited all the local nurseries and Home Depots to find the perfect hues of purple Petunias and accent foliage to fill 4 Grecian urns, 2 oblong planters, 1 circular planter, and the side planters of the pedestals where the lions are perched. I almost forgot; I’ve painted the Grecian urns! The polar vortex didn’t discriminate! So, I have painted, shopped, planted, and lastly, pulled weeds! It is the weed pulling that has inspired this blog! I am naming my not-so-friendly weed, Daniel Dandelion. It’s kind of ironic, I’ve spent numerous hours “sprucing” 2 lions only to go to battle with Daniel Dandelion and his cousins!

The battle began when I decided that Daniel and his cousins had to be evicted from my plush green lawn. After all, what is expected when poachers move into a condominium and don’t sign a lease! I gathered my special dandelion extraction tools, a long-spiked fork and a mini spade.  I was committed to ridding my lawn of the unsightly residents. It was quite a battle, Daniel and his cousins stalwartly stood with their lengthy roots firmly planted into the rich soil. I, Commander of Flowers, refused to surrender until ALL Dandelions had been extracted! Due to my relentless commitment, I won the battle. While I won the battle, I knew that I hadn’t won the war. After a few rainy days, other poachers would be looking for a well-kept condo in which to root. As would any skilled Commander, I decided a strategic plan was needed and did a little background research. To my surprise, I found that dandelions have hidden characteristics that make them unique and special. I am stunned to call them MASTERPIECES, but really, they ARE! Dandelions are filled with nutritious value and are excellent sources of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K! They are stocked with lots of substantial minerals: iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. These “wonder weeds” are also a great source of fiber!  You can serve them raw or cooked! Dried dandelion roots can also be used to brew a soothing cup of dandelion tea! Now mind you, I am not adding these “condo poachers” as a side dish to dinner but I have gained new respect for the bothersome plants.

When school resumes, I will be looking for Daniel and his cousins among the marigolds. I will find ways to let them know that they are special, unique, and valued! Every garden needs some variety!

YOU are a Marigold!!

Today is the first weekend that my kids have been officially out of school. When I say “kids”, I am referring to my McCord kids. My son is well beyond elementary school age. I’ve reflected on the school year and personally, I believe that it went well. There are, of course, some things that need tweaking, but overall, awesome things happened! I associate well with having more positives than negatives. So, I am going to rephrase the previous statement…The school year was AWESOME!

I had the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing people. Their smiles, calm demeanor, and laughter made the school year pass quickly. Their objectivity and willingness to try new things ensured that our kids advanced academically. Their support and commitment guaranteed that our kids had many memorable experiences throughout the school year. Our PFC fulfilled its commitments, even when the going was rough. It’s quite a task to be a mom, work a full-time job, and then organize gala events for 300 or more. My kids, our Masterpieces, were my delight! I enjoyed getting to know the kids, working with them during Academic Block, and planning events that made them feel special. There’s nothing negative that I will take to heart about a single kid. Some make you laugh when they enter the room and some are more challenging than others, but they are just kids! They are “unique little people” who are developing cognitively, physically, and emotionally. Some kids need more guidance, and some need more attention. After all, if they were perfect, knew everything, and made good decisions all the time, they wouldn’t need us. I met wonderful parents and grandparents that were delighted to see their kids and grandchildren happy and enjoying school. I was grateful to have their support and delighted to see their smiles at our Masterpiece Ceremonies.

This is a “thank you” to the Marigolds that made this an AWESOME year for our MASTERPIECES! Enjoy the summer, you DESERVE IT!

A Lesson in Civility

I am totally in an almost “stumper” not a dumper; yes, a “stumper.”  I consider “stumpers” to be crossroads between north and south, the temporary plateau before deciding your destination.  The incident that brought me here is not detrimental, as a matter of fact, the problem was quickly solved by my secretary.  While the matter was handled and none of the planets collided, my left and right planets bumped edges. I, being in the middle started to tilt.  I won’t say which way I tilted, but I will say, that there was a moment when my equilibrium was a little imbalanced.  I know, you are probably wondering, what happened.  In retrospect, the incident is not as extreme as one would expect, but nonetheless, the incident happened.  Here’s the short version of a story that could have numerous chapters.  I am confident that it is a short story because today is a new day, and I am heading north! 

Well, yesterday I decided to provide treats for my team at our after-school meeting.  One of my teachers, made pineapple cup cakes to enhance the Luau theme.  I went all out with the Luau theme, decorations, plates, and attire.  I had planned my work and worked my plan! One day, I purchased decorations, paper goods, and nonperishable food items.  On the night before the meeting, after attending a district event, I stopped at my local grocer to purchase a fresh fruit tray.  On the following morning, I brought the luscious fruit tray to work.  After morning announcements, the sealed fruit tray, that was inside a plastic bag, was placed in the refrigerator in the staff lounge.  I would like to believe that the fruit tray remained safe for 2 hours, but I am not certain.  Some how the fruit tray became lunchtime dessert. 

This is where the galaxy started to shift!  My left and right planets discovered the devoured fruit tray and instantly reacted with dismay!  Mind you, one planet is massive; she’s likely to bump the Sun and remain standing!  The other planet floats throughout the galaxy, keeping everyone on a steady course, reminding us that we can overcome minute obstacles with a plan.  I am not certain of the words exchanged between the planets, but I am certain that both were equally disappointed and did not want the planned event to be spoiled!  The tranquil planet ran to the store to purchase a fruit tray.  The massive planet shared her thoughts regarding the inappropriate actions of someone while washing bowls for the event.  When I returned to the office, the tranquil planet was faced with telling me the story.  I was challenged with moving forward, having an enjoyable meeting with my team, and ultimately teaching a lesson.  After regrouping, I told the tranquil planet, I wouldn’t say anything about the fruit tray at the meeting. I have since gone home, digested the situation, and now see this as an opportunity to model civility.

I often tell my teachers that parents send us their best!  Parents are not keeping the “good” kid at home and sending us the “problem” kid, they send their best!  Sometimes their “best” just makes a mistake, we are teachers and we guide!  I have no idea what actions led to the fruit tray becoming a lunchtime dessert.  I have no idea who removed the tray from the refrigerator but I hope the incident is a learning lesson for all. 

Lesson 1: Ask before you take what isn’t yours.

Lesson 2: Take ownership of your actions.

Lesson 3: Be a problem solver.

Lesson 4: Know when to walk away.

Lesson 5:  Don’t dwell in the past!

I never imagined that a fruit tray could be the main character in a short story about civility!

Discovering A Masterpiece…

I am often asked where I get the topics for my blogs. It seems that ideas are constantly running through my restless mind. Even so, there are rational reasons behind my eloquent use of words. I am connected to my topics in some way. In most instances, I have learned a valuable lesson from an experience. In other occasions, I’ve been slapped in the face by something so amazing that I want my followers to experience my joy. In all blogs, my desires are to inspire, encourage, and say “thank you” to the special people who contribute to my gallery of experiences.

As I shared previously, I am the principal of McCord School. McCord is a fabulous place to LEARN, WORK, and GROW! “Discovering Our Masterpieces” is our brand. Our brand fits us JUST RIGHT! “McCord’s Masterpieces” rolls off the tongue like the title of a Shakespearean opera. Everyone connected to McCord School has a unique skill set or talent that contributes to our success. I am going to showcase a McCord Masterpiece. You may already know her, she has been teaching for more than 4 decades!!! No, she isn’t sitting in a rocker in the corner of the media center waiting for story-time with the primaries. She is just the opposite.

Mrs. B is a first-grade teacher. Anyone who has raised, taught, or babysat a 6-year-old knows that there isn’t any “down time” when there is a 6-year-old around! Mrs. B. keeps her kids thinking, learning and exploring! While Mrs. B is an exceptional teacher, it is her personal love for learning and wealth of knowledge that make her a Masterpiece! After all, quite a few things have changed since Mrs. B picked up her first paint brush! Not only have the textbooks and standards changed; we are now co-mingling in the digital age! Mrs. B has embraced the digital world with the flair of an accomplished artist. I remember when she first came into my office for a quick lesson on “tweeting.” She said, “Just show me. I might not get it the first time but if I keep trying, I’ll get something right!” Well history has been made, last week, Mrs. B. received a “Most Valuable Tweeter” certificate. Tweeting is not the only thing Mrs. B has claimed as her own. When a new strategy is introduced, rest assured that it will land in Mrs. B.’s classroom! Mrs. B. is a true inspiration! She is teaching the children of her previous students and they all have wonderful memories of their days in first grade. Mrs. B always lends a helping hand and attends all district and school functions.  She is a wealth of knowledge, a walking encyclopedia of McCord history! Her contributions to our gallery are priceless!

Mrs. B. is a McCord Masterpiece!

Stop…No More Soup!!

Today is Presidents Day, a day to recognize the commitment and dedication of the United States Presidents, past and present. I’ve done some googling and uncovered some interesting facts about the US Presidents. Next year, I will suggest that my 6 graders create a trivia game. If you can turn learning into a game, the kids are hooked. I also spent some time catching up on school related tasks, although the finish line is always moving. And… Yes, I did some shampooing! My stairs were screaming for a makeover!!

While completing tasks, I pondered the subject of my next blog. As I was completing my last “household” task for the evening, my blog topic surfaced!! The most amazing things happen when you least expect them! I had cooked a pot of soup. I must say, it was quite tasty! It was filled with my favorite vegetable choices. The task at hand required me to pour the remaining soup into a large plastic storage bowl, seal the bowl with its coordinating lid, and place the bowl in the frig. Seems like a simple task, especially for a skilled principal like me! Well my eyes were working correctly but logic was on vacation! Although I saw that the bowl was filled, I continued to pour more soup into a bowl that was filled to the rim!! There was absolutely, no way that the coordinating lid was going to fit. As a matter of fact, I made more work for myself because I had to clean the counter top after the spillage!! Now this is when the “principal brain” snaps into gear. I likened my mishap in the kitchen to instruction in the classroom.

As I was cleaning the counter, I thought about my recent visits to classrooms. The teachers had been excited about the topics they had presented.  They had appeared very confident and knowledgeable. From the corners of the classrooms, I could see what the teachers couldn’t see. Their glows of “enthusiasm” had blocked the looks of “I got It!”; “Please let me try It.”; “Stop talking!”; and “I need some personal help.” All cries, from the kids sitting at their desks. From the corners, I could see the signs, the kids were wiggling, they were drawing, they were looking at anything but the teacher. I wanted to say, “Stop talking!”; “Let the kids explain it!”; “Let the kids Do It!”; and “Let them get into groups!” That same voice should’ve screamed, “Stop pouring the soup!” when I was pouring too much soup into a bowl that was too small.

The just of the blog is simply this, “Sometimes, we Do Too Much!” Occasionally we think that a little more is best when we’ve already served the perfect portion of soup. From time to time we forget that we can always add a dash of salt to a bowl of soup. Sometimes we forget that one day the kids will have to make their own soup.

To my amazing teachers, I say: “Let the Kids MAKE Soup NOW!” Who cares if it is bland, lumpy, or chunky! It’s their soup! “Their Soup will taste better with practice and time!”

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

I know that most of my committed followers are most likely asleep, but I know for sure that there’s one who is wide-eyed and waiting for the next post. I have affectionately named her my “Blog Stalker.” My “Blog Stalker” is my personal cheerleader. When I say “go” she has already “gone.” Sometimes, she tells me things that I don’t want to hear. Sometimes, I tell her things that she doesn’t want to hear. When the words have ceased, we give each other a half smile and say, “You’re Right!” We are both Aries, which make us a dueling pair! This blog isn’t specifically about her, but her ghost is lurking around. This blog is specifically written about our school’s secretary and instructional aide; let’s call them Ms. L and Ms. J. I am telling “their” story because they deserve “orange frogs!”

The quote, “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!” was coined by John C. Maxwell. The complete quote includes, “You Need a Team to make the Dream Work!” I know that teamwork happens every day in education, there is absolutely no way that we could survive without it. I also know that we sometimes forget to give “orange frogs” to those who make the dream work.

Today was an awesome day at McCord School! Yes, I am using our school’s name. I am wearing my “role model hat” because I have consistently said to my teachers, “Tell your Own Story!” Back to the blog at hand; that’s a blog for a different day!  Today was an awesome day because we had a special event planned for our kids. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as we had planned. As I made my morning rounds, shared comments indicated that I was not the only disappointed person in the school! A whimsical comment shared by a teacher got my wheels turning; PLAN B was hatched. As Maxwell proclaimed, “You Need a Team to Make the Dream Work!” Well, Ms. L and Ms. J Made  the Dream Work! In less than an hour we had a school-wide activity planned! In 2 hours, we had games, prizes, and balloons! After lunch, our kids were playing hockey in the corridors! I saw a few teachers swinging hockey sticks. I got in on the fun too! It was a great afternoon; our kids were happy!

Hooves Up to Ms. L and Ms. J! Thanks for Making the Dream Work!

What do PRINCIPALS DO when SCHOOL is CLOSED?

Here’s the million-dollar question, “What do principals do when school is closed because of inclement weather?” I’ve heard of some really daring principals doing some cool things like snowboarding, sledding and skiing! I’ve even heard of a very talented principal making a rap song for his students. There are also some principals who enjoy the day relaxing and catching up on favorite television shows. Well, this principal hasn’t fallen into either of the before mentioned categories. I have contemplated boiling a pot of water, going outside, tossing the water into the air, and recording how quickly it freezes. Note, “contemplated.” I haven’t done this because, I am the only person at home; therefore, there is no one to take a picture. Plus, I am sure that someone will think that I am truly “crazy” since the windchill factor is currently -22! This principal has used her “school-closed day”shampooing the carpet, catching up on school work, and reading a book that I started during the summer. I know, I don’t sound COOL~ but I do sound COMMITTED! I know that you are not interested in my housekeeping skills or how I created a meticulous schedule, so by default, I must tell you about the book that I’m reading. Don’t frown! I am not getting theoretical, although the book is researched based, it’s an easy read.  If you take out the fluff and acknowledgements, it’s only 124 pages of type 12 font. You can handle it! I ordered the book after reading a tweet from a principal who accredited the book for changing the dynamics of his school. So, before I even knew that I was inheriting a blue-ribbon bound school, I ordered the book. While I am not trying to increase sales of “The 7 Mindsets” by Scott Shickler and Jeff Waller, I must admit, I love what these guys have written.

I fell in love with the book, “The 7 Mindsets”, after reading the introduction. Shickler and Waller emphasized ensuring that children see the value in what they have done as opposed to waiting for affirmation from someone else. The authors further emphasized that adults speak a different language than children. Whether using a parent’s voice, teacher’s voice, or principal’s voice, adults are not making connections with kids because they are not speaking their language. The writers highlighted a few common memes often used by adults to motivate kids.  Adults have used these memes because the memes have been inherited! That’s right, more likely than not, these memes have been used to motivate us at some point in our lives. These “hand-me-down” memes have the opposite impact on “new generation kids” because “they” interpret the memes differently. For example, an adult may say, “don’t make the same mistake twice” hoping that the child whom he/she is speaking with should learn from his/her mistake and move forward. Shickler and Waller surmised that children digest the meme to mean, “Mistakes are bad and because mistakes are bad, don’t try things that are difficult.” The authors have interviewed people that kids know and admire. The book is filled with historical connections related to current curriculum. There are motivational quotes from noted people whose contributions are known by kids. Each chapter highlights 1 of 7 mindsets that will lead to ultimate success.

I am not going to write another sentence about the book…. JUST READ It!

I will be visiting my kids when the weather warms and our doors open.  We will be discussing the first mindset, “Everything Is Possible!”

BLUE RIBBON here We Come!

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