Something to think about this week.

"We who are the engravers of the children's lives have a great responsibility, we have to engrave well. We have to know how to engrave well."
Mary McAleese
President of Ireland

You Can Make A Difference

By Peter Stewart

There is a Chinese saying: “Every child is a piece of paper and every person leaves a mark.” If this is the case, then some of us are leaving a mural -  a glorious, inspiring tapestry of hope! On a similar note, Lynne Manfredi-Petit says, “Children are now being raised by parents and other people.” Let’s not sell ourselves short. Those "other people" are us!  We have the opportunity to watch children make their first steps, say their first words, and participate in their first experiences of love and caring. How can we make more of a difference? The answer lies in getting back to the basics, “The Three R’s: Role Models, Relationships, and Rituals.” Let’s take a look at each one: Role Models Role models are like the sun. They give us hope. When we see a role model we say, “If he or she can do that, then I can do that!” The more we act like our role models, the more we become the people we want to be. In turn, we will respect ourselves as we respect our role models. Relationships We all need more connection with others in our lives. Our best memories occur when we make a connection with someone. Hug to hug. Face to face. Eye to eye. Laugh to laugh. Smile to smile. Unfortunately, there is an undercurrent of disconnection today. We spend time watching television and working at our computer when we should be laughing, talking, and sharing with each other. Here are some amazing facts: The average American will spend seven years of his or her life watching television. 66 percent of American families spend their dinnertime watching television. That’s like having dinner with Dan Rather! Remember, relationships with children are like water to a plant. They need to be watered often to keep growing. Let’s practice enjoying each other and build relationships among ourselves and with our children. Let’s spend more time telling jokes and stories, singing songs, and sharing the substance of our lives. Rituals Rituals are like the roots of our lives. They connect us to our heritage. Children love rituals. So do we. Rituals give our lives meaning and depth. Rituals in a classroom build community and a safe environment wherein children can explore. They can be songs, games, books, places, ceremonies, puppets, food, poems, or times of the day. Enjoy sharing your heritage with the children you teach. Bring out the old quilts, stories, and other family heirlooms. Pass your heritage on so that children can pass it on to their children. There is no tomorrow...only today, for tomorrow they will be adults. We are the elders. We are the role models. It is our duty to take the time to put children on our knee and share a moment. Make a memory.

Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty

This is week 5 or 8 so; I am half way through my first class. So far, things are going well. I am a bit surprised at the number of people who started out in week one but, have dropped out already. I guess there is a withdrawal date to keep from getting charged for the course. I did not want to read that section of the student handbook because I have no intention to withdrawal from anything. I am in it to win it, as they say. The writing is all right I submit everything to Grammerley in the Writing Center. It is a lifesaver. My writing is all right but it is the little mistakes, which get me. I am hoping to get a 4.0 because I would really feel wonderful about myself if I could manage it. I think every day about what I have to accomplish for course work. I try to get as much done at the beginning of the week because I never know when a migraine will put me out for a couple days. I spent last week at Janea's in Chicago and they had some crazy storms. As soon as the cloud cover came in my head started aching. I landed up at the ER on Friday to get some serious drugs. I was supposed to fly home yesterday but the weather delayed everything. Therefore, I am sitting at DFW for a 5-hour layover. Thank God for USO and free WiFi. I wanted to get a jump on some of next week’s reading. Week 5 looks like a lot of reading. At a glance, it looks like several articles, web pages to review and then the actual homework submissions. I find the discussion topics are the most challenging for me. It seems like a discussion should be a back and forth, gives and takes but, it seems like you post something and only the instructor replies. I reply to other students post with a question in the hopes of getting a discussion going but mostly that is the end of it. I am not sure how the grading goes for discussions as I can really try to stimulate discussion but it takes more than one.
The APA style is also a bit nerve-wracking. The Writing Center says the grading of it is very subjective but, not to get discouraged. I am really trying not to but Damn It I want an "A." I am also trying hard at keeping other students from getting frustrated. I want to build relationships, but this format does not stimulate much of that. Well, I am learning a ton. I thought I knew all the websites, which could support my training endeavors, but I have found so much more on hear.
I wonder if you are Alumni from Walden do you always have access to the services.  I love the Library and the Writing Center. Grammerley is my favorite tool. So, onword I go into the 5th week. I want to thank my family for supporting me so far. They really give me my time and space to go do homework. The new library in San Angelo is awesome. The staff and quiet corner are marvelious.
TTFN

My Aunt Julie

ttfnjulie's photostream on Flickr.

My Aunt Julie

ttfnjulie's photostream on Flickr.