Motivating through inspiration

“The principle goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done - men who are creative, inventive and discoverers” - Jean Piaget 


" Love and work are the cornerstones of humaness." - Sigmund Freud


"One test of the correctness of educational procedures is the happiness of the child." - Maria Montessori


"You make 'em, I amuse 'em." - Dr. Seuss


"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." - Nelson Mandala 

The kissing hand

I just read this book for the first time to my niece and fell in love with it. It's about a raccoon finding courage to go to school for the first time. His mother encourages him with kind words and a way to think of her whenever school gets tough. I found it very encouraging. I will use this book in my classroom for all the kids who are having a rough day. They will learn that the temporary separation from their parents while they are at school isn't the end of the world.

Personal childhood web

This is my family web. I only wish I could have chosen 100 and that wouldn't do my family justice. But here are the 5 photos with as many people as possible.

 

In this picture, I was graduating from college with my little brother. My older sister and mom were there to share in this wonderful day. They have always supported me through life and this was one of the biggest days in my life!

This is my little brother, who acts like my big brother. He has always been there to support me and challenge me to do more. He was in the military and that helped me learn the importance of rules and structure. The demands of the air force helped mold him and that inspired me.

These are my two children. They have helped me grow as a mother and as a student. They are always striving for higher education which prompted me to go after my Masters. I matured as a person once these two wonderful young women came into my life.

This is my family. My three brothers, my sister and my mom and dad. My dad is 80 years old and we threw him a surprise party. As you can see, we were so surprised by the camera, we couldn't get it toghether to take this picture. They are my biggest support system. I remember my parents always telling me, The family that prays together stays together. That has always been in mind and has impacted my life spiritually and emotionally.

This is my priest. He always has encouraging words for everyone. He is part of the family and has molded me through his spiritual guidance. He helps me to bridge the gap between me and God when I struggle with things bigger than me. He has been my priest for over 15 years.

Week 2

This is me now:

This is me when I was 10:

 I really like this quote by Benjamin Franklin:

I think this book is cute. I love reading it to my classes every year! The children can read along with me and become involved in learning colors. They are encouraged to be reading by themselves.

Teaching

Welcome!

Hi! Welcome to my blog! I'm Michele.
I have never blogged before but I'm very excited to use this as a forum for learning and sharing my knowledge! I have been teaching Early Start for over 24 years. I love the kids! Everyday I learn from them as they are learning from me. And in all these years, I've learned that the old saying is true... Children say the darnedest thing!!!