New Beginnings

As a parent and educator I find myself sometimes bogged down by my own shortcomings. Some days go great and others are lacking in; how shall we say, awesomeness. Surely, I'm not alone in this. I think it can become difficult when you feel like your lacking in both. Some day's my parenting is more on target than my educating. Then there are days when it's reversed and some days I feel like I have failed entirely. Those are the really tough days!

One thing that I'm learning is that every day is the opportunity for a new beginning. Every beginning brings with it the opportunity for optimism, greatness, and unlimited possibilities. If this thought hasn't occurred to you then give it a whirl. Look at the beginning of each day as something special,

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something new. Then take a look at your students and yourself. Next imagine all of the wonderful opportunities that await you. Perhaps today will be the day that you experience a break through in learning with your student. Could today be the day that those difficult tasks they have been working so diligently to comprehend sink in; and they sail past it onto something tougher? Or is it possible that maybe a difficult or stubborn attitude will be exchanged for a smile and simple joy?

Being a tutor, mentor, private instructor, or parent can feel like the best job in the world! And it should! You are personally helping to shape the lives of others. There is nothing else that can compare with that. Always remember that what you are doing is vital; even if it feels small in the moment.

If you are having a tough day, week, month, or year try to remember that every day is a new day. Every new day brings with it a new beginning. And every beginning is filled with amazing opportunities!

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Inspirational Quotes

Here are just a few quotes to inspire you on this Tuesday. Enjoy!

 "System in all things should be aimed at; for in execution it renders everything more easy." ~ General George Washington

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these."  ~ George Washington Carver

  "Above all things I hope the education of the common people will be attended to; convinced that on their good sense we may rely with the most security for the preservation of a due degree of liberty." ~ Thomas Jefferson

"It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill students with facts...but to teach them to think." ~Robert M. Hutchins

"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." ~ Derek Bok

"When one door of happiness closes, another door opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." ~ Helen Keller

"The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another." ~ Marva Collins

Play Ball!!!

"Play Ball!!!"dreamstime

 Have you ever thought you would say that while tutoring? Me neither, but I did today. When my student arrived he was overly tired.  His long day had left him feeling quite sleepy. What is a tutor to do?

My answer was to play baseball! It's America's favorite past time and it happens to be something that most little boys love. We headed outside and decided it was time for some pitching practice.  I set up the soccer goal and as he read the flashcards he would hurl a pitch into the net. Amazingly, he perked up! A little sunshine, some fresh air, and a bit of exercise was exactly what we needed to invigorate our tutorial session. He was so happy! The bonus was that when we came back inside to begin our reading exercises he was calm and ready to work.

If you have access to a bouncy ball and a sidewalk; try playing ball the next time your student seems restless. Throw in some flashcards, spelling practice, math facts, science trivia or anything else you can think of. Have fun learning in the sun!