Public Launching

We are launching our blog! I'm really excited to see how this will grow.  There is a HUGE need for parents to have a central hub that they can go to and find a reliable tutor. Finding a tutor can feel like an illusive hunt for a parent.  It's my hope that both parents and educators can interact through this blog and begin connecting!~Stacy

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!

Games & Learning

dreamstime

Sometimes as a teacher you have to know when to break out the games. If you're really on your game you'll utilize this time for learning. Games in and of themselves are comprised of learning steps. Take, "Monopoly" as an example:

1. Math Skills Galore! ~ Money, addition, subtraction, multiplication, & ordinal numbers

2. Reading ~ A player has to be able to read the board, cards, and directions.

3. Logic/Strategy ~ One must be able to recognize when it's a great time to purchase property, seize upon others renting your space, save or use a Jail free card, when to acquire funds, & when to spend your funds.

4. Patience ~ A player has to understand that not every roll of the dice will play into their favor. Learning to bide your time as you acquire new  property can be nail biting.

5. Good Sportsmanship ~ Being happy or content for another player despite what's happening to you; is a much needed life long skill. 

6. Etiquette ~ A player has to understand that there is order within a game; you must abide by it. It's also important to learn at an early age that it can be tough to play with others; and how one can handle this with grace. 

Games give us the opportunity to teach so many valuable lessons while having fun! My children love to play games. When I look into our game closet; which can be scary because you might be crushed, I can't find one game that doesn't teach a lesson. A while back we sat our kids down to play a family game of, "Spiderman Matchup." Oh my word, that was the longest 2 hours ever!!! However, it was filled with learning opportunities. I discovered that while my children where amazing Wii players, cell phone game addicts, and laptop game experts they had ZERO ideas on how to play a simple board game. I was astonished!!!! We had great difficulty taking turns. Game etiquette, what's that? Remembering the rules of the game was extremely trying for our five year old; and super trying for everyone else! Granted he was a brand new five at the time, so we can cut him some slack. Strategy? Come again, this was a new concept. A phone doesn't require you to make strategic moves and the computer just does it for you. After the game began wrapping up; ok so we helped it along a bit, we had to have a talk about having Good Sportsmanship. All of this to say it was a LOOOOONG game but I'm so glad we stuck with it. It was chock full of learning opportunities.

So when you find yourself, your student, or child in a learning slump and need a new approach; why not pull out a game? Run to your game closet and pick out something! Chances are if you choose well the lesson will be hidden within the fun and you'll still be teaching. The bonus will be the memories that your child or student has from just playing a game with you.

Wisdom

"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." -Author Unknown

 

Perhaps you remember with fondness a specific teacher that you had. I have a few that stand out in memory. My first would be my 1st Grade teacher Mrs. Read. She was simply amazing. I was in awe of her and the way that she loved us. The only lesson that stands out to me was the one in which I tried to copy the letter Z off of my neighbor's paper. Really??? I had to cheat when learning the alphabet. My momma knew I was going to need a lot of help! Nope, what stands out to me was her smile, warm hugs, her beyond amazing treasure box, and most simply her essence. She watered my heart every day as I sat in her classroom. I loved just soaking her in.

The second teacher that stands out in my memory would be my 2nd Grade reading tutor, Mrs. Bigalow. She was our pastor's wife and I would happily go to her house two afternoons a week to study phonics. I loved sitting at her kitchen table, eating a warm cookie or two, and practicing my word blends with her. Once again there isn't just one lesson that stands out but instead she does. She was warm, encouraging, safe, and made me feel smart. I loved going to Mrs. Bigalow's home.

The third teacher that comes to mind would have to be Coach Terrel. If you ever had Coach Terral you would know that he was famous for giving "The Lecture" every year. He seemed gruff but I knew better. He was a sweet guy, excellent teacher, wonderful coach, and really cared about his students excelling. Again,the only lesson I remember was that lecture, and it was awful, but what stands out was his compassion, spirit, and true zeal for his job. He loved teaching!

Another amazing teacher that stands out among the others would have to be my Senior Geometry teacher. I can remember his face clearly even if his name escapes me now. This man was inspiring! He gave so much to his students. My senior year he would give after school, free evening tutoring. Most of our Senior class would show up out in the back portables of our school, waiting to learn from our best teacher. He was patient, never tired of our endless questions and confusion, and always showed up happy to help us. Those study sessions filled with 20 to 30 kids, and Route 66 Sonic colas, stand out in my mind like yesterday. If he hadn't been so selfless I probably wouldn't have passed those upper level math courses, and would have been beyond confused in my college math classes. He was an unsung hero. In fact it wasn't long after that when I learned he had been terribly sick with cancer the entire time. People, that is what this thing called teaching is all about!

It's not about the great lesson plans, the cute message boards, apples on the desk, and summer breaks. It's about pouring your heart into the life of another human being. It's about inspiring and encouraging. It's about lifting a child or student up and telling them that they are valuable and have amazing things ahead of them. I hope that you will be the teacher that stands out in the memory of a student 30 years down the road. Be the one that gave them the confidence to soar.