I recently had the amazing experience that my first book, One Drop of Kindness, was published. It was officially launched on Amazon on May 3, thanks to my amazing publisher, Sarah Thomas at EduMatch.
While I am super stoked and excited about the reviews and positive impact it has had, my skin has thickened with the umm, not so rave reviews and suggestions too. I have began to develop a thicker outer shell, because, as I know, I am in charge of how I act, react and respond to others. While I still am growing, it can be difficult at times.
It's a funny thing, writing. Those who have the courage and take the risk to write, be it; a blog, poetry, books, etc, really can take a "virtual" beating.
Now don't get me wrong, my Kindness book is not for everyone, (although it should be), but if the naysayers can do so much better, why don't they? I LOVE feedback, both positive, and in ways that I can improve. But, perhaps when people have suggestions, ideas, thoughts, considerations, and critiques, it can be spun in a positive (and even private sometimes?) way.
A week or so ago, my dear friend Melanie Korach, had someone poke some negative mojo at her poetry. Get this my friends, Melanie does not have a mean bone in her body. She created the #StarfishClub, writes about love, kindness, empathy, and about every other positive characteristic or idea there is. Why would someone rip on her? Well, maybe jealousy? self loathing? lack of confidence, and fighting their own demons? I don't know, but to put it out on Twitter, and the Social Media Universe is just downright unkind.
Another friend, who's name I won't mention got so many virtual punches after he/she Tweeted something, they had to finally take down the post, as people actually had the gaul to threaten her/him!
What?
Many of us put our heart, soul, mind, and more into our work. Writing takes a lot out of me, but I get a sense of light, power, energy and emotional octane from it. I don't write for YOU to bash, I write for me to perhaps improve myself, and maybe, just maybe, make life a bit better for someone else.
With so many amazing bloggers, podcasters, authors, vloggers, and more, let's try to read these amazing works of passion with a positive intent.
So, I ask this of you. If you want to write, Go. For. It. Write your butt off. Clean your soul, share your passion, ideas, love, and story with the world, or just a few friends. Do it with so much courage and faith, that it makes your fear run from success.
It will be great. It will be not so great. It will be a challenge. It will be exhilarating. It will be just what you need.
Now take out your Fred Flinstone slate, chisel and hammer, and leave your tattoo of awesomeness for all of us to read!
#OneDropOfKindness #Joyfulleaders #pushboundEDU #CompelledED
Friday, May 17, 2019
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Monday, April 15, 2019
Monday, April 8, 2019
Educators Unite! Let's share and celebrate everyone!
Why so often does it seem that educators are in competition with each other? Are we trying to push others out of bounds, so our information get noticed first? Is her book so much better than his? Can't they both be of value?
Sure, some of the book topics are similar with content and practices, but aren't we in this together? How come some amazing edu's that have authored books, will also gladly share and support others, but some will not even acknowledge others? It seems odd, that in our country of broken educational goals, values and systems, that we wouldn't be more united and celebratory of each other.
Take my buddy Adam Welcome, for example. I speak to Adam whenever I can, because I learn each time we chat - I hope it is reciprocal too, as we can get pretty deep at times. But here is the deal. Adam has written 3 books, 2 are published and 1 is currently in the publisher's hands (co-written with the amazing Lynn Colón). I see Adam taking pics and videos with so many other author's books and sharing the great things he's seen and read! Why? Because he wants others to succeed and rock it too! We should all be in this for EVERY CHILD. EACH TEACHER. ALL ADMIN.
The more we feel comfortable sharing our successes, wins, tricks, trades, messages, the better our students will be in the long run. Let's not have pride and money get in the way of helping others. We need to be on board, as a group of brains, bodies, beliefs, resources and ideas that make education great for every child in this nation and around the world!
I love to share my blogs, podcasts I guest on, articles I read, books I have learned from, and so much more. I tag others that I feel may enjoy or benefit from what I've learned or shared too. If someone isn't compelled to read, click, or share, then that is up to them. But if I see something amazing, I'll let the person know how much I like, have learned and have grown from their message. At the same time, I probably am too honest and transparent about my ideas at times and that throws people off! But, it's who I am.
Have you noticed that on Twitter, many people follow others because of a NAME, not the necessarily the content or learning they can garner from someone? Or, you'll see people get super excited because X followed them? With so many phenomenal educators, authors, professionals and others on our Social Media fingertips, we all need to make an effort to be open, share information, say no if needed, request ideas, but most importantly: Be genuine and kind. I get it. We are all busy in our own way of 24/7. We choose to give and/or spend time with those we feel we have the greatest connection, friendship or history with. Make the time meaningful. Help each other grow. Watch each other win and succeed. Isn't that what we need?
Publishers want to sell books and market authors. Authors want to sell books and market themselves and their messages out. I get it. As someone who will be a published author soon, I know that I am not going to be making much money (it is amazing how many books one needs to sell to be wealthy). I want to send a message. Share ideas. Help those in need with my charitable acts. It seems that most eduAuthors want this too. So, let's celebrate each other. Encourage each other. Share the wins. Watch the fireworks burst. But remember, we have about 60 million students in the U.S.A that need us, a united front of educators, making a difference for them. We should put that first.
Peace, my friends!
#DropOfKindness #CompelledTribe #PushBoundEDU
Sure, some of the book topics are similar with content and practices, but aren't we in this together? How come some amazing edu's that have authored books, will also gladly share and support others, but some will not even acknowledge others? It seems odd, that in our country of broken educational goals, values and systems, that we wouldn't be more united and celebratory of each other.
Take my buddy Adam Welcome, for example. I speak to Adam whenever I can, because I learn each time we chat - I hope it is reciprocal too, as we can get pretty deep at times. But here is the deal. Adam has written 3 books, 2 are published and 1 is currently in the publisher's hands (co-written with the amazing Lynn Colón). I see Adam taking pics and videos with so many other author's books and sharing the great things he's seen and read! Why? Because he wants others to succeed and rock it too! We should all be in this for EVERY CHILD. EACH TEACHER. ALL ADMIN.
The more we feel comfortable sharing our successes, wins, tricks, trades, messages, the better our students will be in the long run. Let's not have pride and money get in the way of helping others. We need to be on board, as a group of brains, bodies, beliefs, resources and ideas that make education great for every child in this nation and around the world!
I love to share my blogs, podcasts I guest on, articles I read, books I have learned from, and so much more. I tag others that I feel may enjoy or benefit from what I've learned or shared too. If someone isn't compelled to read, click, or share, then that is up to them. But if I see something amazing, I'll let the person know how much I like, have learned and have grown from their message. At the same time, I probably am too honest and transparent about my ideas at times and that throws people off! But, it's who I am.
Have you noticed that on Twitter, many people follow others because of a NAME, not the necessarily the content or learning they can garner from someone? Or, you'll see people get super excited because X followed them? With so many phenomenal educators, authors, professionals and others on our Social Media fingertips, we all need to make an effort to be open, share information, say no if needed, request ideas, but most importantly: Be genuine and kind. I get it. We are all busy in our own way of 24/7. We choose to give and/or spend time with those we feel we have the greatest connection, friendship or history with. Make the time meaningful. Help each other grow. Watch each other win and succeed. Isn't that what we need?
Publishers want to sell books and market authors. Authors want to sell books and market themselves and their messages out. I get it. As someone who will be a published author soon, I know that I am not going to be making much money (it is amazing how many books one needs to sell to be wealthy). I want to send a message. Share ideas. Help those in need with my charitable acts. It seems that most eduAuthors want this too. So, let's celebrate each other. Encourage each other. Share the wins. Watch the fireworks burst. But remember, we have about 60 million students in the U.S.A that need us, a united front of educators, making a difference for them. We should put that first.
Peace, my friends!
#DropOfKindness #CompelledTribe #PushBoundEDU
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Label our Clothing, not our Students
Why? Can't we shine in our unique ways? Isn't it OK to be #YOU? If my brain, body, or personality glitters in its own way, why is that not alright?
Special Ed. Gay. Bi. Dumb. GATE. Slow. Behavior Problem. Bully. Jerk. The list goes on, and on, and on. I would challenge you to see if you could go a whole day without hearing one of these labels, or worse.
From the White House, to the news, to schools, playgrounds, street corners and homes. The labeling continues. Why is it OK that our President can make fun of people of color, or from 3rd world countries or with learning challenges and have no one push back? Why has it become fine for staff members to write on student information cards: Behavior Problem, Needs to be separated from X, Should be in SpEd...Let's wipe it clean. Stop it now. Can't we be cool with all of us doing our own thing as long as we don't bother and hurt someone else?
Words Do Matter, my friends. And if we use a label enough, we become it. It is the way it is. Go look at a student's cume file some time. There it is: GATE, TRUANT, SUSPENDED. I get it. Some things we need to identify so that we are able to address issues, make connections, get background and then foster the relationship. But it does need to become us. We are better than this!
I challenge you to make a stand. Stop using labels. And, when you hear them, push back in a fashion that is kind, but direct: "Please don't use that term", or something similar. If we all work together, focused on helping us ALL, and uniting the work we do, it would be mind blowing to see how amazing we'd become.
Let's start today. In schools, playgrounds and at home. Remove labels from all humans. Let's retrain our young children not to say them, believe them, or hear them. That way, we may be able to help prevent a beautiful soul from harming them-self, or buying in to the BS. We've had enough tragic endings and suicides from people believing what others say. Start now with the littles, and we can positively change our cultural missteps.
It won't be easy. But who really cares. Easy is lame. Easy is so 1970's. Let's help those that need us the most.
Humans. People. Children. Adults.
It will take work. But I believe we CAN. Do you?
#OneDropOfKindness #PushBoundEDU #CompelledEDU
Monday, April 1, 2019
A 3 month check in with my #OneWord: YOU
Each year that I choose a #OneWord to focus on, I like to reflect and check in on my commitment and progress toward my goal. I believe it is imperative for us to continually reflect, check, and then iterate as needed. This not only keeps me true to my word, but it gives me a chance to either re-focus, if I have lost it, or continue my drive and faith.
When I came up with my #OneWord, YOU, I was quite intentional as to my choice. Over the last year, I had been a bit #Me focused and needed to rewire my attention to doing more to support others; YOU.
Over the last 3 months I have contributed to books, blogs, podcasts, PD, career advice, my father's care with his Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, supporting my mom in the transition, rebuilding some teacher morale, encouraging the focus on #AllKids at my school site, and trying to be a better father and husband at home.
While this may seem like a lot to some, I'm sure it may pale in comparison to others. But, that being said, I'm not in it to compete. I'm in on building a better YOU. And, what that may entail for some; a check in, hug, support via Voxer, more honesty conversation, healthy challenges and lifestyle, professional advice. For others I have tried to be more present, both physically and mentally, more disconnected from devices and Social Media, and for a few, just a "hey, you good?"
Over the next few weeks, I will become a published author for the first time. My children's book, thanks to Sarah Thomas at EduMatch, "One Drop of Kindness", will become a reality. I'm hoping that this will change the life of one or more students, teachers, parents, and leaders in how "Kindness" is looked upon and shared. My intent is to make a positive impact on YOU, so that we may find a kinder way to look at each and every individual and situation. I hope you can join the ripple effect with me.
If you didn't choose a #OneWord for whatever reason, that is all good too. Perhaps though, you can take a moment to reflect on how your calendar year is going. Are you on the path toward your goals? Are your intentions positive? Who is helping to keep you in check and accountable? Where might you need a tweak or two? Just some thoughts...
It is important for all of us to have a tribe, a circle, a crew, group, peeps, or whatever you may call it. We all need support, love, challenges, and hope. But at the same time, we need to reflect and grow. Let me know if I can help YOU! Not only is it my #OneWord, but it is my intent to make others better.
When I came up with my #OneWord, YOU, I was quite intentional as to my choice. Over the last year, I had been a bit #Me focused and needed to rewire my attention to doing more to support others; YOU.
Over the last 3 months I have contributed to books, blogs, podcasts, PD, career advice, my father's care with his Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, supporting my mom in the transition, rebuilding some teacher morale, encouraging the focus on #AllKids at my school site, and trying to be a better father and husband at home.
While this may seem like a lot to some, I'm sure it may pale in comparison to others. But, that being said, I'm not in it to compete. I'm in on building a better YOU. And, what that may entail for some; a check in, hug, support via Voxer, more honesty conversation, healthy challenges and lifestyle, professional advice. For others I have tried to be more present, both physically and mentally, more disconnected from devices and Social Media, and for a few, just a "hey, you good?"
Over the next few weeks, I will become a published author for the first time. My children's book, thanks to Sarah Thomas at EduMatch, "One Drop of Kindness", will become a reality. I'm hoping that this will change the life of one or more students, teachers, parents, and leaders in how "Kindness" is looked upon and shared. My intent is to make a positive impact on YOU, so that we may find a kinder way to look at each and every individual and situation. I hope you can join the ripple effect with me.
If you didn't choose a #OneWord for whatever reason, that is all good too. Perhaps though, you can take a moment to reflect on how your calendar year is going. Are you on the path toward your goals? Are your intentions positive? Who is helping to keep you in check and accountable? Where might you need a tweak or two? Just some thoughts...
It is important for all of us to have a tribe, a circle, a crew, group, peeps, or whatever you may call it. We all need support, love, challenges, and hope. But at the same time, we need to reflect and grow. Let me know if I can help YOU! Not only is it my #OneWord, but it is my intent to make others better.
Monday, March 11, 2019
It's Not Too Late
Not only is it crazy that March is upon us, it's an amazing opportunity for us take a selfie of where we are in our practice, our craft, our passion and WHY.
If you are a teacher, this is the time of year to really bring it. I posted a video yesterday on YouTube about some things to think about, but also wanted to stress a few thoughts more clearly.
We all know those students that by this time of year are really rocking it; mastered the standards, into the next grade concepts, thriving academically and socially. Well, what do we do with them now? Let's ask them! Yes, the students. Give them the power of voice, choice, drive and direction. These students need to feel like leaders. Keep them engaged by letting them sit in the driver's seat and take off!
There are so many cool things they could be doing right now: Ambassador of technology for the class or school, Class Blogger, FlipGrid Director, Code Master, Chess teacher, or whatever THEY believe they can do. Of course we want them to thrive, push the thinking, and stay motivated, but with only 2-3 months of school left, give them some room to really shoot for the moon!
What about the children that are still so far behind? How do we address his/her needs too? This, my friends is why we have colleagues! Reach out. What is your intervention plan? Are you integrating small group and/or 1:1 instruction daily? Are you sharing groups with your neighbor, or buddy teacher? Is your instruction intense, relevant and tailored to each child's gaps?
It's Not Too Late! We can still do this! Are you a bell to bell teacher? Or, do you let things all go on Fridays? Does each student get what they need and deserve? Have you done an interest inventory lately for each child? If not, you need to. Kids needs and interests change like ours do. Find a way to capture that firefly of a spark, so we don't lose them.
Think of it this way. If your own child was in a class, and was not being challenged, pushed, intervened, or loved; what would you do? Think about it. The child that throws the books, yells, has a hard time getting along with others. Call the Principal? Send them out?
Or...do you talk to them. Call home. Visit them outside of the "School Zone?". Whatever it is, don't just bail on them now. They need you more than ever! This is your chosen passion my friends - show yourself and others that YOU are the most empathic, kind, loving and dedicated educator ever!
It's not too late - for you to focus on self care. Balance your life. Take 5 minutes at lunch for YOU. Close your eyes, breath and relax. You need to be a newly built locomotive ready to pull the load everyday, so, yes, I give you permission to focus on your OWN health too! Please. We need you!
It's not too late. That final bell of the year is still 8-12 weeks away. When it rings, will you shout to the heavens "YES!" "I did everything I could for every child!". Or, will you take the route of "Darn it, I shoulda, coulda...next year I will?" No. You won't. Because you are an educator. You are a selfless servant focused on every, single child. Good, crazy, wild, mellow, troubled, kind, or unregulated. We love them all.
So, I ask you this my friends: "Is it too late?" Or are you willing to go out now and reach every student, teacher, staff member, and parent to find a unique way to truly "Bring it" for the end of the year?
#OneDropOfKindness #PushBoundEDU #CompelledEDU #TeachBetter
If you are a teacher, this is the time of year to really bring it. I posted a video yesterday on YouTube about some things to think about, but also wanted to stress a few thoughts more clearly.
We all know those students that by this time of year are really rocking it; mastered the standards, into the next grade concepts, thriving academically and socially. Well, what do we do with them now? Let's ask them! Yes, the students. Give them the power of voice, choice, drive and direction. These students need to feel like leaders. Keep them engaged by letting them sit in the driver's seat and take off!
There are so many cool things they could be doing right now: Ambassador of technology for the class or school, Class Blogger, FlipGrid Director, Code Master, Chess teacher, or whatever THEY believe they can do. Of course we want them to thrive, push the thinking, and stay motivated, but with only 2-3 months of school left, give them some room to really shoot for the moon!
What about the children that are still so far behind? How do we address his/her needs too? This, my friends is why we have colleagues! Reach out. What is your intervention plan? Are you integrating small group and/or 1:1 instruction daily? Are you sharing groups with your neighbor, or buddy teacher? Is your instruction intense, relevant and tailored to each child's gaps?
It's Not Too Late! We can still do this! Are you a bell to bell teacher? Or, do you let things all go on Fridays? Does each student get what they need and deserve? Have you done an interest inventory lately for each child? If not, you need to. Kids needs and interests change like ours do. Find a way to capture that firefly of a spark, so we don't lose them.
Think of it this way. If your own child was in a class, and was not being challenged, pushed, intervened, or loved; what would you do? Think about it. The child that throws the books, yells, has a hard time getting along with others. Call the Principal? Send them out?
Or...do you talk to them. Call home. Visit them outside of the "School Zone?". Whatever it is, don't just bail on them now. They need you more than ever! This is your chosen passion my friends - show yourself and others that YOU are the most empathic, kind, loving and dedicated educator ever!
It's not too late - for you to focus on self care. Balance your life. Take 5 minutes at lunch for YOU. Close your eyes, breath and relax. You need to be a newly built locomotive ready to pull the load everyday, so, yes, I give you permission to focus on your OWN health too! Please. We need you!
It's not too late. That final bell of the year is still 8-12 weeks away. When it rings, will you shout to the heavens "YES!" "I did everything I could for every child!". Or, will you take the route of "Darn it, I shoulda, coulda...next year I will?" No. You won't. Because you are an educator. You are a selfless servant focused on every, single child. Good, crazy, wild, mellow, troubled, kind, or unregulated. We love them all.
So, I ask you this my friends: "Is it too late?" Or are you willing to go out now and reach every student, teacher, staff member, and parent to find a unique way to truly "Bring it" for the end of the year?
#OneDropOfKindness #PushBoundEDU #CompelledEDU #TeachBetter
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