Why I do What I do... What Keeps Me Going

I received a text message a couple of nights ago from a parent that left me speechless and emboldened to press on. As each school year ends and I pack up my classroom, I smile quite a bit because I have so many fond memories of my time with the youngsters. I also start planning how to be more efficient and make better use of my time in the following school year. I'm reminded as I put crafts, books, tools, games, and various other supplies away of all of the things that I hoped to accomplish this year that got pushed to the sidelines. I re-purpose to be a better teacher in the next year. 

And then I pray that I was able to teach these kids something great about Jesus! Because at the end of the day, at the end of a school year, at the end of my teaching career, and at the end of my life... it wasn't about the crafts, read-alouds, or innovative cross-curricular games. It was about pointing all of the entrusted souls that I had the privilege to teach to Jesus! It was about showing them that there's someone greater than me! It was about teaching them to do all things whether in word or deed for the Lord! 

And so the text I received on Saturday night was a reminder that I touched the heart in one child. I showed him that reading is great! But even more so I was used to show him that reading for Jesus is better!
I am both encouraged and refreshed! Surely this is what summers are for.
Christian Educators, Mothers, Fathers, Principals, Aunts, Uncles, Sunday School Teachers, Babysitters, Brothers and Sisters... Press On!

Today's Your Day

If you want to read a great summer vacation book that includes a convicting reminder. then you should pick this up:

Parents, be careful, that one's going to bring a call to action (on your part) by the end of it. However, it is a must read, again and again.

Another great book, not to be confused with the above title I discovered last year while going through the bookshelves at the Goodwill. I am saving it for the daughter that I hope to raise "someday". If you have a young daughter, this would be a great book for you to read with her. It would also make a fabulous shower or graduation gift. 

Here's a little peek at one of the first pictures. It just might entice you to make a purchase of it.

Being Inspired by Public Speakers

I've been at a Literacy Conference this week held at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. This is my second time attending, and as I was driving home today processing all of the events of the past three days, I thought it would be helpful to engage with my blog. It's been two months since I've written any of my teaching thoughts.

I've learned so much in these past couple of months. I feel somewhat neglectful that I haven't written any of my new learning on here, but guilt will just keep me away longer, so here is one of the many things that I've learned this week.

Good public speakers do multiple of the following:

• Talk with their hands
• Move around. I'm not talking about swaying from one foot to another. I'm referring to intentional moving about within an aisle or on the stage. 
• Speak about something they have a passion for
• Relate/show an awareness of their audience
• Laugh at themselves
• Give breaks for verbal processing time
• Build you up with positivity
• Inspire you to be better at your craft, but don't make you feel like you can't make small changes to improve
• Tell powerful stories
• Make their one or two points very clearly

I also want to recommend a very inspiring book that Denise Brennan-Nelson wrote and showed off in her keynote yesterday morning. This will be one of the first books that I read to my incoming first graders in August, so parents that might have me next year, please don't spoil it. Everyone else, enjoy!

This book inspired me to be the voice that continually reminds
my students, "You can do it!"