“A #2 pencil and a dream is all you need to go forth in to your future”
~recent quote spotted in a school
Everywhere I go I tend to see quotes. Postings on Facebook. In my Twitter stream. On classroom walls. And, even on billboards as I drive up and down the LA freeways. From Gandhi to Einstein to Dr. Phil – there are quotes everywhere!
Which begs these questions:
1- Do you use quotes in your social media content?
2- Do quotes really help build an audience and engage your audience to want to learn more about YOU and YOUR BRAND (versus only pressing FOLLOW, but not really engaging any further)?
3- Do quotes appeal to men and women equally?
4. Which are YOUR favorite quotes? (I would love to see many of you answer in the comment section!)
So go ahead… educate me (and others) about the value of using quotes in social media… and if you are so inspired – complete the attached poll that will start the discussion by answering question #1. If you wish to answer any other questions – feel free to use the comment section to do so.
I have worked many years within the Autism community. It is often my observation (and that of many others) – that people on the spectrum sometimes misread or fail to notice social and emotional cues in others. This can lead to difficult, awkward and at times, comical situations. Many therapists, psychologists, educators and parents work diligently to try and bring social awareness and correct communication techniques (including semantics) to those who have challenges in these areas.
Over the years I have snapped thousands of photos for programs and products via SIGNING FAMILIES. Today I am making many of the photos with only “faces” available in the form of a slideshow. Feel free to download and share this slideshow. To stop the slideshow or pause it- simply press the middle two lines on the photo.
It is my hope that these photos will help promote conversation, social stories or simply with identifying feelings and emotions in others.
Consider these pictures a starting point.Notice there are no captions below any of the pictures. I will leave it up to the viewers to decide where the conversation should lead and decide which emotion the photo is portraying. Perhaps whole stories can be generated with a single photo. Let the child lead, if you can.
To learn more about my programs for children and adults with Autism, please connect via SIGNING FAMILIES or my website.
Feel free to add your ideas on how to promote communication below.
CONGRATULATIONS! Have you noticed a theme in commencement speeches this year? Like those from First Lady Michele Obama, Jim Carrey and John Legend (who sings throughout his speech)? The themes are quite simple, poignant and introspective. In the spirit of their words I offer a few words to echo their sentiments and some of my own pearls of wisdom. You are invited to add your own words below and to also check out a list of the BEST commencement speeches ever!
Successful people surround themselves with people they love and pursue activities they love.
Education is important – period.
Worry is a useless behavior.
Common sense is necessary to succeed in life.
Laugh more.
Put down the electronics and have real discussions with real people in your real life!
Play more- outside!
Be creative or at least go see creative endeavors such as the performing arts or museums.
Be responsible for your actions – don’t pass off your guilty actions on to someone else
Be humble.
Be motivated.
Remember everyone is a teacher and a student – forever.
Don’t be negative in public or on social media- ever.
Thank those around you – you didn’t get here alone!
It is that time of year again when spring break is over and the students are now clamoring for summer vacation. It also is the hardest time of the year for teachers to teach and parents to get their kids to school without complaint.
How can you compete with the sweet smell of grass growing or hours of sunshine?
So, I would love to open this blog up for suggestions on how teachers can entice kids to read just a few more books, learn additional math concepts or allow themselves to create a science project for that end of the year fair. In essence, how to keep kids learning this time of year?!
Parents – What motivates your child to learn? How do you manage to get your child up and out every morning without argument? (Or don’t you?)
Teachers – How do you keep your students to stay on task and remain interested in learning when the outside is so alluring?
Let’s all share and learn from each other… And, for those who teach school year- round, I would love to hear about YOUR techniques for keeping students motivated, too!
What if you could offer your tween or teen a book that would help them get through the complexities of peer relationships? Perhaps a template, so to speak, on how to make your way around the school hallways without wondering if someone was snapping a photo or instantaneously uploading something you said in the cafeteria on to a social media site. AND… what to do IF you found yourself as online fodder for others.
Also, what if this same book can help as a catalyst for discussion between parents and their children or teachers and their students? Worth the price of two vente lattes?
Online cyberbullying is a problem and one that is aptly addressed in WORDS WOUND by Justin Patchin and Sameer Hinduja.
In less than 200 pages this paperback gives students skills to help prevent cyberbullying as well as how to react if they are ever a victim. The authors stress being proactive, but know that sometimes they can’t stop every problem – so what to do if a teen does find themselves in the midst of online bullying?
Parents will read this book with perhaps some astonishment. As a Psychologist who works in social media, I had NO idea of some of the sites mentioned that teens are using that are a bit “off the grid”. I do now!
Now my shoutout to teachers – this book should be on your shelf! It gives you ideas on how to prevent and stop cyberbullying. The insights shared are invaluable. The authors have included excellent talking points that are mature and thought provoking. Guidance counselors also should add this to their books on helping those bullied in schools and for peer group sessions.
Also by FREE SPIRIT PUBLISHING and worth the read by the younger set!
ARMOND GOES TO A PARTY– this book is written to help children understand Asperger’s Syndrome or as a social story for a child on the spectrum. BUT, I really think the true audience is the parent who will love a story about hope and inclusion. Delightful book, well written and adorable illustrations.
Early childhood and Young Children books by Elizabeth Verdick. From CUDDLE to BYSTANDER POWER . These books are just the right size to pop for a parent to pop in to a bag and have handy for times when you have to wait – such as a restaurant or doctors office. In fact, when I saw BEDTIME, from theTODDLER TOOLSseries, I thought that it would be an excellent addition for a pediatrician’s office! Elizabeth Verdick’s catalog of books can be found at this link.
##
Disclaimer- I was not compensated for this review except to receive a free copy of the books mentioned. I donated the books received.
If you are like me you have NO IDEA about the intracacies surrounding mortgages! Frankly, I have relied on “hubby” to help me understand what I “needed” to know about obtaining our various mortgages . I am sure that I am not the only one.
In hindsight, I really wished I had taken the time to learn more about what is involved with obtaining a mortgage (and finance in general). So, to help further my own learning and anyone else who wishes to unravel the mystery of mortgages I have invited this Sunday, August 11, 2013 at 9-ET to the LOUISE SATTLER SHOW LA based mortgage broker, Maria West.
DISCLAIMER: Our guest is a broker from RPM Mortgage. She will only talk in general terms regarding mortgages and home finance.
This show and this blog is NOT to give individual mortgage or financial information or to endorse anyone mortgage or financial institution. Due diligence is needed with each person’s own circumstance. Please seek individual professional advice. Thank you.
I often wondered what I would write if I were chosen to give a commencement speech. Have you?
I am sure that there is much that we all can offer the “millenials”. Here is perhaps what I would want them to know… (feel free to add your sage wisdom in the comments below)
“To the Class of 2013 – thank you for allowing me a few moments to address you on the day of your graduation from _________(fill in the blank).
You have worked as a student for 12+ years to have the privilege and honor to sit here and receive your diploma. And although you may feel this is YOUR day please note that you haven’t arrived at this graduation without the efforts of others. So, before the day is done please consider the following:
1- Your parents also graduate today, too. They started learning how to best educate and raise you long before your first breath. For many, they too studied, saved and prayed for your safety, well-being and success since the first day you arrived. Your birthday is their “welcome to parenthood day”. So, when you cross the stage to get your diploma think of them and all who helped raise you.
2- Thank your kindergarten teacher. They helped guide you and set the tone for your formal education. They also helped you learn to tie your shoes, share your toys and teach you the rules of how to interact civilly with others. What you learned in kindergarten will stick with you – forever. So, when you see the bully in a boardroom and you know how to diffuse the situation – thank your kindergarten teacher.
3- Thank your coaches. Most kids are plugged in to some formal activity. Whether it is sports, music, drama, art, etc. That means you had a “coach” – someone who encouraged you along your journey to becoming an adult. Thank them today and then thank them in the future by sharing what you learned by becoming a coach to the next generation.
4- Thank the person who said, “You will fail / not succeed”. Chances are that this person sparked an anger and drive in you to want to prove THEM WRONG. Many people who succeed do so because someone said they couldn’t.
5- Thank those who gave you a moral compass. You know who those people are in your life. They were the folks who showed you what is RIGHT with the world and tried to steer you away from the WRONG. Thank them by being a moral compass for another person… the right kind.
6- Thank the doctors who helped you be healthy. One way you can really thank them is to eat healthy, enjoy regular exercise, stop sitting on the couch watching endless TV and video games, don’t drink, drive while intoxicated and do illegal drugs. LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.. so you can actually LIVE A LONG LIFE!
7- Thank those who taught you a set of manners. That is right. Show you care about others by saying PLEASE, THANK YOU, and SORRY. And, then be a real “mensch” and don’t use the “F” word every five seconds.
8. Be thankful to those who allow the United States to have rights and freedoms. So thank those in the military and their families – often.
9- Be thankful that we have the gift of words to help solve problems. Be humble. Be gracious. Be kind. Be patient. Be civil. Keep your emotions in check. Communicate, deliberate and appreciate that many people share your planet with you and many will not agree with your lifestyle choices or your decisions. Agree, however, that we all should try to get along just like the kindergartners on the playground for the first time.
In closing – I wish you much success in this world. You have earned my respect today. Now let’s see if you will go forth and earn the respect of others tomorrow
Once again I hit the airwaves this Sunday, April 14th in order to delve in to a topic that is of great interest to me.. Helping classroom teachers.
WHY?
Well for starters, statistics are staggering over the number of teachers who are leaving their profession. Many of the reasons cited have nothing to do with salary but the demands that are placed on teachers which in a short amount of time take an emotional and physical toll.
Years ago teachers had really a handful of simple professional duties. Instruct. Keep the parents as to progress at report card and conference time. Make sure the students get to lunch and to and from the bus on time. Don’t mess up on the fire drill routine.
Today the average classroom teacher is expected to complete all of the above and a myriad of other duties which include being a surrogate parent, law enforcer, special education expert, local implementer oft disaster and emergency plans, counselor, behavioral specialist, etc.
All of this is why I am delighted that Otis Kriegel who wrote the book Everything a New Elementary School Teacher REALLY Needs to Know (But Didn’t Learn in College) will be joining me for this interview.In essence he will share his “pearls of wisdom” for new and seasoned teachers. I hope his incredible knowledge and candor will help keep teachers in the classroom and motivate others to become teachers. See the featured video below to get a taste of Otis’ ability to relate and engage.
I loved the book – it truly is great and I am sure we will discuss the why and how of writing it.
To listen live please join us Sunday, April 14th at 8pET, 5p PT at the 411 VOICES RADIO NETWORK.
I am old fashioned when it comes to teaching young learners about math, reading and writing. As an educator, I prefer hands on activities over computer generated tasks (Although I recognize they have their place in early childhood learning, as well.) The TEACH MY series is one that I fully enjoyed and could see practical at home and early childhood center practicality.
I will focus this review on the award winning TEACH MY PRESCHOOLER LEARNING KIT, the third in a series offered by the company which also created and sells TEACH MY INFANT and TODDLER kits. First, let me say that the owner, Christy Cook, is a wonderfully motivated entrepreneur who has a heart of gold! She has created a common sense approach for pre-academic and developmental skills for infants through preschoolers. The kits are all chocked full of emergent learning with a healthy dose of fun and interaction!
The preschool kit is comprised of ten early primer reading books with flashcards and a box to create a word bank. The books are soft covered which would make it easy for tucking them in to a purse for use in restaurants or doctors offices.
Pre and early writing skills are introduced with a letter print guide, magic drawing board (my personal favorite!) and four sets of tracing transparent cards.
Math skills were very cleverly taught with a counting book, poster and set of train flashcards. Also, counters and foam numbers rounded off the kit which I found visually engaging and great for kids who learn through multiple modalities. The entire kit can be housed in a cute and sturdy carrier with a handle. Small enough for the average preschooler to proudly bring to the grandparents house, but mighty with content!
I have reviewed and seen many, many products geared towards academic readiness. I truly found the TEACH MY PRESCHOOLER LEARNING KIT to be TOP NOTCH! The kit reviewed is offered online at $49.99
Christy Cook has agreed to give one random commenter a free kit of their own. Simply comment below before Midnight Pacific Time on February 14, 2013. You must live within the United States or Canada and be 18 years of age.
You will be notified privately.
The kit that was given to me for review will be donated. I earned no financial compensation from My TEACH or Christy Cook.
