I got this poem in an email this morning and I wanted to share it here. I am reminded that the best thing we can give to our kids is our time. I have never regretted a day/weekend/trip with one of my children. Our window of opportunity as parents to influence, teach and mentor is small and goes too quickly. If you don't have children, there are many, many children who have no significant relationships with caring adults. What would happen if we took a day off of work, put down cell phones, got off of the computer and spent a whole day with a child, either our own or one who needs an adult in their life? My challenge for myself (and you) for the next month is to find a child and spend a day with them.

What shall you give to one small boy?

A glamorous game, a tinseled toy,

A fancy knife, a puzzle pack,

A train that runs on a curving track,

A picture book, a real live pet?

No! There’s plenty of time for such things yet.

Give him a day for his very own.

Just one small boy and his dad alone.

A walk in the woods, a romp in the park,

A fishing trip from dawn to dark.

Give him the finest gift you can-

The companionship of a grownup man.

Games are outgrown, and toys decay,

But he’ll never forget the gift of a day!

Unknown

The Christmas Story

One of the projects that I started doing with my Third Grade classes has really been a lot of fun. I ask the boys to tell me any part of the Biblical Christmas story and I record it with a Flip camera. Then using Imovie, I put it all together in order, add some music and titles and post it to our school website for friends and family to see. This year I used the green screen feature for a background. We recorded in front of a green wall, I added a clip art picture of Bethlehem and the star and Viola! Check out the link to see them! Merry Christmas to everyone!

Christmas videos

They Ask Me Why I Teach

Wow! It has been a long time since I have posted. Not sure why...just haven't had anything worth sharing, I guess. A few nights ago, my husband and I watched a rerun of Charlie Rose's interview with legendary Coach, John Wooden, and he recited this poem. It brought tears to my eyes! This is for all of us who love to teach!

They Ask Me Why I Teach
by Glennice L. Harmon

They ask me why I teach,
And I reply,
Where could I find more splendid company?
There sits a statesman,
Strong, unbiased, wise,
Another later Webster,
Silver-tongued,
And there, a doctor
Whose quick, steady hand
Can mend a bone,
Or stem the lifeblood's flow.
A builder sits beside him-
Upward rise
The arches of a church he builds, wherein
That minister will speak the word of God,
And lead a stumbling soul to touch the Christ.
And all about
A lesser gathering
Of farmers, merchants, teachers,
Laborers, men
Who work and vote and build
And plan and pray
Into a great tomorrow
And I say,
"I may not see the church,
Or hear the word,
Or eat the food their hands will grow."
And yet- I may.
And later I may say,
"I knew the lad,
And he was strong,
Or weak, or kind, or proud,
Or bold, or gay.
I knew him once,
But then he was a boy."
They ask me why I teach, and I reply,
"Where could I find more splendid company?"