Dear Teach: Hope

Hi Boys and Girls,

Hope.

What does this word mean to you?

Is it important? Why?

How would the world be if no one had hope?

Would it be dreary and sad?

But of course!

Hope is the golden dewdrop that lies dormant on a leaf.

Sitting and waiting, until an unexpected breeze brushes by to release it.

Its contents wrap round in a knowing warm embrace.

All is not lost, it whispers…

So now as you begin to read the numerous books for your reading classes, consider how often the story wraps a seed of hope within one of the characters.

Think about how it changes the character. Think about who gave hope to the character and why. Think about how the story might have turned out without the idea of hope. How would it be different?

Look for just that one ideal.

It is a universal theme given in many different forms.

Here's a list of books featuring the idea of hope.

Even if these books are not assigned to you, choose one to read and consider the idea of "hope" from all sides.

Be well kids!

The Teach.

Dear Teach: Failure

Hi Boys and Girls,

According to Merriam Webster's online dictionary, failure is defined as: lack of success, along with a few other antonyms, synonyms and descriptors. 

I'm sure you have your own words to describe or define the meaning of this "ominous" word, and its connotation.

So, what is it?

Typically, failure can refer to a state of being--it is a sense of worry that accompanies some kids at the start of each new school and at times throughout the year.

The fear of: I don't want to get an "F" or I don't want to flunk the quiz, or what have you.

And, I would agree, no one wants to: fail, flunk, score poorly, feel unhappy over a grade, and so on.

It is especially difficult if one has prepared for a quiz or test, and the paper is returned with a "F", but usually that is not the case. And if it is, chances are you may have an opportunity to "try" again.

Consider the failure a gift.

First off, the reality is EVERYONE will fail at something, at one time or another in their life.

Yet, the failure that arrives is nothing more than an opportunity to try again--better--stronger--with fuller conviction.

The greater issue is--

What will you do when you receive your first "F"?

Will you fold under?

Throw it out?

Hide the paper?

Argue for points?

Change an answer and tell the teacher she made a mistake?

Claim the teacher didn't tell you or teach it well enough?

Say you were absent?

You just never understood it?

While a few of the above may be true, and yes schools are now changing--that's all the more reason to work harder than ever.

What can you do?

Will you study a failed quiz to learn from the mistakes?

Work extra hard for the next quiz?

Seek clarification?

The decision is yours, because "academic resilience" is what is at stake.

Too often students freeze under such situations, and find themselves crippled.

Instead, face it head on-with defiance- and learn from it.

"Success," as Winston Churchill once said, " is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."

Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

And I am sure by now you all have heard about the wonderful educational system in Finland, and "the smartest kids in the world--and how they got there," written by Amanda Ripley.

Amanda Ripley

Amanda Ripley: The Smartest Kids in the World from BrightSightGroup on Vimeo.


The author had many, many things to say--certainly thought provoking ideas. 

One theme she discovered as she collected data and researched the issue of global education was how a particular culture's children react to failure, "..they knew what it felt like to fail, work hard and do better..."

And though today's educational system is under flux and those around the world are being watched and studied, you the student, still need to do your part. 

That will never change.

Receiving a poor grade is not the end, but the beginning of learning a new skill. 

Don't give up. And don't beg for a good grade. Earn it!!

Children in a Finnish School

The bottom line kids is: You are in school to learn. You are lucky to attend a school, regardless of where it may be.

It is up to you to do the learning.

It is up to you to take the responsibility.

No matter what- no excuses-- you WANT to do well, it matters in ways you may not yet know, but it matters.

In the end it is up to you. You decide what works best for you in your current situation. I've given you a few things to think about: some new and some old.

So, here's to your next quiz or test, or paper.

May you learn to love learning, and if you should fail, may you learn to learn from that experience.

Be well kids!

The Teach

Dear Teach: Back-to-School

Hi Boys and Girls,

Well, it is that time of year. You know the one where you get butterflies in your stomach, and you can't fall asleep too readily, and perhaps if you are lucky, your parent purchases a new pair of sneakers, and clothes, and binders, and pencils--even digital devices; and you check out teachers' websites, and you worry a bit, and then there are tests, and homework, and, and, and, and ...and you get what I mean, right?

So, knowing what all lies ahead, or maybe not really knowing what lies ahead, but wanting it to be an all right new year, for after all it is a brand new start full of hope for better days, more friends, better grades, fun times, better schedules, and so on-- keep a few things in mind.

Here's the first:

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

by Langston Hughes

Write this poem somewhere in your new binder, keep it private, and if at anytime during your 10 month school year things begin to look glum, read it, think about it, and know you can have that dream. ALWAYS. Know that. As long as it is a good dream, a personal idea you aspire to have, to be, to reach someday, that is not one that causes harm to anyone: know that it is yours to have.

Here's a second:

Remembering Your "A B C's"

Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits 
Believe in yourself 
Consider things from every angle 
Don't give up and don't give in 
Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come 
Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches 
Give more than you planned to 
Hang on to your dreams 
Ignore those who try to discourage you 
Just do it 
Keep trying no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier Love yourself first and most 
Make it happen 
Never lie, cheat or steal, always strike a fair deal 
Open your eyes and see things as they really are 
Practice makes perfect 
Quitters never win and winners never quit 
Read, study and learn about everything important in your life 
Stop procrastinating 
Take control of your own destiny 
Understand yourself in order to better understand others 
Visualize it 
Want it more than anything 
X-accelerate your efforts 
You are unique of all God's creations nothing can replace you 
Zero in on your target and go for it !

Wanda Carter

Download Wanda Carter's A B C's. Place it in your binder or beside your night stand. Check off one tip you want to think about. Maybe choose one a day or focus on one for the week. This should be a casual yet a reflective exercise. 

Think about it in happy and friendly terms.  

Perhaps you will decide what you can do to reach a goal that seems unattainable. Think about it before you go to sleep, and visualize yourself having reached the goal. 

Smile. Be happy. The work has already been done. Listen to your inner voice, it will never fail you, but you must be attentive. 

The "how's" will arrive, but for the moment, just be assured you already have reached this goal or dream.

Be well kids!

Wishing you all a wonderful new school year.

The Teach.

Dear Teach: Summer Slide

Hi Boys and Girls,

Have you heard the expression, "Summer Slide?"

Well, it's not a slide you slip and slide on; it is a saying about students losing important academic skills during the summer months when they are not involved in reading or writing activities.

And though it is August, you may think: "It's too late" or "but I just want to have fun!" 

Well, guess what: there are still opportunities to brush up on reading and writing in time for that very first day of school and have fun while you're doing it!

In a recent online article "Take Part," Tips for Parents: How to Prepare Kids for the Next School Year  by Joseph Gaub, 6 important steps are given to parents to help children.

Here's an abbreviated look tailored specifically for you:

1. Reading list:

• Locate a few titles of novels you will read next year. Read some of these books. You can most likely read a book in ten days. If you start now, you will be able to read at least 3 before school begins, and that's a great thing!
• Not only visit the library, but go to your friendly local book store. The clerks there are very helpful and knowledgable. They can tell you what is flying off the shelves---the hottest book of the summer! Be sure to read it too!
• Set up a read-a-book-with-a-buddy. Find a few friends who are also interested in reading and buddy up, or ask a family member to read along with you and discuss while eating dinner, in the car, on vacation, etc.
• Start a twitter account or tumblr to list great books you are currently reading or your friends recommend. This active list will help everyone stay connected.
• Mix it up by reading both fiction and nonfiction, and throw in a few magazines or newspaper articles too.

Here is a list of the BEST 100 books all kids should read! Check the link below...How many have you read?

The Ultimate Backseat Bookshelf: Must reads for kids 9-14

A few more suggestions:

2. Writing Opportunities

• Use the remaining time of August to craft a letter, perhaps to a relative, it can be two or three paragraphs.

• Write a letter to your family, perhaps a request for a capital purchase or a favored vacation, or pet acquisition!

• Maintain a family journal or a blog that chronicles family activities or a wish list of activities.

• Write a letter of complaint, that is, draft a letter to let's say, the plumber or a driveway paver requesting an improvement, or even asking for the replacement of a recently received product you or your family are dissatisfied with.

Watch this video on letter writing

3. Learn something new

• Take up a new activity: sketching, photography, mountain climbing, juggling, word puzzles, etc.

• Determine the steps involved in attaining a new skill, then setup small steps that will get you there, one day at a time until you reach your goal.

• Make it fun for yourself, even though you are learning something new, it still can be fun.

4. Overall wellness

• Identify a physical skill or a goal you want to reach, such as how many jumping jacks you can complete over a two week period, or a distance power walk you can cover around dusk. Maintain a chart of sorts and track your accomplishment.

• It may even be fun to start a vegetable garden. Square out a small patch of land and work it yourself. Turn the soil and plant your produce. You then get to savor the fruits of your labor. And it's just about the perfect time to plan and plant a pumpkin patch!

5. Complete a service project

• Locate an organization that interests you. It could be an animal shelter, a food pantry, a local library, etc. Setup a meeting to discuss a possible project such as, a chess club for young children, or a free worksheet summer tutor service given by you. 

• By giving back to your community, it increases the manner in which you view your own world. Giving of yourself always makes you feel good.

6. Free time

• Above all kids, don't forget to simply loaf, meaning just chill and perhaps look at the stars, a flower, a cloud, the grasses, waves, etc. It is as important to simply rest and relax. And hey, remember that old forgotten tree house, perhaps it's time to cruise on up and view the world.

• Maybe play a pickup basketball game, go for a bike ride in your neighborhood, or just take a walk and smell that sweet summer breeze.

• Doing absolutely nothing works too.

Even if you only do two or three things from the suggested list, it is far better than doing nothing at all.

Be well kids.

The Teach.

Dear Teach: The Issue of Forgiveness

Hi Boys and Girls,

One of the oldest [more than 2,300 years] set of laws known as the Code of Hammurabi  is located on a large 2.3 m of diorite block.  This large structure discovered in Khūzestān, Iran [ancient city of Susa, Iran] in 1901 was authored by the sixth King of Babylon, Hammurabi. What made these laws somewhat unique [ and to over simplify this information] is the fact that Hammurabi's Code  of laws punished injury with injury.

Inscribed are 282 law codes,
Written in Cuneiform

Hence, the best known of these laws was the "eye for an eye" and "tooth for a tooth" edict written in 1772 BCE [Before the Common/Current/Christian Era]. However, more than half these laws were written for transactional or purposes of commerce, and to clearly delineate a woman's place in said society, along with many other codes that impacted one's everyday life. These were the laws that governed those who resided in the region of what today is known as modern day Iran, a partial site from where the Cradle of Civilization was located. 

In light of so many events that have taken place during the first 6 months of 2013, mankind continues to suffer in one way or another. Are we so different from the ancient Babylonians [a society that did indeed flourish] during Hammurabi's reign

Is there self inflicted suffering in our society today as there was in 1700 EBC, or is it different now? Why or why not?

Is there a need to end suffering? Why or why not?

What is meant by suffering?

Have you endured suffering in your life?

Think about the issues of your own personal sufferings.

Would you be happier if you could let it go?

What would it take for that to happen?

Do you think adults view the world from a different lens of suffering, vindication, and forgiveness than in the manner in which children view these issues? If so, how so?

Who do you think, adults or children are more likely to forgive? Why?

What does it mean to forgive or to be kind? 
Below is an excerpt of an upcoming documentary on the issue of kindness, called Good Virus narrated by Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Pay it Forward.

Is there even a need to forgive?

What could the benefits of forgiveness entail?

Are there individuals, groups, or entire regions of people who do not want to forgive? If so, why might that be the case?

Are there groups of people who need to be forgiven? Who? Why?

How does one forgive?

What physical changes occur when one forgives?

What psychological changes occur when one forgives?

How can you start a school campaign on the need for general and wide spread forgiveness?

How far does this issue go? From a slight levied against you, to a village's genocide in a remote part of the world, is there a need to forgive?

Is there a degree of "hurts" meaning some more severe than others, and thus certain "hurts" deserve more forgiveness than other types?

Why is it so difficult for people in general to forgive?

How long can a human "hate" or "seek revenge" for? A day? A decade? A century? A thousand years?

If someone or if groups of people get "revenge" first, and then forgive, is that authentic forgiveness? Why or why not?

Or is it necessary to punish, in order to ensure peace and the issue of forgiveness does not enter into this theatre of thought? What are your thoughts?

30 Quotes on Forgiveness

There are many, many people who have written about this issue, I have included only three:

Martin Luther King


Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a vital figure of the modern era and a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement. His lectures and dialogues stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a generation. His charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world.

Following in the footsteps of his father, in February 1948, at the age of 19, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. entered the Christian ministry and was ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. In 1954, upon completion of graduate studies at Boston University, he accepted a call to serve at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. While there, he was an instrumental leader in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, made famous by the nonviolent resistance and arrest of Rosa Parks. He resigned this position in 1959 to move back to Atlanta to direct the activities of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. From 1960 until his death in 1968, he also served as co-pastor with his father at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Dr. King was arrested 30 times for his participation in civil rights activities.

While Dr. King preached about justice, empowerment, love and peace, in the final months of his life, his attention was turned to fighting poverty. Sadly, more Americans live in poverty today than during Dr. King's lifetime. Forty-seven million Americans currently fall below the poverty line.

Dr. King was shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee and died on April 4, 1968. He had gone to Memphis to help lead sanitation workers in a protest against low wages and intolerable working conditions.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
sits in a jail cell in the
Jefferson County Courthouse
in Birmingham, Ala.
on November 3, 1967.
(UPI/Corbis-Bettmann)

More on MLK

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela famously forgave his oppressors. After the end of apartheid, which had fostered racial separation and kept blacks impoverished, Mandela became South Africa's first democratically elected President. Some in his political party clamored for revenge against members of the previous regime or perhaps even all privileged white people. Instead, to avoid violence, stabilize and unite the nation, and attract investment in the economy, Mandela appointed a racially integrated cabinet, visited the widow of one of the top apartheid leaders, and created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that would clear the air and permit moving forward.

Malala

But Ms. Yousafzai stressed in her speech that it was “not my day” but “the day of every woman, every boy and girl who have raised their voices for their rights.”

“Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured,” she said. “I am just one of them. So here I stand, one girl among many. I speak not for myself but for those without voice.”

She also emphasized that she had no desire for revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. She included the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Gandhi and Mother Teresa as among the leaders who have inspired her.

She said she wanted education for every child, including the “sons and daughters of the Taliban” and terrorists.

“I do not even hate the Talib who shot me,” Ms. Yousafzai said. “Even if there was a gun in my hand and he was in front of me, I would not shoot him.”

She attributed her nonviolence philosophy and ability to forgive from lessons “learned from my father and my mother.”

Malala Yousafzai at the United Nations, where she presented a speech
 and urged world leaders to provide free education for all children
NYTimes Todd Heisler

Now consider, how would their situation have been different had they been living during the time of Hammurabi in ancient Babylon? What actions would their society have taken? Are there differences or not much has really changed? How would the world be today, if the issue of forgiveness were to have been fully embraced 2,500 years ago?

In today's world there are plenty of organizations that attempt to bring this issue to all of mankind, but here is one to think about, World Forgiveness Alliance/International Forgiveness Day

What can you do to bring peace to where you live? And though you may be only 11 or 12, these will be the issues you will inherit someday.

One small step, taken one time, by all of mankind, is a giant leap for our collected consciousness for the betterment of our lives on this pale blue dot we call home.

Be well kids!

The Teach

PS. Who would stand to benefit if you forgave? The answer is: YOU.

Dear Teach: Lines

Hi Boys and Girls,

Have you ever heard the expression, "Don't cross the line or that's way over the line?"

If so, what could it mean? Does it literally mean to 'not walk or move beyond a line,' as when perhaps you are playing a game? Or could it mean not to behave in an inappropriate manner when engaged in a conversation? Or not to follow the decorum expected within a school environment, or within the realm of our society? 

So, one could ask," Do humans cross that line?" Most definitely; at times for the good, at times for the bad!

The issue of lines is rather profound when you consider it.

First, consider the earth and every land mass on it.

Does it have naturally occurring lines to distinguish aspects of its land formations? No, not really, at least not in the way I am considering this question.

Man may place lines at select locations to delineate, let's say a country's boundary which is most typically found in political maps.

Authentic political world map, but beware,
lines keep shifting and changing! Oh MY!

A fictitious map from Lands Beyond,
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

What purpose do these lines serve? Keep people in or keep people out or do the lines indicate where one country's rules end and another country's begin, and so on.

So, let's imagine a world without lines. What would it be like to live in an open, free-moving globe where one can simply travel across these invisible lines? To travel anywhere within the globe without red tape, but instead possess an open passport, so to speak.

What are the benefits of such an open global society? Are there disadvantages? If so, what are they? What would it take to achieve such a life? What concessions would mankind have to make? Have we evolved as a species to embrace this open lifestyle? Why or why not?

Who would want to see this happen? Who would not? Why?

Next, let's take a look at our man-made neighborhood environments. You will find that lines abound, some naturally occurring, some not. Here are just a few images to think about:

"Rain Room" at the Museum of Modern Art, the destination for visitors who LINE Up for hours. 
Timothy Clark/Agence France-Presse--Getty Images NYT

What lines do you see in the Rain Room? What direction do they go in? Do you see them collect above the man's face? Or is it an illusion? See the lines within the grates? Note the direction they move in? Again, an illusion? Why? How? When? What purpose do they serve?

Note, straight lines are used to create a circle. What else can you see?
©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

"Can you read between the lines?" Which means can you draw a conclusion regarding an issue without it being deliberately stated?

"Walk in a line" and so many more expressions exist with the word, "line." What are they? Where are they useful? When are they limiting?

Finally, let's look at lines in nature. Look closely at all forms of life and you will see nature at its finest:

The farmer cuts the wheat in straight lines

©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

What lines do you see here?

Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly in grass, 

What line arrangement do you notice?

©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

Adjacent lines of corn and cut wheat
©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

Though different on top, and in lines, crops
live harmoniously sideby side, using the same
material to grow and express their true identity 

Clearer lines emerge
©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

Plants grow upwards, in linear fashion
©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

Note perfectly spaced tree-line, the line of Belgium
blocks set block by block, the slabs of concrete,
almost reminiscent of
The Happy Medium, from a Wrinkle in Time
©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

Then there are crooked lines as in the Col de Manse:

And curved lines naturally occurring in nature
and within man-made structures:

Double Rainbow 
©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

Water Arc
©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW 

Terraced lines, Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Lines in asphalt, both straight and crooked
©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

Note, the natural progression of nature to fill any
viable space in which it can flourish, including lines
©2013Belle Mead, NJ JMW

Clearly, some lines are pretty, some are not, some are man-made, some are naturally occurring.

So, if we took away lines, would it give order to a disorderly universe, or do the lines create disorder in an orderly universe? You decide. But whatever you do, remember, "Do not cross the line!"

Be well kids!

The Teach.