We're living in an era where capturing moments using our phones is more important than actually living these moments with whoever is beside us. April and May are very busy times for teachers and students alike. It’s a time of developing and completing end-of-the-year assignments, finding the perfect prom and graduation outfits, and planning a… Continue reading Kermit Says: Be an Effective Communicator
Tag: kermit says
Kermit Says: Be a Team Player
Why do teachers insist on assigning group work? So kids learn how to work together? So they learn how to be responsible? So they learn how to communicate? Well, as a teacher I can say it’s all of the above and more. And whether you’re inside or outside of school, group work really never ends.… Continue reading Kermit Says: Be a Team Player
Kermit Says: Be a Fighter
As a boarding school teacher, I’m required to wear different hats for various occasions and in various spaces. For instance, in the dorm, I can be a parental figure tucking them in and wishing them a goodnight’s sleep; in the classroom, I am their “faithful guide” helping them see beyond their text and make solid… Continue reading Kermit Says: Be a Fighter
Kermit Says: Be Brave
Everybody’s been there/Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy/Fallen for the fear/And done some disappearing,/Bow down to the mighty/Don’t run, just stop holding your tongue. (“Brave” by Sara Bareilles) I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath/Scared to rock the boat and make a mess/So I sat quietly, agreed politely/I guess that I… Continue reading Kermit Says: Be Brave
Kermit Says: Be Eager
As a teacher, I have a number of daily responsibilities: to ensure my students have the fundamentals of reading, writing, analysis, and critical thinking; to guarantee their mental, emotional, and physical safety at all times; and to broaden their horizons. While these are essential aspects of my job, they are not at the core; they… Continue reading Kermit Says: Be Eager
Kermit Says: Be Vocal
On a recent, restless, insomnia-filled late night, I randomly stumbled upon some old news out of Texas initially reported by the Huffington Post back in November of 2013. Richardson High School hired Christian motivational speaker and co-author of Christian dating books, Justin Lookadoo, to inspire and motivate its students. While Lookadoo did, in fact, inspire… Continue reading Kermit Says: Be Vocal
Kermit Says: Be Affable
Were you ever in a situation where you felt as though someone mistreated you? Maybe they cut you in the lunch line or cut you off in traffic? Maybe your dad yelled at you or your teacher gave you a less than stellar grade for an assignment on which you worked so hard? Whatever the scenario,… Continue reading Kermit Says: Be Affable
Kermit Says: Be Radiant
The other day, I was sitting in the car blasting my music--what's new--when suddenly Rihanna's song, "Shine Bright Like a Diamond," came on. Now, ordinarily this moment wouldn't stand out to me, but for some reason this Rihanna song in particular did. I found myself closing my eyes, snapping my fingers, bobbing my head--the typical… Continue reading Kermit Says: Be Radiant
Kermit Says: Be Bold
As an English teacher, I’ve written this post with the idea of being interactive because, like in my classroom, this is not about me—this is about you. So, if I ask you a question, just give me what you’ve got, okay? What does it mean to be brave? Now think about this next question: who… Continue reading Kermit Says: Be Bold
Kermit Says... 