PPBF: Moon's First Friends

What a week; first, we can finally see a small pin light at the end of a very long remodeling tunnel. With fresh paint on the walls and carpet and tile installed this week, we're almost finished with the bedroom half of the house.

Second, I got to spend an hour with the staff at

Salem Lutheran in Tomball, just north of me.

Look at the beautiful display in their library,

to pique the kids' interest in next year's theme.

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A Plane Full Of Yes

Today I'm grateful for this beautiful, kind review

and freebie reflection sheet from Wendy over at Kidlutions blog.

Wendy is one of the authors of Bloom Parenting; 

I admire her work and have learned so much from her over the years, 

so her thoughts about my work make my soul sing.

Know what else makes me happy?

This plate, that a friend of mine recently gave me.

It begs the questions: Was it that? and What are you waiting for?

This welcome mat at the Hampton Inn also brings me joy.

But when I told my Dad about it, he was quick to ask with what I know about emotions if I think it's really possible to make someone else happy. No, Dad, technically probably not, but I think it's really good customer service to try.

And speaking of customer service, look what I saw in the St. Louis airport earlier today. I think it's so cool that they're on the lookout for people who work hard to make our day, have a joyful attitude, solve problems, provide great service, take pride in performance, show us respectful attention, exert exceptional effort, and go above and beyond. On purpose. With intention. And I'm happy that the airport leaders want to recognize and publicly affirm them. 

Affirmations just feel good ... 

and we all know that energy flows where attention goes.

Simply put, we get more of what we focus on. 

I love that they're encouraging their peeps to keep on crusading ...

for good!

And then, there's this; the napkin on our flight.

I love that John pointed it out to me,

and I laughed because he knew that I'd take a picture of it.

It reminds me of what I encouraged at this year's

National Honor Society induction:

Find your YES - Yearn, Embrace, Share.

Not only has Southwest Airlines found their YES,

they are a plane full of yes!

They yearn for it,

it's important to them so they've embraced it,

and they're committed to share it.

Such an intriguing slogan; what does it mean to you?

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S Is For Self-Discipline

We have almost reached the finish line!

Have you been reading along?

I'm so grateful to all of my blogging buddies

for their thoughtful reflections and fun activity ideas.

Today we head north to Canada to learn with Jennifer

of Runde's Room.

This is the chapter that had the most revisions.

I guess that makes sense,

because my stamina was waning, but it's also

because I kept losing focus of my audience.

I found myself switching back to being a mom

instead of writing as an educator.

Because, in reality, I'm both.

So caregivers ... this chapter is for us.

Whether you're empowering and arming your superheroes with self-discipline at school or at home,

you're giving them a gift that'll keep on giving.

Think change: From Let It Go to Let It Grow.

Do you know the story of the Butterfly's Struggle?

Such a perfect illustration of why self-discipline is life-changing.

It's oh, so hard, to let them struggle.

Need real-life examples of self-control application?
Watch these kid take the Marshmallow Test {here}.
Then enjoy words of wisdom from Scary Mommy {here}.

But the lessons in self-control, self-discipline, and self-regulation

will ultimately help them soar to new heights. 

Isn't that what we want for our superbutterflies?

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E Is For Encouragement

Today I'm up at school doing kindergarten screenings.

I can't wait to meet these little superheroes. 

Here are my two creations from yesterday.

This one was inspired by the boards {here}.

If U R Frozen, we're hAPPy to help.

Such a kick, when it all comes together and makes a great visual.

Now, it's time to get back to our book study.

I can't wait to read what Jana and Danielle have to say about

encouragement. 

There might even be a chance to win a signed copy ... just sayin' ...

This was posted online yesterday; isn't it so true?

And I found this one last week:

Click graphic for source.

When I got to this chapter, I vacillated momentarily between excellence and encouragement, but I really felt like it was important to include the word courage, that all-important antidote to fear. Fear underlies so many of the issues that I help children {and adults!} process. And yes, even superheroes need a healthy dose of encouragement and cheer.

Need some ideas and inspiration?

Let's start with Sesame Street.

*If you aren't using Dr. Jean's cheers to celebrate in your classroom, I'd encourage you do try them. You can download picture cards for your Cheer box {here}.

*Marissa has some awesome ideas for helping with courage {here}.

*Your Voice Of Encouragement has a thought-provoking post {here}.

*Alfie Kohn's Encouraging Courage article is available {here}.

Who do you know who has the gift of encouragement?

Have you thanked him or her lately?

How will you encourage someone today?

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Monday Made It: Just Peachy

Just another Monday, except that it's Joshua's first day back at band and my last Monday off for the summer of 2014. If I could save time in a bottle ... 

Last time I linked up, Tara came by the Corner and commented that I should have written a post about the book. What? What?? Me, talk about the book? 

What a novel idea {tee hee}.

And, since I love Tara, I am going to talk a bit about the book. 

In a little bit. 

First things first. 

Doesn't this butter bread look just peachy?

It's hands-down my favorite treat ever {when enjoyed just out of the oven, that is}. 

Its buttery-deliciousness is unparalleled if the peaches are just right, though I've been known to substitute blueberries when peaches are out of season.

So there it is. My Monday Made-It.

Just Peachy Butter Bread.

What? You'd like to make one, too?

Well, it's super easy!

1 stick of butter  

Melt this in the oven in the pan while you're mixing the other ingredients.

1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 cup milk

Use bowl with lid and shake these ingredients together until well mixed.

Pour this liquid mixture over the melted butter in the pan.

2 cups sliced fresh peaches

Place the fruit into the batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Bake for about 50 minutes. Cool slightly, then enjoy.

Have I mentioned that it's tastiest when warm?

Chewy, gooey, savory wonderfulness!

Anyway, when I'm not cooking up something in my kitchen,

I'm gathering and sharing ideas to make life more joyfully palpable.

Last October, I was approached by a publisher, let's call her Marian, about sharing those strategies in a book. It wasn't the first time anyone had ever asked if I'd written a book; that's a fairly common question after people attend my workshops. My pat answer would be that I did have a enough content for a book and that you could access it for free online at my school's website and my blog. But Marian wasn't satisfied with that answer, so we collaborated, and, eight months later, my baby book was born.

Maybe you've seen the cover graphic ... 

or ... maybe you have a copy?

Several of my friends actually read it pre-release

because I needed endorsements,

like this one from Lisa at Growing Firsties.

So I pretty much wrote non-stop for two months and submitted my rough draft on New Year's Eve of 2013. Then we went into editing, followed by revisions, more editing, proofing, more proofing, layout, still more proofing, final sign-off {scary!} and print. My little handbook was released on May 30, 2014, and my copies were delivered June 2nd, the day after my 53rd birthday, proof that you're never too old and it's never too late ... 

The book has a FB page {here} and a Pinterest page {here}.

It's been a blast collecting superhero-themed stuff!

I wrote this little cadence last week if you want to grab it:

The book study continues tomorrow; we're on Chapter 10.

Come back for the links to posts written by Jana and Danielle!

What have you made lately?

Why not head to Tara's beautiful blog and share!

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O Is For Obedience

Today we're talking about obedience 

with Katie at Teacher to the Core.

A first-grade teacher out in CA, Katie candidly discusses citizenship in her post about obedience and ... drum roll please ... has a freebie download for us. Thank you, Katie, for your exquisite take on helping nurture an obedient heart in our superheroes.

Before we talk rules here, let's talk bulletin boards. 

Click picture to download lettering from google docs.

If you've been a reader for a while, then you know that I take care of about ten boards at my school, so yesterday I went up there to get my first one put together. I was feeling really good about it, until Mrs. Huckabee came by and asked why I was decorating the new teacher's bulletin board. Sometimes we need to be flexible, don't we. Maybe Fred can just take this one down and swap boards? Yeah, probably not. Fingers crossed the superheroes just happens to be her theme, too. If not, I've already had two Westwood moms offer to help me move this design to another one of my boards. Our Principal said if I do move it, to make sure that it's in a high-visibility area. Isn't that all so super sweet?

Anyway, on to obedience. Superheroes obey the rules. In fact, they fight for justice against those who don't, which is why I felt like it was important to talk about obedience in the book.

At different times and for different reasons, we may want to skirt or stretch the rules. Ever find yourself in the fast check-out at the grocery store with more than twelve items? Ever know anyone who drives with a radar detector in his/her car? Have you ever been tempted to order off the kids' menu for a child who was older than the specified age limit?

Rules are in place to keep us safe, so it's important that we follow them. Ask your superheroes if it's ever okay to question those rules; it'll make for a riveting discussion. There are, in fact, rules that it's appropriate to challenge. 

This would be a good time to pose the question: What rule might you consider a peaceful protest against? It might even be engaging to let students stage a protest. {Just a thought ...}

Use a bubble map to compare and contrast these two books:

What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick

and If Everybody Did by JoAnn Stoval.

How do you teach obedience in your classroom?

And is there room for flexibility, discussion, negotiation? 

And if you'd like to be transparent with your students, answer this with them: What rules do you personally find most difficult to abide by and/or obey? I was the one tempted to order those kids' meals a little longer than we qualified for them ... well, sure, it's says up to age ten, but she only turned eleven eleven days months ago ... O is for obedience.

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R Is For Responsibility

Happy Tuesday evening. I hope that things are going well in your corner of the world. My week started Sunday at Camp Lone Star with my family for their annual BBQ fundraiser. It's always so good to all be together, especially in a place whose theme this year is True Peace.

I spent the night in San Antonio and had the pleasure of speaking to a group of music teachers Monday morning. Here's the winner of our character cape.

I spent some relaxing time at my friend Mary's place Monday night, then today on my way home, I met two beautiful teacher bloggers {Cheryl from Crayons and Curls and Lynda from Curls and a Smile} and enjoyed a fantastic luncheon. Life is good.

I came home to a wonderful Chapter 8 post over at 

Hippo Hooray For Second Grade {here}.

Thank you, Angela, for your thoughtful review.

Ah, responsibility, the ability to respond.

This is a great graphic to illustrate that all-important virtue.

These critters live at Mary's little house on the prairie. And her response? She's found a way for them to co-exist. In fact, she doesn't just leave them alone, she feeds them. She's been doing it for five years. It was funny last night, actually, because when Mary didn't get dinner to the mama raccoon in what it thought was a timely manner, that cute coon actually came knocking at the front door. I couldn't believe it. She also feeds the bees, the birds, and the deer. Mary takes responsibility for nature, naturally. It was so much fun to experience.

Anyway, responsibility is about choices and chores. 

Check out this comprehensive chore Pinterest page {here}.

We've designed this CHORE Bingo Board for your chore champs.

Brainstorm a list of at least 30 age-appropriate chores that students could handle. Write them on the white board and ask students to copy their favorite 24 randomly on the Bingo card. While they're writing out their cards, you'll have to write them on a piece of paper and cut it into strips, one chore per slip. Then you'll be ready to play. The first player to get five in a row {or four corners and the middle} is the winner, but in all reality, it's the kids who have chores who are the winners, because they learn early on to take responsibility. 

Oh, and don't forget to talk about stakeholders with your students. A stakeholder is anyone who has a stake in your decisions, anyone who cares about your choices. It's an important concept, and it's never too early to get them thinking about whom their choices are going to affect, either positively or negatively.

After a riveting game of BINGO and a discussion about stakeholders, seal the deal with the song RES-PON-SIBLE.

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E Is For Enthusiasm

Today finds us on Chapter 7, excited about enthusiasm with Lorraine from Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies. She's already written about the book once 
(a sort of teaser when we first started) here. Lorraine is one of the most enthusiastic teachers I've never met ... but all that's going to change on Monday, because she's offered to come with me to my workshop to help manage book sales. 
That, and it's an excuse for us to finally meet.

Click the banner or {here} to be ignited by her reflections. 
Super Froggy Lorraine writes with such great passion and voice that you're sure to feel a spark that could easily set the world on fire.

I'm going to be honest, this was a difficult chapter to write, because I wasn't even sure I could convince anyone that you really could teach enthusiasm. But I'm pretty sure we're not born with enthusiasm, necessarily, so I gave it a shot. Look what I spotted recently at Really Good Stuff. Thanks, Brandi. 

So where do your passions lie? 

What are you enthusiastic about? 

And how do those connect to make things happen?

In research for this post, I came across some interesting info from Consultant Barbara Glanz about Contagious Enthusiasm. Words that she equates with enthusiasm are spirit, pride, passion, morale, and attitude. 
{I'd have loved to be in the workshop where she gave out that handout!}

LOVE this from a Tweet Chat this morning: 

This Simple Truths clip that showcases Vince Lombardi uses the word spirit as well, but also throws in two other E words: excellence and effort.

Funny thing is, when we're passionate and enthusiastic,

everybody wins.

Days go by faster and jobs don't feel like work.

Now think about one of the most passionate people you know.

I'm going with Ron Clark.

He exudes enthusiasm from every pore. To the core.

I got to meet him once, back in 2008, and I can still feel it.

He lives his life large, with passion. I admire that.

And, in turn, I want strive to be like that.

Just for fun, I sent him a copy of the book ... and a challenge.

I know he's busy, but anything's possible ...

Dave Burgess' book Teach Like A Pirate is another treasure that challenges teachers to be passionate about what they do. Every day. In it, he wonders aloud whether teachers have lessons that they could sell tickets for. Hmmmmmm. So I sent him a copy of the book, too. Our JH teaching staff read the book over the summer and will set sail with a book study this upcoming year. I can wait to see what its ideals will ignite in them and how it will ultimately transform them. 

E is for enthusiasm. What are you enthusiastic about today?

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H Is For Honesty

And H is for HEROES!

Superheroes. Everyday heroes.

Kid President's message to be extraordinary resonates with me
and answers my question: What's Under Your Cape? 
Thank you, Jo, for posting it to our FB page.

Visit Soul Pancake for this and more Kid President clips.

Today I'm delighted because one of those extraordinary people, 

Kim from Joy in Sixth, 

is reviewing Chapter 6 in our book study. 

Kim is a 30-year veteran teacher who has become one of my closest colleagues despite the fact that distance separates us geographically. Go to her JOYful blog to see how she'll use the information in Chapter 6 to help her sixth-grade superheroes soar. Honestly! Tell her I said hello when you leave your kind comments. 

One of my favorite posters about honesty tells it like it is:

Want to be trusted? Tell the truth. 

Like these, it's a virtue that must be a non-negotiable.

Click {here} for source.

My two favorite object lessons for this concept have to be 

The Wall of Trust and 'Water' You Covering Up?

My two favorite picture books that reinforce 

the importance of being honest are 

Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny, Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin

and The Empty Pot by Demi. Kim discusses them both in her post. 

This chapter is so important because it's the basis for friendships. If we are going to form trusting relationships, then honesty truly has to be more than just a policy. It has to be a way of life. Honest people don't cheat, lie, gossip or steal. They are loyal and keep their promises. They tell the truth, even when it might cost more than they'd like to pay. They own up to what they've done, and they work to make it right. Simply put, honest people make trustworthy friends. We can count on them because dependable and reliable. And that's what makes them super.

Here's an activity I posted a few years back at my school site:

I've listed quite of few friends-that-fit titles in Chapter 6;

what are some of your friendship faves? 

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Kindsight Is 20/20

Yesterday I stumbled on this thought-provoking quote on 

Karen Salmansohn's website; 

couldn't refuse making another mini-poster 

using a picture I took of our orange summer sky last night.

Too often we forget to express kindness to ourselves.

What was I learning? I like that reframe.

What will you do differently today, in kindsight?

And speaking of kindness, our friends from the FarFaria app have reached out to me and kindly offered to give one lucky reader a 3-month membership. 

You can get one free story {here}.

From their website:

A World of Stories

FarFaria is an iPad app that provides the perfect story time experience. 

With more than 750 amazing children’s stories—and five new ones added each week—

story time has never been easier. Created for children ages 2-9, FarFaria helps children 

develop a passion for reading and encourages families to spend quality time reading together. 

FarFaria’s engaging story-discovery experience encourages children 

to stumble into new stories they’ll love forever.

Features

• Unlimited reading from our library of more than 750 stories.
• Five new, engaging stories added every week.
• Interactive experience is fun for kids and easy for parents
• Every story can be read aloud with a Read-to-Me feature.
• Reading-level badge on every story cover.
• Offline access to read Favorite stories
• No advertising. No hidden fees.

As you know, my iPad mini and apps are oh-so-very-new to me, but I downloaded it, signed in, and chose a level 2 book called Can't Catch Caitlyn. I let the device read it to me and watched in awe as this software (are apps actually software?) highlighted the words in blue as they were being read to me.  

Read it again, this time without audio.

Encourage your child read it all by himself the third time.

I marveled at how far we've come and secretly hoped that something like this wouldn't ever replace the old-fashioned lap that we used to sit atop. Then I started to think about talking points within this short story, thinking of some questions whose answers aren't fixed, like this:

*Is it fair the Caitlyn has an earlier bedtime than her brother? 

*What would happen if you talked back to your parents? 

*What about if you ran from them?

*How do you predict they'll catch Caitlyn? 

*What do you think Grandma is knitting and for whom?

*Why is it important to brush our teeth before bed?

Celebrate the touchdown with a photo finish 

and make an album for your rocket reader.   

If you want to win a membership for this cool reading-enrichment app, just tell us in the comments what your favorite Back-to-School book is. The Gruener Generator will randomly pick the winner this Friday, July 25th, at 1 pm central. Check back that afternoon to see if it's you! 

*********************

Today I want to express my gratitude at the halfway mark in the book study for all of the character educators who've caped up to share their reflections, thoughts, and ideas for extension. Two bloggers who weren't on the list have reviewed the book as well, so here are those links. Please tell them I sent you to help me thank them for their love and support.

Caring For The Kids 

Kindergarten: Holding Hands And Sticking Together 

And one of my character role models, Dr. Michele Borba, tweeted this sweet endorsement out to her followers yesterday:

  Our crusade continues tomorrow and takes us into August

with this star-studded blogging line-up:

I predict it'll be super!

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