Posts Tagged ‘grateful’

Friday, March 23, 2012. Today I am grateful for Dr Norman Doidge and Gemm Learning for helping parents and students know that the brain that struggles can learn to rewire itself. Yes! – Doc Meek

IN THIS ISSUE Click to read story The power of brain plasticity More Gemm success stories Join us on Facebook. Success Stories Here are some recent emails: “He has really blossomed in this program. He is picking up books to read, checking them out of the library on his own and getting a lot of meaning out of what he is reading. He is surprising me every day now with his reading!” “We’ve seen so many gains in his expressive language. And his teacher’s have at school as well. He talks about what he wants to do. He’s more conversational and speaks in fuller sentences. :)” For helpful links, articles and info on Gemm, join us on Facebook. Click Here Unlock Potential With Science An opportunity to rewire your child’s learning Neuroscience Goes Mainstream The book The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, published in 2007, was the first best seller to talk about the over-looked opportunity to rewire learning with mental exercise. This important book relays all kinds of astonishing stories of brain rewiring and rebirth after strokes and other brain injury. For the last 150 years the working theory of the brain was that it was fixed, like a computer. But now we know that this is not true, it is adaptive and capable of great change. In fact, like all parts of the body, it wants to “heal” and function better, if shown how. Because of this profound opportunity to transform lives, Dr. Norman Doidge describes brain plasticity as the most important scientific discovery of the 20th century. Read more about the book here PBS Documentary Then came Brain Fitness for Kids, the New Science of Learning, a documentary by PBS about Fast ForWord software — how it was developed, how the science works, and what results clinicians are seeing. This recognition by the mainstream media about the importance of the brain plasticity opportunity has ignited interest in brain based interventions to help learning by working directly on the underlying cognitive impediments. How brain fitness training helps learning You can buy the Brain Fitness for Kids video on Amazon, or watch a 3 minute summary on our website: Brain Fitness for Kids video Free Consult Gemm Learning has had consistent success tapping into the brain’s potential to improve using Fast ForWord — to help reading, processing, focus and learning efficiency. Every case is different. To find out if we can help your child using the principles of brain plasticity call for a free consult at 877-914-4366 or tell us about your child in this online screening. Gemm Learning offers home based reading and learning programs that target the underlying cause of difficulty, monitored by certified educators.  For K-12 students and adults. .

. Serving families at home throughout the US and Canada. HQ: 429 Pelham Manor Rd, Pelham, NY 10803 • 1380 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Phone: 877-914-4366 • Email: info@GemmLearning.com • Website: www.GemmLearning.com .

Doc Meek, Fri, Mar 23, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

Friday, March 16, 2012. Today I am grateful for Janelle Cox, of About.com: Elementary Education, who helps provide leadership and practical help for elementary school teachers . – Doc Meek

Rainbow image from:  http://www.copyright-free-images.com/nature-landscapes-copyright-free-images/rainbow-copyright-free-images/sky-with-rainbow.jpg.html

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Creative St. Patrick’s Day Writing Prompts

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by encouraging your students to become creative writers. I have compiled an extensive list of creative writing prompts and ideas for St. Patrick’s Day. You will find writing prompts, creative writing ideas and St. Patrick’s Day party tips. Use this list in conjunction with your St. Patty’s Day theme.

Do you have any St. Patrick’s Day writing prompts or ideas you would like to share? Join in on the conversation on our Forum.

Thursday, March 15, 2012. Today I am grateful for humor, heaven, honorable Irishmen, and St Patrick’s Day (March 17). – Doc Meek

Maxine says: “If you find a four-leaf clover . . . you have entirely too much time on your hands.” 😮

As a “fellow Irishman,” I want to thank Maxine and her creator, John Wagner, for adding beloved humor to our days!”

Doc Meek, Thurs, Mar 15, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

P.S. SAINT PATRICK’S DAY IN CANADA

Text and image from: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/st-patrick-day

St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador on the nearest Monday to March 17 each year.

This event commemorates the life of St Patrick, a missionary who worked in Ireland and is said to have died on March 17 in the fifth century. He played an important role in converting the inhabitants of Ireland to Christianity. Now, his feast day is an opportunity to celebrate Irish culture.

St Patrick’s Day, which is an official holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrates Irish culture, history and traditions. ©iStockphoto.com/Garth Johnson

What do people do?

In some cities, notably Toronto and Montreal, large scale St Patrick’s Day parades are held, often on the Sunday closest to March 17. The parade in Montreal has been held every year since 1824. However, the first recorded celebration of St Patrick’s Day was in 1759 by Irish soldiers serving with the British army following their conquest of part of New France, a French colony in North America. In some places there are Irish cultural events. For instance, the Irish Association of Manitoba organizes a three-day festival of Irish culture in the week of St Patrick’s Day.

People who have an Irish background or enjoy Irish culture may hold Irish themed parties and serve traditional dishes, such as Colcannon or Irish stew. Colcannon is a dish of mashed potatoes mixed with kale or cabbage and Irish stew is traditionally made with lamb and root vegetables. Traditional Irish drinks include stout, a dark beer, and whiskey. Other parties may be themed around the color green. Guests may be expected to wear green clothes and only green food and drink is served.

Public life

St Patrick’s Day is an official holiday in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is observed by the provincial government, but post offices, stores, many schools, businesses and other organizations are open. Public transport services run on their regular timetables.

St Patrick’s Day is not a public holiday in other parts of Canada. Schools, organizations, businesses, stores and post offices are open as usual. Some organizations may arrange St Patrick’s Day parties, but these do not usually disrupt normal affairs. Public transport services run on their regular timetables. In cities, where parades or large public events are held, there may be some congestion or road closures.

Background

St Patrick’s Day marks the feast day and anniversary of the death of a Christian missionary known as Patrick. He was born in the year 387, probably somewhere near the present day border between Scotland and England. At the age of 16, he was captured and taken to Ireland as a slave. During this period, he became very religious and after six years he fled back to his family.

Later in his life, he returned to Ireland as a missionary. He is said to have played an important role in converting the inhabitants of Ireland to Christianity and in ridding the island of snakes. However, there is no evidence that there have been any snakes in Ireland in the past 10,000 years. The “snakes” he drove out of Ireland may represent particular groups of pagans or druids. It is believed that St Patrick died on March 17 probably in the year 461 or 493 (according to different sources). St Patrick is buried under Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, County Down, and is one of the three patron saints of Ireland. The other patron saints are St Brigid of Kildare and St Columba.

St Patrick’s Day celebrations were brought to Canada by Irish immigrants. The day is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland and a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland. In the rest of the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, it is celebrated, but is not an official holiday.

Symbols

The most widely-seen St Patrick’s Day symbols are the colors green, and sometimes orange, and the shamrock. The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland and a registered trademark of the Republic of Ireland. It is the leaf of the clover plant, which grows on the ground, often among grass and an Irish Catholic symbol of the Holy Trinity. It is sometimes confused with the four-leaf clover, which is a variety of the three-leaf clover and is thought to bring good luck.

About St. Patrick’s Day in other countries

Read more about St. Patrick’s Day.

Text and image above from:

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/st-patrick-day

Monday, February 27, 2012. Where did February go!? Today I am grateful that I can manage my time, if I learn how! 😮  – Doc Meek

I am thankful for my colleagues at TeacherPlanet.com who write me regularly with good ideas for teaching:

Hello Doc,

We hope that you find all of our resources useful. If you need to contact us, you can do so here.

What’s New?	March is not only Women’s History Month, but also World Reading Month! We have resources to get you prepared as well and worksheets for Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd. .
Lesson Plans	Get started preparing for World Reading Month at Teacherplanet.com! We have an entire theme page dedicated to lesson planning for this month-long event in March. You will find reading lists, study guides and more to encourage your students to love reading. .
Theme Units	Originally, Women’s History Month was Women’s History Week. It started in California in 1979. Congress recognized Women’s History Month in 1987 and the movement continues to grow with schools around the country moving to educate about and promote the accomplishments of women. Visit the Women’s History Month theme page for a wealth of resources for teaching this important topic. .
Worksheets & Printables	This week we have many Dr. Seuss worksheets for some fun learning activities to celebrate Dr.Seuss’s birthday on March 2! .
Vote Now	In reference to No Child Left Behind, which would you prefer? Share your thoughts! A. Continue to teach under the current NCLB law. B. NCLB waiver & agree to raise education standards & tie teacher evaluations to student achievement Most respondents so far are in favor of a NCLB waiver (64%). What do you think? Let us know by casting your vote here. .
Teacher Tools	To coincide with World Reading Month, we are featuring The Monster Exchange, a great teaching tool in this issue. Visit MyTeachertools.com to see how this project can encourage the development of reading and writing skills in your students! .
Submit Your Ideas	What do you want to see in our newsletter? Perhaps you have some ideas, articles, worksheets or webquests? Please submit your ideas by visiting this page. We’ll be sure to list your name as the author! . Quote of the Week “I not only use all the brains I have but all that I can borrow.” ~ W. Wilson . Grants for Teachers Find over 1000 Grant Opportunities for Teachers at Grants4Teachers.com Featured Grant this week: APS Foundation Grants . Joke of the Week Check out the Science Lab Rules at Jokes4teachers.com! . Degrees for Teachers Online Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Education at Teacherscollege.net Featured Schools: Western Governors University – Online Masters Degree … …. ……… …. ……Nova Southeastern University – M.A.T.L. online. … …. ……… …. ……Drexel University – Master of Education … …. ……… …. ……University of Cincinnati – Master’s Degree Online . Certificate of the Week This week’s featured Certificate: I Can Tie My Shoes! Award Try our Certificate Builder! It lets you create unlimited, customized printable certificates for each of your students. eBooks and Posters This Week’s Featured eBook for Teachers: Beginning Map Skills (Enhanced eBook)Grades 2- 4 This Week’s Featured Classroom Poster: Shoot For The Moon Assessment Rubrics Print out this Visual Arts rubric at Rubrics4teachers.com . ESL Resources This week at ESL4Teachers.com, review English medical terms with “Hospital English” resources. . Thank you, TeacherPlanet.com, for your help with learning/teaching! Doc Meek, Mon, Feb 27, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

Saturday, February 18, 2012. Today I am grateful for teachers and parents who teach critical thinking in their classrooms and in their homes. – Doc Meek

Image from: www.CriticalThinking.com

Excerpts from a newsletter from CriticalThinking.com:

Teaching ideas to inspire a love of thinking and problem-solving!

• Monopoly
  It was in the month of February, 1934, when Charles B. Darrow of Germantown, Pennsylvania, showed what he called the MONOPOLY game to the executives at Parker Brothers. The game was rejected due to 52 design errors, but this didn’t stop the creative, unemployed Pennsylvanian. He went on to hand-make and sell 5000 copies of the game. The rest is history. To this day, Monopoly, the most popular money game in America, is available in 103 countries, has been translated into 41 languages, and has sold over 200 million copies. Prepare yourself for the next family game of Monopoly with this free printable activity from our award winning fourth grade book, Mathematical Reasoning Level E.
• 
  
• Propaganda
  Debates for the United States presidential and vice presidential candidates are currently a hot topic in the media. These debates receive lots of radio and news coverage and candidates often sound quite convincing in their arguments. How do we really know if the candidates are sticking to facts? How do we become more critical of their techniques to convince us to vote for them? Try this free activity from the chapter, “Propaganda,” found in Critical Thinking Book 1. You’ll have a whole new set of cognitive tools to analyze the debates.
• .
• Random Acts of Kindness Week – February 13th-19th
  February 13th-19th marks Random Acts of Kindness Week. Here at The Critical Thinking Co.™, we don’t wait for this week to come around every year in order to practice random acts of kindness; we do it all year round!The Critical Thinking Co.™ donates two or more free products to children in need every time an order is placed. Over the past year we donated tens of thousands of books and software. With your help, this year we will donate more than 100,000 educational products through our Critical Giving program. The Critical Thinking Co.™ encourages you to step into the spirit of Kindness Week and Refer a Friend to our company to receive a free $15 Amazon gift card.

  For more information about this important week you can visitwww.randomactsofkindness.org/RAK-Week/.

  “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

  ……………………..

  Thank you, CriticalThinking.com, for your classroom leadership!

  Doc Meek, Sat, Feb 18, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

Monday, February 13, 2012.  Today, once again, I am grateful for Pat Wyman and the opportunities she provides parents and students on HowToLearn.com.  ~ Doc Meek

Thursday, January 26, 2012. Today I am very grateful for teachers and prospective teachers, the world over. ~ Doc Meek, Teacher/Learning Specialist

Image from: http://amid-the-olive-trees.blogspot.com/2011/08/yin-yang-you.html

I am also very grateful for Melissa Kelly, Secondary Education Guide at ABOUT.COM, who sends me newsletters.

Here are some excerpts from Melissa Kelly’s recent newsletter to me about teacher pay, and other things:

ABOUT.COM: Secondary Education

Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Today I am grateful that my colleagues at TeacherPlanet.com reminded me: “Chinese New Year is celebrated this year on January 23rd. 2012 marks the year of the Water Dragon – something that only occurs every sixty years.” ~ Doc Meek

Image from: http://www.psd-dude.com/tutorials/photoshop.aspx?t=2012-year-of-the-water-dragon-wallpaper-in-photoshop

EXCERPTS FROM TEACHERPLANET.COM NEWSLETTER TO DOC MEEK:

Monday, January 9, 2012. Today I am grateful for a “random act of kindness” that rescued a faltering funeral soloist. ~ Doc Meek

My brother sent this heart-warming and moving account.

• 
  
• On 31 December 2011, it was Dorothy Clark’s funeral. She is one of several women that Dorothy knew, at least as acquaintances, and had visited in hospital when they were ill, for example. She was 90-something, and had been a member of our ward at church for years and years. She had had a hip replacement not very many years ago, and the family thought then that she might not make it through. But she rallied, and learned to walk with it and everything. Recently, however, she had been quite ill (but mercifully, for only a relatively short time). During her illness, especially the last few weeks, she was completely at peace; and she had mentioned to family and friends that she was ready to go.

The funeral was a lovely service, and provided an especially poignant moment toward the end when Dorothy Clark’s Granddaughter sang a solo tribute, “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” The purpose of this entry is to describe that moment as best I can. I was very moved by it, and so were many others in the congregation.

This Granddaughter, whom we scarcely know, is perhaps college age, or so. And she was accompanied at the piano by her Mother (the daughter-in-law of the deceased). This Granddaughter was clearly trained in voice, and started off confidently and bravely with a composure I could not have mustered in the circumstances, certainly not with that hymn, at any rate. She sang several verses with ease and grace, … even with charm and a very pretty smile. But when she came to the last verse, the text was a little too close to home, I think, and she began to lose her composure.

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

Now it so happens that sitting beside the organ console where she had been playing the prelude music and accompanying the congregational singing was this sister, perhaps middle-aged, and whom I only know because she is a very experienced and accomplished singer, and with many, many laudable performances to her credit in many venues. She was not a part of the solo tribute at all, just sitting there handy to the organ console where she would soon go to accompany the congregation in the closing hymn. The organ console is about three steps from where the soloist was singing..

The soloist got about three words into that final verse when it became clear that she was not going to be able to carry on, … at least not the way she would want to. The sister who had been providing the organ accompaniment for the service, stood up with her very best performance bearing, with a loving and supportive smile, and exuding firmness and strength that I could not have mustered, walked the two or three steps over to the soloist, locked her arm in hers, and began singing with her (without missing a beat or a note or a word) exactly as if they had rehearsed it as a duet a hundred times. She sang with her only the next phrase, whereupon the soloist regained some of her composure. And the other woman continued to sing, but much more quietly, so that it again became a solo performance. But she stayed there, arm-in-arm with that young soloist, flawlessly projecting the confidence and assurance that they now shared in some way, until the end of the piece.

She then comforted her with some words of encouragement, exchanged pleasantries with her, and the two of them sat down..It was just such a perfect, perfect gesture, rendered at exactly the perfect, perfect time and in the most perfect, perfect way, that there was not a single dry eye in the congregation, including mine. I would love to have the grace and skill and presence of mind to do something like that sometime. It was just so profoundly beautiful and loving that it made a measurable impact on the service. And others mentioned afterwards that it was just exactly the kind of thing that Dorothy Clark would have been able to do when she was alive and well. What a magnificent tribute..It is, methinks, a really good example of what true brotherhood and sisterhood is all about here in this mortal brier patch. This world would be a so much better place if there were more people who were willing and able to step up to the plate in such circumstances, and provide a helping hand just exactly as needed..I am filled with gratitude for that sister, for the soloist and for the privilege of being in the congregation to witness such a beautiful helping hand, filled with love and assurance and confidence and strength. .

Thank you, unknown support singer! Your example of “instant kindness” is inspiring to me!

Doc Meek, Mon, Jan 9, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

Monday, December 26, 2011. Today I am grateful for family who invited us for Christmas yesterday with the grandchildren! ~ Doc  Meek

It began looking a lot like Boxing Day early Monday, on one of the busiest shopping days of the year. (James Murray/CBC)

Image from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/12/26/boxing-day-sales.html

“Boxing Day” in Canada has nothing to do with the “fight game.” It refers to the day after Christmas Day, when hordes of shoppers go hunting for post-Christmas bargains, and to exchange Christmas gifts that need exchanging.

One lady said to me, “It’s like ‘hand-to-hand combat’ in some stores, so I just stay home on Boxing Day!”

For me? I curl up with a good book, like best-seller “Lost December” by Richard Paul Evans, or “Potevka’s Gifts” by Mike Ramsdell (author of best-seller “A Train to Potevka”).

Whether you go out to engage in “hand to hand combat” in some stores, or stay in to curl up with a good book, my best to you this Christmas Season.

Doc Meek, Mon, Dec 26, 2011, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA