This quote goes well with an article I recently read about looking at our work as a calling rather than a job or career. It is my hope that Esperanza will catch the heart of educators who see teaching ALL students as a calling.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
What to Pursue
This quote goes well with an article I recently read about looking at our work as a calling rather than a job or career. It is my hope that Esperanza will catch the heart of educators who see teaching ALL students as a calling.
Friday, December 30, 2011
The Resourceful School
There are some terrific articles in the Dec.2011/Jan. 2012 ASCD Educational Leadership publication. The theme of this edition is "The Resourceful School." The article "Turning Crisis into Opportunity" by Naomi Calvo and Karen Hawley Miles focuses on three main strategies in order to more for less:
#1: Invest in teacher quality
#2: Give students individual attention
#3: Maximize the use of time
The article also mentions a number of ideas on where schools can find money.
Because charter schools receive less money than mainstream public schools it is even more important for us at Esperanza to be wise about the use of money and resources. Therefore, articles and publications such as this can be extremely helpful.
#1: Invest in teacher quality
#2: Give students individual attention
#3: Maximize the use of time
The article also mentions a number of ideas on where schools can find money.
Because charter schools receive less money than mainstream public schools it is even more important for us at Esperanza to be wise about the use of money and resources. Therefore, articles and publications such as this can be extremely helpful.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wisdom from Dr. Seuss
Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you. -Dr. Seuss ♥
I love the wisdom of Dr. Seuss! The best thing we can do for our Esperanza staff and scholars is to help them be their best selves--not a copy of someone else. The same is true for the school itself. We want Esperanza to be the best Esperanza--not try to replicate some other school.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Example! Example! Example!
I bought an expensive chess set at All-A-Dollar as a Christmas gift for my husband and me. Felt I needed to learn to play chess if we are going to have all our Esperanza scholars learn. Guess I'll soon need to buy a violin and learn to play the violin since our Esperanza scholars will be learning this as well.
This experience is a reminder that example is the best teacher. If we want our scholars to be readers we need to be readers. If we want them to love math and science we need to cultivate a love for these subjects. If we want them to be good and moral people we need to set the example. If we want them to strive for quality and excellence we need to be willing to do the same.
This experience is a reminder that example is the best teacher. If we want our scholars to be readers we need to be readers. If we want them to love math and science we need to cultivate a love for these subjects. If we want them to be good and moral people we need to set the example. If we want them to strive for quality and excellence we need to be willing to do the same.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Visionary vs. Daydreamer
"If all you have is some good ideas, that doesn't make you a visionary; it makes you a daydreamer. The difference between a vision and a day dream is the audacity to act and the faith to get started." ~ Pastor Steve Furtick
I had a goal to submit an excellent application for our charter school Esperanza. Therefore, it meant a lot when the state charter board told us our application was the most excellent application they had ever received. Yet, the application is only our dream--our vision. Now the real work begins--having the faith to what we need to do to make it a reality.
I had a goal to submit an excellent application for our charter school Esperanza. Therefore, it meant a lot when the state charter board told us our application was the most excellent application they had ever received. Yet, the application is only our dream--our vision. Now the real work begins--having the faith to what we need to do to make it a reality.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
¡¡¡Feliz Navidad!!!
The Christmas season is a great time for our Esperanza family to learn new vocabulary, new traditions, new foods, new songs, etc. from a variety of cultures.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Season Tradition
Each year at KSL they get unique donations for Quarters for Christmas. This year, 5-year-old Ezra collected a quarter from all 50 states and made a collector's item, to help make his quarters worth even more.
This would be a fun tradition to start at Esperanza as a school.
This would be a fun tradition to start at Esperanza as a school.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Where On the Earth Is This?
Where on the earth is this?
Salar de Uyuni is a magical place: When covered by water, the world’s largest salt flat becomes a mirror, and anyone walking across it appears to be walking on clouds. The salt crust, which covers 4,086 square miles is in southwestern Bolivia.
Starting off with a question and a picture is a great attention getter.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Mojo
The word "mojo" that has been around for almost 100 years has African roots. It is said to refer to a small bag containing a magic charm (often a red flannel cloth) and herbs that is tied with a draw string and worn under clothes to bring good luck.
Mojo is now used to mean "finding the magic in what we do." To have "lost your mojo," refers to a loss of inspiration or creative genius; a loss of that special spark.
We want to do whatever it takes so that everyone who has a connection to Esperanza has and keeps mojo.
Mojo is now used to mean "finding the magic in what we do." To have "lost your mojo," refers to a loss of inspiration or creative genius; a loss of that special spark.
We want to do whatever it takes so that everyone who has a connection to Esperanza has and keeps mojo.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Is That What You Really Meant to Say?
This cute cartoon is a reminder that what we hear isn't always what someone was really saying. This can be especially true for those learning another language and culture. This is something we definitely need to remember at Esperanza.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Herstory As Well As History
I have been reading an intriguing book--Herstory--edited by Ruth Ashby and Deborah Gore Ohrn. There are short pieces about 120 amazing women throughout history.
This book is a reminder that not only do we want to expose our Esperanza scholars to people from different cultures who have made a difference in the world but we also want to remember women. Young people are inspired by those who look like them.
This book is a reminder that not only do we want to expose our Esperanza scholars to people from different cultures who have made a difference in the world but we also want to remember women. Young people are inspired by those who look like them.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Lessons from the film Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)
Joyeux Noël (English: Merry Christmas) is a 2005 film about the true World War I Christmas truce of December 1914, depicted through the eyes of French, Scottish and German soldiers.
There are some great messages from this film--among others: 1) Music can bring people together and 2) It is hard to fight someone whom you have come to know as a person.
These are two messages we can help our young Esperanza scholars learn.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wanted: Men and Women of Integrity
This morning I watched the BYU Devotional Speech Elder Tad R. Callister gave on December 6 , 2011—“Becoming Men and Women of Integrity.” This speech had a particular appeal to me because I want Esperanza to be filled with men and women of integrity. In fact, that is more important to me than skills for skills can be taught.
Elder Callister said that men and women of integrity are desperately needed—and are in short supply-- in every profession.
“Integrity is a purity of mind and heart that knows no deception, no excuses, no rationalization, nor any coloring of the facts…It is doing what’s right because our character demands it.” Elder Callister used Sir Thomas More on which the play/movie “A Man for All Seasons” was based as an example of what it means to be a person of integrity.
“Does our integrity, our honor have a purchase price?” Elder Callister asked. “A dime, a thousand dollars, the approval of our peers, some physical pleasure or temporary recognition? Is there some point at which our integrity can be purchased, or is it priceless – not for sale at any price?”
Elder Callister then addressed seven principles of integrity. Excerpts from his remarks follow.
1. Integrity is the foundation of our character and all other virtues.
2. Integrity is not doing just that which is legal, but that which is moral.
Integrity is not just adherence to the legal code or being fair, but to the higher moral code. It is as Abraham Lincoln suggested – living in accord with the ‘better angels of our nature.’”
3. Integrity makes decisions based on eternal implications.
“Integrity is not shortsighted – it is not just a temporary change of behavior; it is a permanent change of nature.”
4. Integrity is disclosing the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
5. Integrity knows no alibis or excuses.
May it be said of us that we can be trusted because of the integrity of our heart.
6. Integrity is keeping our covenants and our commitments, even in times of inconvenience.
“Integrity is the courage to do right regardless of the consequence, and regardless of the inconvenience.”
7. Integrity is not governed by the presence of others. It is internally, not externally driven.
“In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Polonius says to his son Laertes: ‘To thine ownself be true and it must follow as the night the day; thou canst not be false to any man.’ What wonderful counsel! We have a choice – we can either seize the moment and take control of our lives – or become mere puppets to our environment and our peers.
“May the integrity of our souls have a sign which reads in bold, black letters, ‘NOT FOR SALE AT ANY PRICE.’
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Unique
I read a story this morning--"Maximilian and the Goose Boy"--that is a reminder how important each person with his/her unique talents and skills is for Esperanza.
One summer day King Maximilian of Bavaria was walking in the country. The sun shone hot, and he stopped under a tree to rest.
It was very pleasant in the cool shade. The king lay down on the soft grass, and looked up at the white clouds sailing across the sky. Then he took a little book from his pocket and tried to read.
But the king could not keep his mind on his book. Soon his eyes closed, and he was fast asleep.
It was past noon when he awoke. He got up from his grassy bed, and looked around. Then he took his cane in his hand, and started for home.
When he had walked a mile or more, he happened to think of his book. He felt for it in his pocket. It was not there. He had left it under the tree.
The king was already quite tired, and he did not like to walk back so far. But he did not wish to lose the book. What should he do?
If there was only some one to send for it!
While he was thinking, he happened to see a little barefooted boy in the open field near the road. He was tending a large flock of geese that were picking the short grass, and wading in a shallow brook.
The king went toward the boy. He held a gold piece in his hand.
"My boy," he said, "how would you like to have this piece of money?"
"I would like it," said the boy; "but I never hope to have so much."
"You shall have it if you will run back to the oak tree at the second turning of the road, and fetch me the book that I left there."
The king thought that the boy would be pleased. But not so. He turned away, and said, "I am not so silly as you think."
"What do you mean?" said the king. "Who says that you are silly?"
"Well," said the boy, "you think that I am silly enough to believe that you will give me that gold piece for running a mile, and fetching you a book. You can't catch me."
"But if I give it to you now, perhaps you will believe me," said the king; and he put the gold piece into the little fellow's hand.
The boy's eyes sparkled; but he did not move.
"What is the matter now?" said the king. "Won't you go?"
The boy said, "I would like to go; but I can't leave the geese. They will stray away, and then I shall be blamed for it."
"Oh, I will tend them while you are away," said the king.
The boy laughed. "I should like to see you tending them!" he said. "Why, they would run away from you in a minute."
"Only let me try," said the king.
At last the boy gave the king his whip, and started off. He had gone but a little way, when he turned and came back.
"What is the matter now?" said Maximilian.
"Crack the whip!"
The king tried to do as he was bidden, but he could not make a sound.
"I thought as much," said the boy. "You don't know how to do anything."
Then he took the whip, and gave the king lessons in whip cracking. "Now you see how it is done," he said, as he handed it back. "If the geese try to run away, crack it loud."
The king laughed. He did his best to learn his lesson; and soon the boy again started off on his errand.
Maximilian sat down on a stone, and laughed at the thought of being a gooseherd. But the geese missed their master at once. With a great cackling and hissing they went, half flying, half running, across the meadow.
The king ran after them, but he could not run fast. He tried to crack the whip, but it was of no use. The geese were soon far away. What was worse, they had gotten into a garden, and were feeding on the tender vegetables.
A few minutes afterward, the goose boy came back with the book.
"Just as I thought," he said. "I have found the book, and you have lost the geese."
"Never mind," said the king, "I will help you get them again."
"Well, then, run around that way, and stand by the brook while I drive them out of the garden."
The king did as he was told. The boy ran forward with his whip, and after a great deal of shouting and scolding, the geese were driven back into the meadow.
"I hope you will pardon me for not being a better gooseherd," said Maximilian; "but, as I am a king, I am not used to such work."
"A king, indeed!" said the boy. "I was very silly to leave the geese with you. But I am not so silly as to believe that you are a king."
"Very well," said Maximilian, with a smile; "here is another gold piece, and now let us be friends."
The boy took the gold, and thanked the giver. He looked up into the king's face and said,
"You are a very kind man, and I think you might be a good king; but if you were to try all your life, you would never be a good gooseherd."
One summer day King Maximilian of Bavaria was walking in the country. The sun shone hot, and he stopped under a tree to rest.
It was very pleasant in the cool shade. The king lay down on the soft grass, and looked up at the white clouds sailing across the sky. Then he took a little book from his pocket and tried to read.
But the king could not keep his mind on his book. Soon his eyes closed, and he was fast asleep.
It was past noon when he awoke. He got up from his grassy bed, and looked around. Then he took his cane in his hand, and started for home.
When he had walked a mile or more, he happened to think of his book. He felt for it in his pocket. It was not there. He had left it under the tree.
The king was already quite tired, and he did not like to walk back so far. But he did not wish to lose the book. What should he do?
If there was only some one to send for it!
While he was thinking, he happened to see a little barefooted boy in the open field near the road. He was tending a large flock of geese that were picking the short grass, and wading in a shallow brook.
The king went toward the boy. He held a gold piece in his hand.
"My boy," he said, "how would you like to have this piece of money?"
"I would like it," said the boy; "but I never hope to have so much."
"You shall have it if you will run back to the oak tree at the second turning of the road, and fetch me the book that I left there."
The king thought that the boy would be pleased. But not so. He turned away, and said, "I am not so silly as you think."
"What do you mean?" said the king. "Who says that you are silly?"
"Well," said the boy, "you think that I am silly enough to believe that you will give me that gold piece for running a mile, and fetching you a book. You can't catch me."
"But if I give it to you now, perhaps you will believe me," said the king; and he put the gold piece into the little fellow's hand.
The boy's eyes sparkled; but he did not move.
"What is the matter now?" said the king. "Won't you go?"
The boy said, "I would like to go; but I can't leave the geese. They will stray away, and then I shall be blamed for it."
The boy laughed. "I should like to see you tending them!" he said. "Why, they would run away from you in a minute."
"Only let me try," said the king.
At last the boy gave the king his whip, and started off. He had gone but a little way, when he turned and came back.
"What is the matter now?" said Maximilian.
"Crack the whip!"
The king tried to do as he was bidden, but he could not make a sound.
"I thought as much," said the boy. "You don't know how to do anything."
Then he took the whip, and gave the king lessons in whip cracking. "Now you see how it is done," he said, as he handed it back. "If the geese try to run away, crack it loud."
The king laughed. He did his best to learn his lesson; and soon the boy again started off on his errand.
Maximilian sat down on a stone, and laughed at the thought of being a gooseherd. But the geese missed their master at once. With a great cackling and hissing they went, half flying, half running, across the meadow.
The king ran after them, but he could not run fast. He tried to crack the whip, but it was of no use. The geese were soon far away. What was worse, they had gotten into a garden, and were feeding on the tender vegetables.
A few minutes afterward, the goose boy came back with the book.
"Just as I thought," he said. "I have found the book, and you have lost the geese."
"Never mind," said the king, "I will help you get them again."
"Well, then, run around that way, and stand by the brook while I drive them out of the garden."
The king did as he was told. The boy ran forward with his whip, and after a great deal of shouting and scolding, the geese were driven back into the meadow.
"I hope you will pardon me for not being a better gooseherd," said Maximilian; "but, as I am a king, I am not used to such work."
"A king, indeed!" said the boy. "I was very silly to leave the geese with you. But I am not so silly as to believe that you are a king."
"Very well," said Maximilian, with a smile; "here is another gold piece, and now let us be friends."
The boy took the gold, and thanked the giver. He looked up into the king's face and said,
"You are a very kind man, and I think you might be a good king; but if you were to try all your life, you would never be a good gooseherd."
Friday, December 16, 2011
Inspiring Quote and Poem
"Throughout the centuries there were men [women] who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision" ~ Ayn Rand
This is what I feel like we are doing with Esperanza! It remind me of the poem The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost:
This is what I feel like we are doing with Esperanza! It remind me of the poem The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
What Is An Expert?
This came from Justin Tarte's December 11, 2011 BLOG posting. I really liked the message so wanted to share it.
The 13 habits of experts...
ex·pert/ˈekspərt/
| Noun: |
| |
| Adjective: |
| |
| Synonyms: | noun. specialist - connoisseur - adept - judge - master adjective. skilled - skilful - skillful - proficient - adept | |
The 13 habits of experts:
1) - Experts ask good questions...
2) - Experts break problems into parts...
3) - Experts rely on evidence...
4) - Experts look for patterns...
5) - Experts consider other perspectives...
6) - Experts follow hunches...
7) - Experts use familiar ideas in new ways...
8) - Experts collaborate...
9) - Experts welcome critique...
10) - Experts revise repeatedly...
11) - Experts persist...
12) - Experts seek out new challenges...
13) - Experts know their own best work styles...
After looking at and reflecting on this list of habits, I realized that Cushman defines expertise not in the traditional way many of us are accustom to. Cushman doesn't focus on what you know or the skills that you might have, but rather as how you use information and approach a particular situation or issue. She focuses on the "growth" mindset rather than the "fixed" mindset. The way Cushman describes the term "expert," makes me much more comfortable than the traditional dictionary defined way. If these are the habits of experts, then I want to be this kind of an expert...
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Problem-Solving
I really like this quote. It is not only great wisdom for Esperanza educators but it is a reminder that one of the most important skills we can teach our Esperanza scholars is problem-solving.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Recording Favorite Sections of Books
In the book The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay there is a section I like. Doc says, "Always listen to yourself, Peekay. It is better to be wrong than simply to follow convention. If you are wrong, no matter, you have learned something and you will grow stronger. If you are right you have taken another step toward a fulfilling life."
Doc went on to say, "The more you know, the more you can control your destiny. Man is the only animal who can store knowledge outside his body. This has made him greater than the creatures around him. You brain, Peekay, has two functions; it is a place for original thought, but also a reference library. Use it to tell you where to look and then you have for yourself all the brains that have ever been."
Peekay says, "He [Doc] taught me to read for meaning and information, to make margin notes and to follow these up with trips to the Barberton library...."
Not only is this wise counsel but it is also a reminder that we want to help our Esperanza scholars keep a record of their favorite sections, quotes, descriptions, etc. of the books they read.
Doc went on to say, "The more you know, the more you can control your destiny. Man is the only animal who can store knowledge outside his body. This has made him greater than the creatures around him. You brain, Peekay, has two functions; it is a place for original thought, but also a reference library. Use it to tell you where to look and then you have for yourself all the brains that have ever been."
Peekay says, "He [Doc] taught me to read for meaning and information, to make margin notes and to follow these up with trips to the Barberton library...."
Not only is this wise counsel but it is also a reminder that we want to help our Esperanza scholars keep a record of their favorite sections, quotes, descriptions, etc. of the books they read.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Knowing History
I listened this morning to James McPherson from Princeton University as he gave a BYU Forum speech on November 29, 2011. His speech was titled "Why the Civil War Still Matters Today." It was an excellent speech that I would encourage all of our Esperanza people to read once it becomes available.
The effects of the Civil War affected the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s and still affects the social issues in our day. McPherson explained the difference between negative liberty and positive liberty and how important it is to move in the direction of positive liberty.
This speech by McPherson is a reminder of how important it is to teach history to our Esperanza scholars and especially how important it is to connect past history to currect events that affect the lives our scholars.
The effects of the Civil War affected the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s and still affects the social issues in our day. McPherson explained the difference between negative liberty and positive liberty and how important it is to move in the direction of positive liberty.
This speech by McPherson is a reminder of how important it is to teach history to our Esperanza scholars and especially how important it is to connect past history to currect events that affect the lives our scholars.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Power of One
I have been reading the book The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. Last night we watched the DVD. This book has a great message as Marilyn Green Faulkner states in Back to the Best Books--"...help us believe in the value of each individual and in the power of each individual to triumph over adversity and make a positive contribution to the world."
Although this particular book and movie are probably not appropriate to share with elementary students they are reminder to us as educators that we need to remember this message and find ways to help our students understand it. Involving our Esperanza scholars in quality service learning and social action is a pathway to do just that.
Although this particular book and movie are probably not appropriate to share with elementary students they are reminder to us as educators that we need to remember this message and find ways to help our students understand it. Involving our Esperanza scholars in quality service learning and social action is a pathway to do just that.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Learning First-Hand a Quality School Principle
Yesterday our Esperanza Board went before the state charter board to answer questions about our application. We were excited that they were so impressed with our application and the quality of our Board. Yet, we learned first hand one of Dr. Glasser's quality school principles. Even though they felt our application was excellent and of the highest quality they challenged us to ask ourselves, " What is the next level of performance?" and use our answers as a "lifting point."
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Building Vocabulary
Marie Antoinette in a muslin dress
Art: Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun
I really enjoy wordsmith.org that I receive 5 days a week. A word is featured giving the pronunciation, the background of the word, the defnitition (s), sentences using the word, and a picture. This is a great way to help students learn new words.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Fun Code Switching in a Poem
‘Twas the night before Christmas y por toda la casa,
Not a creature was stirring-Caramba! Que pasa?
Los niños were tucked away in their camas,
Some in long underwear, some in pijamas,
While hanging the medias with mucho ciudado
In hopes that old Santa would feel obligado
To bring all children, both buenos y malos,
A nice batch of dulces y otros regalos.
Outside in the yard there arose such a grito
That I jumped to my pies like a frightened cabrito.
I ran to the window and looked out afuera,
And who in the world do you think that it era?
Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero
Came dashing along like a crazy bombero.
And pulling his sleigh instead of venados
Were eight little burros approaching volados.
I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre
Was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre:
"Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Cuco, ay Berto,
Ay Chato, ay Chopo, Macuco, y Nieto!"
Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho
He flew to the top of our very own techo.
With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea,
He struggled to squeeze down our old chiminea,
Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala,
With soot smeared all over his real suit de gala,
He filled all the medias with lovely regalos-
For none of the niños had been very malos.
Then chuckling aloud, seeming muy contento,
He turned like a flash and was gone como viento.
And I heard him exclaim, and this is verdad,
Merry Christmas to all, y Feliz Navidad!
| |
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Narrow Reading Is Valuable
I have been thinking about how valuable narrow reading is--whether it is reading the same book numerous times, reading a number of books by the same author, and/or reading a number of books about the same topic.
I recently reread Middlemarch by George Eliot. Then we watched the DVD--all 7 hours of it! Then yesterday I finished reading the Middlemarch Cliff Notes. Every experience with this book gave me new insights that I would have missed if I had just said, "I read that book once. I have also been reading a number of books by George Eliot even those I read quite some time ago. Even though I knew some of the stories revisiting them enriched me.
I recently reread Middlemarch by George Eliot. Then we watched the DVD--all 7 hours of it! Then yesterday I finished reading the Middlemarch Cliff Notes. Every experience with this book gave me new insights that I would have missed if I had just said, "I read that book once. I have also been reading a number of books by George Eliot even those I read quite some time ago. Even though I knew some of the stories revisiting them enriched me.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Growing Exponentially
I love it when I find people I admire and respect share books, articles, websites, ideas--and even people, etc. It's a great way to grow exponentially. This is one of the reasons I enjoy GoodReads so much. I have one friend--Pam Werner--who has introduced me to numerous books I have enjoyed immensely. It is also fun for me to see that she is reading books that I have recommended. Both of us have been enriched through this sharing. It is my hope and desire that everyone associated with Esperanza will do this kind of sharing so everyone can have the opportunity to grow exponentially.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Be A Light
This morning I listened to the BYU Devotional Speech by Dr. Damon Bahr from the David O. McKay School of Education given on November 15, 2011. I felt that his speech had an important message for us who are committed to Esperanza.
Bahr referenced 3 Nephi 12:14-16 from the Book of Mormon [Verily, verily, I say unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house; Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.] to illustrate four different ways and degrees we can shine our light.
1) There are candles that are never lit; 2) those that intentionally hide their candles and 3 )others who put their lights in places that aren’t visible and 4) those who put their lights in places to maximize their illuminating opportunities.
I feel we have a responsibility to make Esperanza into the fourth kind of candle—a candle that lights and guides others. In other words, we need to make a difference—“to stand up and be counted in ways that will change the course of history.”
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Letting Go
This is not only important to remember in our personal life but in our professional life, too. There were will be people (parents, educators, founders, etc.) associated with Esperanza who we will need to "let go" when their part in Esperanza's story is finished.
Friday, December 2, 2011
What Newt Gingrich Doesn't Know
When someone like Newt Gingrich who could possibly be the Republican nominee and possibly the next President of the U.S. makes such outlandish comments my heart sinks. He told an Iowa audience that children in poor neighborhoods have "no habits of working" nor getting paid for their endeavors "unless it is illegal." He also said, "Really poor children in really poor neighborhoods have no habits of working and have nobody around them who works." He feels that child labor laws are really stupid...and are too rigid...and that they entrap poor children into poverty.
I have worked numerous years in majority/minority schools (mostly Hispanic) with up to 90% of the students on free and reduced lunch. I learned some things about this population--which apparently Gingrich doesn't know:
I have worked numerous years in majority/minority schools (mostly Hispanic) with up to 90% of the students on free and reduced lunch. I learned some things about this population--which apparently Gingrich doesn't know:
- Many parents were working 2-3 jobs
- Hispanics--as a whole--have an incredible work ethic that would behoove all of us to emulate
- Hispanics--as a whole--have an entrepreneurial spirit
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Giving Classics to Classic People
Continue to love serendipitous experiences. I was looking for something else this morning and found this wonderful article in the Meridian by Marilyn Green Faulkner, the author of Back to the Best Books on December 15, 2010.
Christmas is coming, but don't worry - I've got you covered.
If you are like me, you are just now getting around to Christmas shopping, and cussing at yourself for leaving it so late. But not to worry – this year I have your gift giving all wrapped up and ready to go: simply give classic books to your classic friends. What’s a classic? It’s something that has been proven with the test of time. Whether it’s a friend or a great book, a classic just gets better with age. It doesn’t fluctuate with swings in popular opinion or the economy – it’s a constant. Just as some books are classics, so are some of the special people in our lives.
So here’s the plan: Start with my guide to the classics, Back to the Best Books. It features 36 great works of literature and there is something for everyone in there! Now, choose one of the selections from the book that fits the personality of the recipient. For example, your brother might love The Count of Monte Cristo or Master and Commander. Your favorite veteran may enjoy All Quiet on the Western Front or Les Miserables. The fantasy lover on your list may not yet have discovered Watership Down or The Once and Future King, and the mystery reader will love curling up with The Moonstone. Bundle the classic with the book guide and you’ll give a gift that will keep on giving through the year! Add a note letting your loved one know why they are a “classic” in your life and you’ll be a hero. Want to get even fancier? Add some gourmet hot chocolate and a mug, or a little booklight and some slippers, and you’ve got a gift basket worthy of Santa himself!
A book is the perfect gift: one size fits all, you don’t have to feed it, and it’s easy to wrap and ship. As a special treat, consider buying a beautiful, hardback copy of a classic work of literature rather than the paperback. (It’s nice to pass a book along to one’s children with the cover still attached!) I was delighted to see my nephew receive a beautiful leather-bound copy of his favorite novel (The Count of Monte Cristo) from his new bride for his birthday. I thought that a very nice tradition for a new family.
One book that is both new and one hundred years old is the Autobiography of Mark Twain. As you may have heard by now, Twain left instructions that his autobiography remain unpublished for a hundred years after his death. So this year it’s finally available! I downloaded it from Audible.com and I am looking forward to over 24 hours of listening pleasure with our nation’s “Lincoln of literature.”
Just to get you thinking, here are a few more great books that most people would love to own, and that you might want to put on your personal wish list:
Books for Men:
Einstein, and Benjamin Franklin, by Walter Isaacson. Both excellent biographies of fascinating men.
Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. A beautiful last letter from an aging father to a young son. Trust me, it’s just wonderful.
The Old Man and the Boy, by Robert Ruark: A sweet tale about a boy raised by his grandfather in rural North Carolina.
We Were Soldiers Once, and Young, by Harold G. Moore: The true account of the first major battle of Vietnam, by the man who led it. You’ll believe in heroes again.
All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque: Wrenching saga of WWI, and one of the greatest war novels ever written.
The Three Musketeers, Alexander Dumas: Don’t be fooled by its vintage; Dumas has today’s bestsellers beat for action and intrigue. Any man who likes to read will love it.
A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson: Perfect for an outdoorsman with a sense of humor.
Books for Women:
A Gift from the Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh: A classic, always inspiring. For a thoughtful reader you might pair it with No More Words, by Reeve Lindbergh. The account of the last two years of Anne’s life. Anyone who has experienced caring for an elderly, ailing parent will relate to her honest, moving memoir.
Delta Wedding, Eudora Welty: Welty is my new favorite Southerner. A gorgeous book for someone who loves great writing.
A Room With a View, E.M. Forster: A beautiful tribute to true love, and funny besides. Forster captures an England that now exists only in fiction.
How Green Was My Valley, Richard Llwellyn: A story to savor, a family you want to know, and a part of the world that supplied many of the early pioneers.
O, Pioneer! Willa Cather: Any book of Cather’s is a joy to read; this is one of her best.
Books for Both:
The Forsyte Saga, John Galsworthy: The “saga” is actually three novels about a prosperous English family, and a big, wonderful read.
Keys of the Kingdom, A.J. Cronin: This book drew the most responses of any book we read in the Best Books Club. Cronin’s story of a humble priest is life-changing. Another like it: Death Comes for the Archbishop, by Willa Cather
The Good Earth, Pearl S. Buck: A book just doesn’t get any better than this. If you haven’t read this as an adult it will speak to you in a new way.
Books for Smart Kids:
If you have a child who loved Harry Potter and the Ring Trilogy as much as mine did, I recommend some classic tales of adventure and fantasy:
Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson: Still great, and a nice book to give in hardback.
King Solomon’s Mines, H. Rider Haggard: We could not put this book down. A kid who likes Indiana Jones will go nuts over this, and get a little smarter while reading it.
The Neverending Story, Michael Ende: A beautiful fantasy with a wonderful message, great characters and thrilling action sequences. We love this book at our house.
A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens: A teenager can read this book, and should. Dickens (like tomatoes or cottage cheese) is delicious, but requires a certain maturity of taste. This book is historical fiction and is about half the length of the bigger novels, so it is a good place to start.
Christmas is coming, but don't worry - I've got you covered.
If you are like me, you are just now getting around to Christmas shopping, and cussing at yourself for leaving it so late. But not to worry – this year I have your gift giving all wrapped up and ready to go: simply give classic books to your classic friends. What’s a classic? It’s something that has been proven with the test of time. Whether it’s a friend or a great book, a classic just gets better with age. It doesn’t fluctuate with swings in popular opinion or the economy – it’s a constant. Just as some books are classics, so are some of the special people in our lives.
So here’s the plan: Start with my guide to the classics, Back to the Best Books. It features 36 great works of literature and there is something for everyone in there! Now, choose one of the selections from the book that fits the personality of the recipient. For example, your brother might love The Count of Monte Cristo or Master and Commander. Your favorite veteran may enjoy All Quiet on the Western Front or Les Miserables. The fantasy lover on your list may not yet have discovered Watership Down or The Once and Future King, and the mystery reader will love curling up with The Moonstone. Bundle the classic with the book guide and you’ll give a gift that will keep on giving through the year! Add a note letting your loved one know why they are a “classic” in your life and you’ll be a hero. Want to get even fancier? Add some gourmet hot chocolate and a mug, or a little booklight and some slippers, and you’ve got a gift basket worthy of Santa himself!
A book is the perfect gift: one size fits all, you don’t have to feed it, and it’s easy to wrap and ship. As a special treat, consider buying a beautiful, hardback copy of a classic work of literature rather than the paperback. (It’s nice to pass a book along to one’s children with the cover still attached!) I was delighted to see my nephew receive a beautiful leather-bound copy of his favorite novel (The Count of Monte Cristo) from his new bride for his birthday. I thought that a very nice tradition for a new family.
One book that is both new and one hundred years old is the Autobiography of Mark Twain. As you may have heard by now, Twain left instructions that his autobiography remain unpublished for a hundred years after his death. So this year it’s finally available! I downloaded it from Audible.com and I am looking forward to over 24 hours of listening pleasure with our nation’s “Lincoln of literature.”
Just to get you thinking, here are a few more great books that most people would love to own, and that you might want to put on your personal wish list:
Books for Men:
Einstein, and Benjamin Franklin, by Walter Isaacson. Both excellent biographies of fascinating men.
Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. A beautiful last letter from an aging father to a young son. Trust me, it’s just wonderful.
The Old Man and the Boy, by Robert Ruark: A sweet tale about a boy raised by his grandfather in rural North Carolina.
We Were Soldiers Once, and Young, by Harold G. Moore: The true account of the first major battle of Vietnam, by the man who led it. You’ll believe in heroes again.
All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque: Wrenching saga of WWI, and one of the greatest war novels ever written.
The Three Musketeers, Alexander Dumas: Don’t be fooled by its vintage; Dumas has today’s bestsellers beat for action and intrigue. Any man who likes to read will love it.
A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson: Perfect for an outdoorsman with a sense of humor.
Books for Women:
A Gift from the Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh: A classic, always inspiring. For a thoughtful reader you might pair it with No More Words, by Reeve Lindbergh. The account of the last two years of Anne’s life. Anyone who has experienced caring for an elderly, ailing parent will relate to her honest, moving memoir.
Delta Wedding, Eudora Welty: Welty is my new favorite Southerner. A gorgeous book for someone who loves great writing.
A Room With a View, E.M. Forster: A beautiful tribute to true love, and funny besides. Forster captures an England that now exists only in fiction.
How Green Was My Valley, Richard Llwellyn: A story to savor, a family you want to know, and a part of the world that supplied many of the early pioneers.
O, Pioneer! Willa Cather: Any book of Cather’s is a joy to read; this is one of her best.
Books for Both:
The Forsyte Saga, John Galsworthy: The “saga” is actually three novels about a prosperous English family, and a big, wonderful read.
Keys of the Kingdom, A.J. Cronin: This book drew the most responses of any book we read in the Best Books Club. Cronin’s story of a humble priest is life-changing. Another like it: Death Comes for the Archbishop, by Willa Cather
The Good Earth, Pearl S. Buck: A book just doesn’t get any better than this. If you haven’t read this as an adult it will speak to you in a new way.
Books for Smart Kids:
If you have a child who loved Harry Potter and the Ring Trilogy as much as mine did, I recommend some classic tales of adventure and fantasy:
Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson: Still great, and a nice book to give in hardback.
King Solomon’s Mines, H. Rider Haggard: We could not put this book down. A kid who likes Indiana Jones will go nuts over this, and get a little smarter while reading it.
The Neverending Story, Michael Ende: A beautiful fantasy with a wonderful message, great characters and thrilling action sequences. We love this book at our house.
A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens: A teenager can read this book, and should. Dickens (like tomatoes or cottage cheese) is delicious, but requires a certain maturity of taste. This book is historical fiction and is about half the length of the bigger novels, so it is a good place to start.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)