It's That Kind of Day...

Head outline with questionmark It's bitter cold, windy and it's either snowing or there is old snow flying around in the wind. I want to curl up in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate and a good chick flick, but alas there are three very important items on my to do list today which all need my full attention and best work. That said, I could use a little inspiration and thought you could too. My high school science teacher loved quotes; he had a box of them and we fought over who got to pick the quote of the week to display in front of the class. His favorite was this one by Ralph Waldo Emerson. I can still hear him chirping it out when the energy was low. I forced a out a little creativity and made a printable version just for you. (And yes, I'm feeling better about the day already.)

So, print it, hang it up, set it as your desktop, or pass out miniature copies to each student. Do as you wish, but do it with ENTHUSIASM!

So that's what they meant!

Quotes from famous folks or those who impacted the world in some way resonate with many of us. Often our students cling to the words of others even more than we do as they look for descriptors for their dynamic, changing lives. So, take the opportunity to bring context to what your students are reading and hearing!

If you’re a music teacher, have students find a quote that resonates with them from a famous musician. What was the musician referring to when she said it? What was happening in the world at that time? What is the underlying message? Why does that particular quote stick? Does it still mean as much after learning more about the events surrounding it? If you’re teaching biology, search out the words of scientists. Quotations by noted historians abound. Have fun! Sneaking in learning is perfectly legal in all 50 states.


Leadership Development Tip for September 11, 2008