LUCKY CHARM #10 Think Positive!!!

Here we go again.  POW!  ZAP!  BOOM!  OUCH! 

Winter just doesn't seem to want to let loose it's grip.  It snowed/sleeted here in Lower Westchester, NY last night.  Temps plummeted to below freezing.  

I feel sorry for all you budding flowers.  But you hang in there - bear down, stand your ground and soon you will grow, flourish and overcome Winter's adversity.  Cheers!!



So, when life gives you snow, make cherry snowcones.  Enjoy!  Cheers!!

TESTING 1, 2, 3 - TESTING, TESTING!

Today marks the beginning of New York State's Common Core tests in English Language Arts (ELA) for K-12. These standardized tests are given to assess where on the learning continuum students stand, and to indicate whether or not a child deserves to go to the next grade. They are rigorous, stressful and in many cases may even be well above students' abilities.  Many of the students fail due to factors such as lack of parental involvement, abuse and mental health issues. 

As an educator, I know the utmost importance of our children learning the skills to succeed in the world. However, it is not only detrimental that children succeed for economical purposes, but it's vital that they succeed on a personal level, too.  Education, I believe is more than just textbook knowledge; it is also personal life skills gained in the classroom.  A school is more than just a place where reading, math and writing are taught; it is a place where learning and growth are allowed to flourish.  As a proponent of Character Education, I feel school is a place where children learn the importance of character.  Principles such as respect, fairness, compassion, trust and responsibility develop self-esteem and character in children.

Children learn in various ways, therefore children deserve an equal chance to learn; it is the responsibility of the teacher to meet these myriad learning styles to the best of his or her ability.  This is done by presenting the material in a variety of ways, as well as incorporating as many hands-on experience as possible.  I believe that students should be shown the relevancy of subject material to life outside of the classroom.  

Education is more than just teaching; it is loving, caring, showing, communicating, and growing.  By implementing all these aspects into the educational program/curriculum, the teacher can help children use their imaginations, creating dreams and reaching their academic goals.  I believe that if this is to occur we can not make testing the only measurement of a child's success.  Cheers!!

I have been so very busy these past couple of weeks that i haven't had time to blog.  I surely do miss everyone.  I hope all are healthy and wealthy.  May you all have a marvelous day.   Cheers!!

Meet Sulllivan, the Labrador Retriever.  He is just a little dynamo.

How adorable!!!  To cute and precious for words.

I could just bite his little head off.  Cheers!!

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!!!

Susan Flett Swiderski, owns a fabulously brilliant blog entitled, "I Think; Therefore, I Yam.  This delightful woman has also written a book named Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade.  As a woman who is going through the second "change" herself and who loves lemonade, I simple adore the title.  Just looking at the glass cools me off.  

Available on Amazon from February 28 through March 6 you can purchase the e-version of this book (a steal) for only - wait for it, hold on to your hats - ninety-nine (.99) cents.  That right!  Even cheaper that a hot cup of coffee from DD.  In addition, she is giving away the e-book for FREE with the purchase of her paperback version. How cool is that!  You can give one to a sisterfriend, your mom, an aunt, cousin, or co-worker.  So, check out Susan's book and blog.  You'll be glad you did.  Have a great weekend!  Cheers!!

Laughter Is the Best Medicine

Q.  Why do seagulls fly over the sea?

A.  If they flew over the bay, they'd by bagels. 
Haha!  

I know - corny, but I couldn't resist.  Besides, it gave me the opportunity to post about my favorite subject - food. Cheers!!

Don't let it snow, don't let it snow, don't let it snow!!

My sister, bless her heart, loved winter.  It was her favorite time of year.  She loved dressing up in knitted or crocheted scarves, hat, mittens, coats, boots.  I mean she really loved snow and all that Ol' Man Winter brings.  I have tried to keep her love of winter alive.  But ENOUGH already!!

This winter has gone on record as the 8th highest accumulation of snow on record in NY- and still counting.  It just snowed today.  I really enjoy winter, but at this point I think I am more than ready for spring.  Now, that does not mean I ready for summer - I'll be crying about that soon - can't stand the heat either.  

P. S. My blogfriends from Canada or even from the Upper NY regions like Buffalo or Syracuse or Michigan, Alaska, Austria, Germany and Russia probably think I am a wuss crying about all this little bit of snow.  Hahahaha.  Your right!  Cheers!!