The daily meanderings of a teacher

Bird Droppings December 18, 2017 It is the small pieces that seriously matter   “Until you can clearly see each piece of the puzzle you will never be able to understand the whole.” Frank Bird, grandfather, teacher and ponderer   I am sitting here on my computer writing while many of my friends are awaiting…

Bird Droppings December 17, 2017 Should children be left behind?               “I believe that our own experience instructs us that the secret of education lies in respecting the pupil. It is not for you to choose what he shall know, what he shall do. It is chosen and foreordained, and he only holds the…

Bird Droppings December 15, 2017 There are always possibilities “Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” Les Brown I was sitting talking with one of my sons yesterday remembering when I was their age. I should say trying to remember when I was their age that would be more appropriate. I was thinking…

Bird Droppings December 13, 2017 Why do we fail?   Many the times, I have wondered why people stop learning. I see it in my former high school students, in college and in graduate students. Almost as if a switch is thrown and poof no more learning, I have reached my limit. I had a…

Bird Droppings December 11, 2017 Pondering and dish washing   In a roundabout way several earlier readings on the internet got me thinking and pondering as I do. So often we take our technology for granted.  It has been about eleven years since we moved into this house and a new dishwasher. About a four…

Bird Droppings December 10, 2017 Being patient   For thirty nine years I have shared my life with my wife Pat. We have had hills and valleys and children and grandchildren and each day seems better than the last. So today I salute my wife Pat thank you so much for your patience with me…

Bird Droppings December 8, 2017 Example is such a simple lesson plan   “We taught our children by both example and instruction, but with an emphasis on example, because all learning is a dead language to one who gets it second hand.” Kent Nerburn, The Wisdom of the Native Americans   I have over the…

Bird Droppings December 7, 2017 Have YOU been Naughty or Nice?   I have a friend doing acts of kindness currently. She committed to an act of kindness every day. I try and live my life that way and I do make mistakes. But each day now she posted her act. At first I was…

Bird Droppings December 6, 2017 Waiting for a miracle   Miracle is a word used by people of faith. It is an explanation for things that happen with no apparent cause and or rationale. It seems we all sit waiting for miracles perhaps waiting for that solution to pop up, to show its self and…

Bird Droppings December 5, 2017 What do we really know?   “Teachers are one of the most important resources a nation has for providing the skills, values and knowledge that prepare young people for productive citizenship – but more than this, to give sanctuary to their dreams and aspirations for a future of hope, dignity…