The daily meanderings of a teacher

Tag: Frank Bird III

  • Developing a community requires contributions of self

    Bird Droppings September 4, 2011 Developing a community requires contributions of self We have become a world of self centered egotists which I know is a generalization of perhaps a bit too much. In education building an educational school community has consistently been shown to improve schools effectiveness yet we always seem to turn in…

  • Teaching can be successful

    Bird Droppings September 3, 2011 Teaching can be successful So as I do on many mornings when I can, I walked out to a quiet corner of my back yard nestled in a patch of weeds and brush and looked toward the east. In the morning with the sunrise the threads of life as I…

  • Culture is more than just a word

    Bird Droppings September 2, 2011 Culture is far more than just a word “Silence was meaningful with the , and granting a space of silence before talking was done in the practice of true politeness and regardful of the rule that thought comes before speech. In the midst of sorrow, sickness, death or misfortune of…

  • Looking at reflection beyond a mirror

    Bird Droppings September 1, 2011 Looking at reflection beyond a mirror I picked up a local paper yesterday morning and have become a fan of one of our local featured columnists. Fred Wehner is a former journalist from the London Daily News, and then he founded and ran the New York News Agency before retiring…

  • There is a reason I am told

    Bird Droppings August 31, 2011 There is a reason I am told “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Robert Byrne I have often wondered about this thought as have so many before me and will after I am gone. Philosophers wonder and wise men ponder, is there purpose, a reason for each…

  • Why do we fail?

    Bird Droppings August 30, 2011 Why do we fail? Many the time, I wonder why people stop learning. I see it in high school students and in college and graduate students. Almost as if a switch is thrown and poof no more learning I have reached my limit. I had a teacher approach before school…

  • Can I get a nickels worth of cheese?

    Bird Droppings August 29, 2011 Can I get a nickels worth of cheese “When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.” Tecumseh, Shawnee…

  • Can we see new meaning in it

    Bird Droppings August 28, 2011 Can we see a new meaning in it “It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see. The writer shakes up the familiar scene, and, as if by magic, we see a new meaning in it.” Albert Einstein A little…

  • A spiritual side to teaching

    Bird Droppings August 27, 2011 A spiritual side to teaching “Solitude does not necessarily mean living apart from others; rather, it’s never living apart from one’s self. Not about absence of other people – it is about being fully present to ourselves, whether or not we are with others.” Parker Palmer Dr. Parker Palmer is…

  • A final look at essential Bird Pedagogy for the moment

    Bird Droppings August 26, 2011 A final look at essential Bird Pedagogy for the moment “If a university can’t have two out of five of their student-athletes graduate, I don’t know why they’re rewarded with post-season play” Arne Duncan Over the past few days I have been looking at how I see teaching and instruction…