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One major goal of the Grandparents’ Day activities (these can be completed at any point during the year) is to strengthen relationships between the grandparents and the students.
With this activity, the grandparents are asked to provide me (the teacher) with some feedback. It is important to receive feedback from the grandparents for a few reasons. First, it is a great way to introduce the activity the following year. Before completing the activity, the students can see the impact the assignment has had on people. Second, it allows for me to know who actually gave a great effort.
Below is the note I include with the memories and letters.
HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!
You have been chosen for this activity because you have created and shared so many great memories for a student in my class. You have made a BIG DIFFERENCE in someone’s life and they will never forget this or you. THANK YOU!
The class is very interested in your feedback. Could you please share your thoughts on our activities and what it was like to receive the letter. Email YOUR NAME (teacher) at youremail@yourschool.org or send a note to:
Your Name (teacher)
Your School School
Street address
Town, State zip code
Here are the responses first 5 responses I received. I did not include any of the students’ names.
Response #1
“What a lovely surprise to receive my letter along with the memories of “Me and You” my granddaughter sent me…I have rarely received any card or letter to acknowledge this day and am very impressed with your thoughtfulness in making this a class project. It will be kept in my “treasure box” of cards and letters.
It was great fun to read her memories…I had forgotten one SHE remembered!!! She is a wonderfully loving and happy granddaughter (and our first girl after 4 sons, 4 grandsons and 2 step grandsons, so she was special from the day she was born).
I am delighted our granddaughter will have the experience of your teaching skills and getting to know you. I have fond memories of my years working at Hanover High School…glad you are still there to make a difference in our grandchildren’s lives.
Best wishes for a fun and successful school year.”
Response #2
“What a pleasant surprise to open a letter that my grandson composed.
It was refreshing to know that he has fond memories of his Great Grandparents, swimming and boating on their property, and dinners with his great grandfather. He mentioned mystery rides to Southie, food from the Sullivan’s, and Ed Amaral’s favorite dessert, congo bars.
My hope is that years from now he will share those memories with generations of family to come. Thank you for prompting my grandson to compose warm and fuzzy letters to grandparents. Keep it coming!”
Response #3
“I loved the note from our granddaughter! So many memories I have of her and all the other grandchildren!
It brought back memories of taking them up to our camp in New Hampshire and the fun we had up there with no parents. We got to do things that kids like to do and especially not having to “hurry up” to do anything. I enjoyed the part about “trying everything” at camp….they always had to take a bite of all food served…then if they didn’t like it, they didn’t have to eat it, but it had to be tried…It’s funny she still remembers that.
Families are important, and I’d like to think that we were a good influence on our grandchildren’s lives. I know she was on ours!”
Sincerely,
Grandparents of a wonderful granddaughter”
Response #4
“Let me commend you on such an admirable assignment.
Our Granddaughter’s letter is something we will always treasure. It is something that we can scan into the computer, and pull up on a dreary day to remind ourselves that we are indeed the kind of grandparents that we hoped to be. There is nothing more important than to know you are truly loved. Her memories spoke of the time spent with us, not the material things we have given her, demonstrating that her values and love of family are the things most important to her. It has been a great privilege to share her life so far and we will miss her very much when she goes off to college. But now we have this wonderful letter and our own memories of her to keep in our hearts.
Nina & Grandpa”
Response #5
“I would like to thank you for the letter writing activity you gave your class.
What a surprise and a pleasure it was to receive a letter from my granddaughter! Her letter to me brought back so many memories. In our busy lives, it is so nice to realize how much something means to someone else. Reading her letter and having her share her memories of the two of us brought a smile to my face.
Thank you again. I am so proud of her and am happy to be included in a special part of her school day”
Response #6
“I am responding for my parents because, they don’t know how to email and asked me to relay this note to you for them. Sorry it is late we weren’t able to get the letter to them until last Friday.
They responded as follows:
Our [Grandchild],
Thank you for sharing your memories of some of your times with us. Please know you have given us some of our Golden Memories. We’re very proud of our 16 grandchildren.
Love you too much, Princess!
Always,
Nana and Papa”
P.S. Mr. Molloy, Thank you and good job! It meant a lot to us.
Response #7
“Thank you very much for having this type of activity as part of your class. If the other grandparents received the same type of letter that I have received from my granddaughter they must be as proud as I am. I have always tried to make her visits to Florida memorable and for her to put into writing the little things she remembers, well it was just beautiful! Family time with my grandchildren is very important to me. Since we live in Florida and only get to see them once or twice a year if we are lucky, it is essential to make our time together outstanding. My grandmother was a very important person in my life. I have always wanted to be remembered by my grandchildren as I remember my grandmother, with love and fond memories of the time I spent with her.
To have my granddaughter put in writing these memories from the past gives me great pleasure. I now know without a doubt that I will be remembered by all my grandchildren in the way I wish to be remembered. Needless to say this letter is one of my most prized possessions!
Again Thank You!
A Very Proud Mimi”
Response #8
“I don’t have e-mail, but had to respond. What a wonderful idea! It was such a good feeling reading the letter from out granddaughter recalling warm memories, and in effect provoking warm memories of my own. Kudos on a great idea!”
Response #9
“I was very pleased to receive the letter from our granddaughter on Grandparents’ Day. What a nice surprise! A handwritten letter from my granddaughter will be cherished forever – I didn’t realize she remembered all the fun and funny activities that she wrote about, but then she is a very caring person 9not that I am biased). Great project – I’m sure all the other grandparents are as happy as I am to receive a letter from their grandchild – great idea all around!”
Response #10
It is my pleasure to say thank you for instilling in our granddaughter the treasured thoughts about me. I will always be grateful to have a wonderful and caring granddaughter like her. Our time together was special and we always enjoyed talking about schoolwork, family, and friends.
The letter received was such a wonderful thought on your part as a teacher. I will always remember the letter and the wonderful memories she and I had together, especially out piano days.”
Response #11
“I was very impressed and pleased by my granddaughter’s letter to me with all the memories that were made as she was growing into the beautiful young lady that she is today. I am very proud of her. I think it was a nice activity as it reminds of us of times gone by.”
I am glad that many of the the grandparents and students had a positive experience with this activity.
After I read the letter, I photocopy it for the future, then give the original to the student who wrote the letter and memories.
Next year I will present the students with the following to have a record of the letters for the future
In the future, I may have the students type out the hand-written responses and have them email it to me. This will save me the time of typing out the responses. Below is the information I will share with the students.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE!
You made a great effort and made someone’s day. I would like you to take the note home and TYPE IT out. Send it to me in an email so I can share with future classes. I will change the names to protect the innocent.
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Tag: motivation
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Psychology Lesson: Grandparent Appreciation Day
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Oprah’s 20th Anniversary DVD: A Great Psychology Resource
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Oprah’s 20th Anniversary Special DVD is a great resource for teaching psychology. Many of the clips can be used to illustrate some of the themes and topics in psychology. Most of the clips allow students to make personal connections to the topics.
Many of the clips are extremely emotional and cover topics that may be sensitive to some students in your class. I highly recommend previewing each segment before sharing with your class.
I have included links to the video clips that are available on YouTube, however, it is worth the investment to purchase a copy of the DVD to have access to all the video clips. Students have a worksheet to respond to clips. (If you are interested, please email mark [at] mytowntutors [dot] com. I will be glad to email you a copy of the worksheet.) For each clip I have included some notes that might be useful.
Kathy Bray (6:19) (emotion & memory) – Gun violence, mother having to hold her dead son in her arms, alcoholism, divorce, and recovery.
Personal loss – All of us have experienced personal loss on some level, be it a loved one (two-legged or four legged). Describe your emotions going through your experiences of personal loss. What were your thoughts and emotions? How does it impact you today?
Mrs. Duncan (4:24) (emotion, memory, education, write it forward) – Oprah’s favorite teacher – tears of happiness. An inspirational person who made a difference in her life – Mary was a “person” – a reality check / paradigm shift. People can inspire and motivate us.
Inspiration: There are individuals in our lives who, like Mrs Duncan, have created a spark in us. They have motivated us to be better people. It may be a simple act the person committed, a conversation, or an example of living. Describe the person and his or her impact on you.
Rudine (10:05) (addiction, body image, anorexia nervosa) – anorexia nervosa – is a terrible disease that is so challenging to overcome. Feels fat at 60 pounds. Following her as a “news story” instead of a person. Visits a Psychologist. “We are in control of our life and our destiny.” Tracy Gold. Paradigm shift – Central question is “HOW.”
Addiction: Anorexia nervosa is a disorder of the mind. A person cannot see that they are severely malnourished, and many eventually die. Describe your experience with others (or yourself) dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. How challenging of a process was it for the person to acknowledge the addiction? Also describe the process the person used to change the behavior. Explain the impact this person has had on the people in his / her immediate circle.
Trudy Chase (6:48) (memory, abuse, repression, therapy, recovery, multiple personalities) – Multiple personalities 92 distinct people living within one mind. Brutally raped from a young age by a step father. At age 2 being fondled. Underwent years of therapy. She “shattered” her personality. Sexual abuse.
Events that impact our lives: Sexual abuse is a traumatizing event, even if occurs only once. Unfortunately for many people in Trudy’s situation, it is not a one-time event. These series of abuses are the foundation of her multiple personalities.
Perhaps we can shift the focus to positive events that have shaped who we are. Describe an event or events that have helped shape your personality. Give a detailed account of the event and how it impacted you and still impacts you today.
Joni Jacques (2:38) (motivation, heroes, role models, inspiration, making a difference) – stand in a Oprah’s Shoes Success is taking what you have to offer and move some else to a next level. (not completely accurate)
Using your gifts to help others: What are the gifts you possess that can help improve the lives of others.
Mr. Dawson (motivation, dreams, passion, bucket list, education, learning) – age 100. Learned to read at the age of 98. Teacher “Watching him learn to read is one of the greatest experiences of my life.” Literacy is taken for granted! It is never too late. “Education, no matter how old you are, is still the open door to freedom.”
Your Education: Evaluate your thoughts on reading. Do you enjoy reading? Do you value reading? Do you read often? Why or why not? Do you agree with Oprah’s words – “Education, no matter how old you are, is still the open door to freedom.”? Explain.
Evaluate your attitude to your high school education. How hard do you work? Do you strive to do the best you can in all your classes? Do you consider yourself a “life-long” learner?
Here is another link related to Mr. Dawson: http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/The-Greatest-Lessons-on-The-Oprah-Show_1/8
Erin Krupps (9:44) (motivation, dreams, love, write it forward, vision, playing the cards you are dealt, simple things, gratitude, circle of control, personal loss) – Video tapes and letters to her children. Nice guy with a Backbone. Living for the moment, Living in the moment. Coping better because of the videos. Buy presents each year and wrote letters.
Kate and Zach (4:15) (the “moment,” valuable memories, playing the cards you are dealt, simple things, gratitude, circle of control, personal loss) – Faced the trauma with Optimism and Hope. I can face death with a sense of peace”
What was the most memorable moment? bowl of Cherrios at 2:00 AM. Value the little things in life: a bowl of cereal. The simple intimate moments.
Jacqui Saburito (14:06) (trauma, adversity, paradigm shift, decisions, emotion, perseverance) – endured 50 surgeries and faces years of surgery ahead. A woman who defines “survival.” Killed by a high school student. Every day is a fight. Are you glad you lived? Yes! The mother of the driver speaks with her. “Life changes in an instant.” On fire for over a minute, skin melted away, parts of her still stuck to the seat. 3rd degree burns covering 60% of her body. “I went from a football hero on Friday night to a jail cell.” Unconscious for 10 months. I miss my body, independence, opportunities, my future. Sometimes I want to be in another body. She is forgiving of the driver.
Life can change in a second: This story illustrates how fragile life. One accident, ended 2 lives, sent a high school senior to prison, and drastically altered one survivor’s life, Jaqui. She still maintains a positive outlook on life. If you know of people who have had a “life changing second,” describe that person, event, and the impact on the loved ones.
Every day is a fight – Feel sorry for herself 5 minutes a day. Do not feel bad about a situation in your life for a long time. Deal with the cards you are dealt and make the most of it. “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
Tish Hooker (2004) (6:17) (pay it forward, random acts of kindness, self-esteem, ripple effect) – You never know how what you say can lift a person up. “You are as cute as a speckled pup.”
Mattie (2001) (10:51) (EMOTION, vision, dreams, goals, circle of influence, goals) – No words are necessary, it is perhaps one of the most moving stories you will ever see. There will be many watery eyes in your class.
Here is another linked related to this clip: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/In-Memory-of-Mattie-Stepanek
My Town Tutors is a website that connects parents with teachers who tutor. If you are a teacher who tutors, for a limited time, you can register for using promo code: usteachers. Teachers set the hourly and keep 100% of the fees! One of our teachers made $5,000 last year tutoring.
It is FREE for parents to search for a teacher in their area. Please help us find ONE MORE teacher who tutors!
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All Kids Can SUCCEED – Be the "1"
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All Kids Can SUCCEED – Be the “1”
There has been much debate in education on who is ultimately responsible for a child’s learning. In a perfect world the parents would be the child’s first teachers. They would then work closely with the best educators in the best schools using the best curriculum. The students would receive an equitable education in a beautiful facility and then attend college for free, or enter the work force or military with strong values and appropriate skills. If this were happening with every child we wouldn’t have debate on how we educate our children in America. But as you know, this is the exception, not the rule.
IT STARTS WITH 1
I don’t mean to trivialize such a complex debate, but I will attempt to simplify. It starts with 1 caring adult who shows genuine interest in a child and believes wholeheartedly that they can, and will SUCCEED. This adult must then commit to doing “whatever it takes” to help that child succeed. This adult can be a parent, teacher, sibling, friend, relative, administrator, grandparent, etc. An emotion we don’t often talk about in education is LOVE. We have too many children in our schools that don’t feel loved. This 1 adult offers this through caring, sharing and advocating for the child. My personal education philosophy is to treat each child as if they were my own. That means care for them, love them, discipline them and treat them with respect. If every child had at least 1 adult in their corner, they could succeed. Will that adult be you?
PERSONAL STORY
I can relate to children who may have it tough, and that is why I always knew I would be a teacher. I was fortunate to have two loving parents, who instilled in me that school, sports and a strong work ethic were important. I grew up in the projects on government cheese & food stamps. But I was happy and enjoyed school, because I was loved. I would go to the school gym on Saturday’s for “Boys Gym” where we’d play bombardment and other fun games. I’ll never forget when the instructor of Saturday school pulled me aside and told me that an EDUCATION was the meal ticket to success. He told me to get out of the projects. I remember asking myself at 10 years old- how can I get out of the projects I’m only a kid?
Looking back, I realize that by relentlessly pursuing an education I was able to reach my goals and enjoy a quality life. I also realize that I was fortunate enough to have more than 1 adult care about me. I wasn’t concerned with my socio-economic status, how nice my school building looked, or how many great teachers I had. I was intrinsically motivated to succeed because people I trusted and respected valued education & did “whatever it took” to make sure I understood that.
Imagine how many children out there have NO adult support, attention and love? I hope that after reading this you can think of a child who may need your attention, support and love and become the 1. -
The Mountain Story: Our Lives are a Reflection of our Actions
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With my perception and sensation unit, I share this story with my students. A great lesson on how we should view the world.
“A son and his father were walking on the mountains.
Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams: “AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”
To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain:
“AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”
Curious, he yells: “Who are you?”
He receives the answer: “Who are you?”
Angered at the response, he screams: “Coward!”
He receives the answer: “Coward!”
He looks to his father and asks: “What’s going on?”
The father smiles and says: “My son, pay attention.”
And then he screams to the mountain: “I admire you!”
The voice answers: “I admire you!”
Again the man screams: “You are a champion!”
The voice answers: “You are a champion!”
The boy is surprised, but does not understand.
Then the father explains: “People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE.
It gives you back everything you say or do.
Our life is simply a reflection of our actions.
If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart.
If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence.
This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life;
Life will give you back everything you have given to it.”
YOUR LIFE IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. IT’S A REFLECTION OF YOU!”
Author Unknown