Celebrate World Teachers' Day- October 5, 2010

Whether you Homeschool your children or you send them to school, we can all celebrate the teachers of our lives.   I grew up in Sloatsburg, NY back in the 60's and early 70's.  I will always remember two of my teachers, Mrs. Judson from the first grade and Mrs. Seaman from the sixth grade. 

I have vivid memories of both classrooms.  It feels just like yesterday that I was sitting at those desks with my head full of dreams and excitement.  I wanted to become an artist and I loved to draw and write.

Both teachers were amazing women.  I remember at such a young age what Mrs. Judson would do.  We had a little girl who would sometimes have accidents and because she was so poor would come to school a little disheveled.  It broke my heart, but Mrs. Judson had it all under control.  She had extra clothing just for her in a back closet.  She would clean her up and put fresh clothes on her. It was amazing to see the transformation, she would walk into the classroom, sad, with her head down and once Mrs. Judson was finished, her whole personality and stature changed!

Mrs. Seaman was strict but an awesome teacher.  I learned so much from her.  I remember the day that one of my classmate's mom passed away.  He was heartbroken, but Mrs. Seaman was there for him during that time of loss.  She pushed us beyond our comfort zones.  I was pretty shy and for some reason I was chosen to be one of the Valedictorians at our 6th grade graduation!  Although normally that would have made me physically ill, she gave me the confidence I needed to pull that off!

I will always remember my teachers, but especially Mrs. Judson and Mrs. Seaman.  I wish I had visited them at least once after I left the school.  I should have thanked them and let them know how much they touched my life. 

Do you have a special teacher that you remember?  What did he or she do that helped you?  I would love to hear your stories. 

Here is a nice video that I would like to share from Simple Truths, to honor all the teachers in our lives!

Back to School Tips for Parents, by Kathryn White, Author of "Ruby's School Walk"

My children are all grown now, however I remember the first day of school for each of my sons. They were all so excited and seemingly grown up! I would walk them each to their classrooms and they all ended up saying, "Okay mom you can go now"! Of course I was devastated, now I can laugh, but back then I would just sit in my car and cry!!



I would love to hear some of your stories of when your children went off to school for the first time. Enjoy the article!~Lisa



"It happens every autumn. Millions of young children start school for the very first time. They carry backpacks, lunchboxes, pencils, sometimes a grin on their face, but more often, a look of trepidation about what school will really be like. They wonder: Will my teacher be nice? Will I have friends? What if I can’t find my way? Who will sit with me? What will I do? What if I don’t like it? What if I miss home? What if it’s too hard?



As parents guiding our children off to start school for the first time, or to begin a new school year, we want to do all we can to ensure that they have a great experience. At the same time, we want to encourage their independence as they set off on a new journey in their development.



Kathryn White, author of Ruby's School Walk, early educator and mom of five children, shared her tips to ease children's start-of-school anxiety and make this an enjoyable milestone:



* Read with your child and talk about the school experience. Share with them stories about your memories of school, both the good and the less so. School is an adventure, and like all adventures, it has its ups and downs.


* Help spark your child’s imaginations about school to encourage them to talk about their concerns and face their fears. You can do this through stories, books, drawings and other art forms. Ask them questions such as what they think school will be like, what they are excited about and worried about, what they think they will learn, etc. These conversations can also be had with grandparents and other favorite people in your child’s life.


* Build a community in your neighborhood. It is amazing what a familiar and friendly face can do to help a child overcome their fears about going to school. As your family journeys to school each day you might see this friendly neighbor, or only see them occasionally, but it will help your child feel comfortable and safe on their trip to school.


* Sit down together and create a fun map to school. Note interesting landmarks and have your child color them in or place numbers at each point. On that first morning to school, your child will be preoccupied with checking off the landmarks on their special map. The school can be drawn with welcome signs, making it a great triumph upon their arrival.


* Walk with your child to school whenever possible. If you don’t live nearby, take public transport, bike or drive and get out a few blocks away and walk together. The walk will become a meaningful way to spend time together and help get the day off on the right foot.


* Create traditions. Take pictures of your child in front of your home or on their way to school. Each year you can reflect back on these first day of school photos and see how much your child has grown in every way.


* Know that if the first day went well or didn’t go well, there are many more days of school throughout the year and peaks and valleys along the way.



We hope your child’s first experience with school is part of their magnificent journey of growing up!"