Cherie's Random Thoughts

We are energized when we are learning and progressing, and we begin psychologically to die when we allow ourselves to stagnate.” Quinn, R. E. (2010). Deep Change: Discovering the Leader Within.      Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/capella/Doc?id=10412477&ppg=70 . Within every human being, there lies the capacity for energy and stagnation. When our flow is based in energy, we find that we love learning and our creativity is abundant. We are forward thinking in our thoughts and see the bigger picture. We are committed to moving through life’s challenges proactively and with a positive mindset. When we are stagnate, we have temporarily died. We no longer find joy in learning new things and often find it difficult when face with them. Our energy level plummets and we no longer can creatively solve life problems. We develop a negative mindset and cannot look beyond our own two feet. When I read this quote in “Deep Change: Discovering the Le...

How the Chicago Public School District Compares - Graphic - NYTimes.com This was a very insightful article. While reading it I wondered the following: How much are teacher's worth? Can teacher's ever be paid for all they do? How does pay in the US compare to salaries of teacher abroad? How come teachers working in child care centers never included in this type of data or done so separately? As a early childhood professor, who has worked as a child care director and Pre-K teacher, I find that I will NEVER be paid my worth! The rewards of teaching often keep the dedicated coming back time after time, but something has to give in this country. We need to find and create a system that pays teachers in all areas of the country adequately, including those working in child care. In addition, carrot awards work temporarily and will not fix the problems in education. We must as a SOCIETY own up that we all are part of the PROBLEM and stop the blame game.

Read your materials. Turn off the television, unplug the phone, and just sit with your books, notes, and websites, and, as you read, jot simple comments and questions: “Key point.” “Needs a visual.” “Too easy?” Hendricks, Shellee (Author). (2011). Notes on Teaching : A Short Guide to an Essential Skill.      Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/capella/Doc?id=10497469&ppg=36. As a an educator I understand the importance of reading on a daily basis. Educators should commit to reading something each day of the week, whether it is an educational blog, a book on a topic they are trying to learn more about and/or their favorite novel. In the digital age it is critical that educators model excellent reading habits to their students and colleagues. We should take time to read on and offline, visit our library-in person and virtually, and encourage our students to share what they have learned from their readings. Reading and sharing go hand-in-hand! They both l...

10 Words to Live By The other evening I stumble across this great post by Mark and Angel Hack Life regarding 10 words to live by. I would like to give my interpretation from an educator's eyes.  Positivity:  A must have for anyone who educates another. A positive educator is one who sees hope where there is despair, sunshine when there is rain, and see potential in everyone they educate. When we see the positive in our students, whether adult and/or child, we are not limited by their less than desirable traits but inspired by their positive ones to provide them with the best education possible.    Patience:  Great educators must have patience with their students. We cannot engage in behavior that lessens the self-esteem of learner and must take time to get to know each of our students.  Courage:  Great educators who courageous are those that are willing to take risks for the students they teach. Courageous teachers think out of the ...

This post was originally posted on my Posterous blog.  This morning I listen to an NPR article called, "A Recess Coach for Kids?"  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125624125   As I listen to this and reflected on my own blessed childhood, I continue to ponder when and where did children forget how to play? As a child was able to have unstructured recess and engage in play creatively. Over the past 20 years, we have created a whole group of children who no longer need to play. They possibly do need someone to intervene, a play coach, to re-teach them how to play during recess and play in general. The question I have is does using a play coach solve the problems that led to children not being able to know how to play during recess or is it simply a Band-Aid on a larger issue? Either way, we need to DO SOMETHING! We cannot allow students to grow into adulthood without learning how to play. Play allows a person to be creative, work thro...

You Think 60,000 Thoughts A Day. Don’t Waste 59,999 Of ‘Em On Limited Negative Thinking [PIC] « Positively Positive T his evening I saw the above photo and posted these thoughts on my Facebook page:  Love this one and we will need it this election cycle. Negativity breeds negativity. It leads no where, does not create jobs, solve health problems, or support education. I am amazed how quickly we can fall into a negative mode when life be comes not when we envisioned, or when someone or something disappoints me. It saddens me the talk I hear surrounding this election and the fact that many putting the soul faith in one person to solve the problems of this country. As it takes a "village to raise a child" it takes a nation to create jobs and improves the lives of everyone.   In the late 80's early and early 90's when George Bush, Sr. was president I DID NOT BLAME him for the economy and the fact that my father had lost his job, going from 80K to 0 in 60 second...