Our Language In Influence in our Community

As we begin our blog, I had my first AHA moment on pages 2 - 4 of our book.  As I read these two pages I started thinking of myself as a mom, teacher, team member, and faculty member.  One of my areas of growth is that I always focus on the things that I DIDN'T get done, or DIDN'T do to reach someone the way I intended.  Focusing on what IS happening and taking time to celebrate, I feel is the first step in building self efficacy, as well as student efficacy.  I was also intrigued by how our students can teach us about our own classrooms.  I plan to ask my students how do they see themselves as readers, mathematicians, or leaders.  I think it will be interesting to see how they respond.  What were your thoughts about the topics discussed on these pages?  Did anybody make any connections?

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones

"Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words could never hurt me."
And this I knew was surely true
And truth could not desert me.

But now I know it is not so.
I've changed the latter part;
For sticks and stones may break the bones
But words can break the heart.

Sticks and stones may break the bones
But leave the spirit whole,
But simple words can break the heart
Or silence crush the soul.

By Herb Warren

This poem is found on the first page of our book, and I feel it is so powerful! Isn't it so true how our choice of words, or lack of them, can mean so much? I am so excited about exploring this book with everyone! I hope we can meet to discuss and keep our blog alive!