Her Happy Heart

I have been teaching as a

long term sub for the

last three weeks.

I have been

challenged

and 

have learned so stinkin' much!

I am working with

children who have

special needs

and yes,

there have been

some days

I wanted to cry,

but it has taught me several

very important things...

1.  Be direct in simple terms.

This one actually has helped me in parenting

my own teenagers...in fact one day

my 15 year old son looked at

me and said, "You looked like you really meant that!"

Yep, I needed that lesson.

2.  Celebrate the simple victories!

and

my favorite...

3.  Be a 'bucket filler.'

If you  haven't read the Bucket books,

they are a must!  

4.  Treat students as smart and valuable people, no matter their level

of 'smartness.'

There is a 5th grade teacher I have had the privilege of

observing on several occasions, she so gently

brings the students back to what they

are supposed to be doing,

while at the same time making them

feel like successful little people.  What a gift she has.

5.  Have a happy heart!

This is my favorite.  My teammate was setting goals

with her students and modeled it by putting

her own goals up, this was one of her goals.  I love the fact that

she is teaching this very important life skill and showing

by example every single day,

what a happy heart looks like.

"A happy heart is good medicine."

Yeah, it's in scripture too,

so be good to

your soul

and live with a happy heart.

These are photos of some signs

I did recently, I found

some cowgirl

ones that just

reached my funny bone.

Enjoy!

(A glimpse of my painting table.)

It's time to rock it with 

happiness girls!

Blessings,

Deedee