Everything Begins Somewhere | Motivational

With the possible exception of the equator, everything begins somewhere.

Your Mind is a Parachute | Motivational

Your Mind is a Parachute - it Only Works if it's Open!

Involve me and I learn. | Motivational

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father, politician, author, inventor, diplomat, the first Postmaster General, and much more. Franklin also signed both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

Today's quote from Franklin is one that he likely took to heart, especially when experimenting with electricity, bifocals, and even ocean currents in the Atlantic : Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye | Inspirational

Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

In the original French: "Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." From The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint Exupéry.

Autumn is a Second Spring | Inspirational

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

Albert Camus, quoted in Visions from Earth by James R. Miller.

Patience and Perseverance Over Strength | Motivational

Great works are performed not by strength 

but by perseverance.

Patience - it's not a trait easily taught, but if the teacher has enough to spare, it will sprout in the pupil. Samuel Johnson's quote is one that helps keep your kids' heads in the game. The whole class, teacher included, is in this together, and if you all take it day by day, before you know it the final grades are in, and they are looking great!
It's also Internet Slowdown Day, where our favorite sites (Netflix, Etsy, Grooveshark) are showing us what service would look like if the FCC doesn't protect net neutrality. Even today's fastest internet connection would remind you of old 56K modem service if the web was to slow down. If it does, then we'll all need a little more patience.

Why I Write, Anne Frank | Motivational

Why Your Students Should Write Everyday

The easiest way to improve a student's writing skill is by having them practice...everyday. It's also the hardest habit to start, so some motivation is probably needed. There are thousands of inspirational and motivational quotes out there from writers about writing, but Anne Frank was only a teenager when she wrote this one.

Students relate to this in several ways: the connection with someone their own age, the urge to unburden themselves of the trials of growing up. They are also jolted into the reality that Frank's story is true, and that the world is bigger than they think, for better and worse.

If you are lucky enough to talk only one student into writing everyday, remind them that they write for themselves first, and while they will benefit in class, they will benefit more from what they find inside themselves as they write.