www.dutchsouthern.com...

Check out www.dutchsouthern.com It's a GREAT place to buy unique movie themed T-Shirts. The shirts are AWESOME and are done by different artists. A lot of them have connections with www.threadless.com

Keep chasing your Red Rubber Ball and Living the Dream.

What's your Red Rubber Ball...

As many of you know from reading my blog, I am a HUGE fan of Kevin Carroll's Rules of the Red Rubber Ball. Well, he has truly outdone himself with his new book "What's your Red Rubber Ball". It is absolutely GLORIOUS and I can't wait to implement it into my classroom this fall.

It truly is amazing, I just love the Magic Box activity and the questions Kevin asks..."What makes you laugh or smile, what in life do you find irristable...". I know my students are going to love tackling their dreams and creating their own boxes of magic this year.

I encourage ALL teachers to pick up a copy right now and even if you can't fit it into your curriculum, I think it would be GREAT to make your own box of magic to show your students. You can read more about the book by clicking on the link below.

http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Your-Red-Rubber-Ball/dp/1933060565/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217797215&sr=8-1

Well pre-planning is a week away and I am SUPER excited. I hope to write once or twice a week throughout the school year. I would love to hear the exciting things that are going on in your life and if you teach, what excites you about the upcoming school year.

All the best...and keep living the Dream!!!

Sam

Finals Week...

So our last week of school has begun. I gave two finals today and will continue the routine on Monday-Wednesday and give make-ups on Thursday. Life is good!!!

I woke up this morning at 2:00 AM with the mantra "I can do better" in my head. For the last 4 years the end of the school year has been difficult for me because I see all of the students I did not reach rather than the ones I did. I am driven to do better next year and have some new ideas, so I am excited about the next bunch of kids.

But I don't want to get ahead of myself. I am just going to enjoy the summer and recharge the batteries. I am looking forward to my first graduation at Sandalwood next Thursday. Should be fun!

BTW, Indiana Jones was VERY disappointing. Not terrible, the Aliens just really took me out of the movie.

Indiana Jones...

Two posts in a week, what can I say things are winding down for this school year. That leaves just one thing, recharging your batteries at the Movie Theater. What better way than to see Indiana Jones 4. I am super excited to see a new installment to the franchise, although the trailers do look a little weak.

So if you get a chance, go check out Indiana Jones 4 this weekend and if you haven't seen Iron Man, what's wrong with you? You can definitely watch two films over the Memorial Day Weekend. Enjoy your weekend, and I will be posting my thoughts on Indiana Jones early next week.

Randy Pausch...

I had an interesting experience a few weeks ago after a challenging day in my classroom and I am still feeling the affects. I ran accross a talk by former Carnagie Mellon professor Randy Pausch. It was an inspiring 1 hour and 15 minutes. GLORIOUS! A couple of take aways that just blew me away...

Brick Walls exist not so that we would stop what we are doing, but to keep those who are not as passionate as we are away. The fact is if people are not passionate about something as soon as they see the brickwall, they will focus their attention and efforts elsewhere. This simple idea spoke right into my current situation...

Don't be afraid to ask. This was also an amazing reminder for me. Sometimes, I get so busy that forget that you can get more accomplished by asking for help. Most people welcome the opportunity to help you. Just ask...

Below is a link of the talk on YouTube. I hope you enjoy! Plus he has a book that covers some of the same ideas. It is just more indepth. I am currently reading it and am thoroughly enjoying it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTugjssqOT0

Living the Dream,

Sam

Coming down the home stretch...

It definitely feel like we are almost to the end. Just four more weeks left and with MAP Tests, End of Course Exams, and Finals, it almost feels like we are almost done already. I am finding myself getting a lot of ideas for next year and doing a lot of analyzing of what worked and didn't work this year. Here are a couple of my thoughts and the list keeps growing.

Things I plan to keep for next year

1. I loved making READING a priority in my classroom this year and talking to my students about their favorite books and what they are reading.
2. I will definitely do the Red Rubber Ball Journals next year, they were a HUGE success.
3. StrengthsFinder was a lot of fun and will be interested to start that from the beginning of the year instead of January. I am looking forward to my Strengths Night with students and parents later this month.
4. I really enjoyed using the Springboard curriculum and plan to do at least 10 Modules next year.

Things I plan to change for next year

1. Less homework, but more meaningful homework assignments. 1-2 a week.
2. Have 5 BIG experiences for my students. (Guest Speakers/Projects/Movie Clip Day)
3. Incorporate what I learned from Chip and Dan Heath's book "Made to Stick".
4. FOCUS on the value of hard work in my classroom and building in my students what it feels like to do a job well and congratulate them on the small successes they achieve on a daily basis.

It is definitely frustrating towards the end of the year for me because I see more of what I didn't accomplish than what I did but that just gives me more to work at next year.

Moment of clarity...

I had a really rough day with my 3rd Period students yesterday and could not shake it off. I was just frustrated that my students were not putting forth effort and disappointed that I could not motivate them. Then when I woke up this morning I realized why I was so frustrated. It was because I love to achieve and get things done and when people don't have that same drive it frustrates me.

I realized that the sound of my students working energizes me! So I changed up my lesson into 3 mini assignments and my students did well. They worked the entire period and I was able to throw in some encouraging words in the end. A VERY energizing and good day!!!

So what energizes you about your job? How do you recover/refocus after a rough day at work. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

New book to read..."Learnt"...

I ran accross this book, "Learnt" by Edward Baldwin a couple of weeks ago while visiting my brother in Orlando. I was drawn to the book because of the title and was pleasantly surprised to read that the author lives in Jacksonville. I have since exchanged e-mails with Mr. Baldwin. He is definitely the REAL deal and I am looking forward to starting Learnt this weekend. He gave me some good pointers on writing and how to focus and get your point accross. If you get a chance be sure to pick it up. It is not everyday a book is written about High School students and the struggles of teaching.

Another good book around a similar primace is Wonderland by Michael Bamburger. Bamburger ended up spending a year at a High School up in Pennsylvania and writing about his experiences. I gulped that one a couple of years ago.

So have you read any good books lately? Look forward to reading your thoughts!

Watch Oprah on Friday!!!

I am not the biggest Oprah fan, but will be watching this Friday. She is doing a show dedicated to people who hate their jobs and Marcus Buckingham will be on. It sounds like a neat premise. He took a group of women over a 5-month period and coached them through their career crisis' through the use of StrengthsFinder and his Trombone Player Wanted Short-Film series. I am interested in seeing the show. Marcus is an AMAZING speaker and has a PASSION for the Strengths Movement.

I am not sure what time Oprah comes on in your area, but check your local listens or you can go on her website at http://www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml

I hope y'all are having a GREAT week. Mine has been full of many ah-ha moments and laughter with my students. As well as taking friends through strengths-coaching. I love to help people to reach their full-potential. I am TRULY living the dream.

What is your Hi-Light of the Week so far...I look forward to reading your thoughts...more later.

I LOVE LA...

Not only is it a great song by Randy Newman, but it expresses my feelings for Los Angeles. Just got back from my trip and it was GLORIOUS! I am a huge fan of LA and it was fun experiencing StrengthsFinder training and eating at In and Out.

I am excited to bring the Strengths Movement to Jacksonville, not only in the classroom, but to my church as well. The possibilities are endless.

I saw three enjoyable movies over the weekend.

My Blueberry Nights - A great road trip movie about a young woman's journey (Norah Jones) as she finds herself and encounters many unique people along the way. Definitely worth your time. 3 1/2 stars.

Run Fatboy Run - A great comedy about the importance of commitment and persevering through life. If you are a fan of Simon Pegg (Sean of the Dead), you will enjoy this one. 3 stars

Leatherheads - George Clooney and Renee Zellwigger are great in this fun movie about pro-football in the 1920's. This one is not to be missed. 3 stars

I was reminded of how sweet the journey of life is while I was in Los Angeles. May you take some time to enjoy yourself today and experience life fully where you are.

Christmas in April...

I am in the middle of Spring Break and enjoying EVERY minute of it. The list is long of why I love being a teacher and Spring Break is certainly one of them.

I am off to Los Angeles tomorrow and am SO excited I can hardly contain myself. It has been 4 years since I have been back and Iam looking forward to visiting places that were dear to my heart during my time in 2003 (Ameoba, In and Out, Cafe 101). Should be a good time. I am also looking forwad to watching Leatherheads at the Arclight. Tonight feels a little like the night before Christmas and hope that I am able to get some sleep tonight. If not I will have plenty of time to sleep on the plane. I love to fly!!!

I ran accross a cool talk by Dave Eggers yesterday. It is well worth your time. Dave's passion for students is SO contagious. I look forward to reading your thoughts and will be back next week to blog about my experience in Los Angeles. Until then, I hope you are inspired by Dave's words!

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/233

Jenifer Fox...

Sorry it has taken a while to update my blog. School has been crazy, trying to finish the nine weeks and getting grades in. I am excited about having a week off to recharge my batteries.

It was great meeting Jennifer Fox last Thursday night at her book signing in Orlando. Her presentation was AWESOME! A couple of things have stuck with me over the last week and I even began talking with my students about the ideas in class today.

First, what is a strength? Most students get this, it's something that you do well. But more than that, it is something that makes you feel STRONG and gets you excited! Secondly, I asked them what is the opposite of a strength, most of the students said weakness. I said not necessarily, and asked one of my students how he felt when he did something he was not good at. He said he felt like crap. That's the key, the opposite of a strength is DEPLETION.

The key to living a strong life is doing the things that excite you and staying away from the activities that deplete you. That's how you will find true fullfillment in your work.

Jenifer also made a statement that I firmly believe will change the lives of students. She said, "Your strengths are what make you EXCEPTIONAL." As a teacher I know how true that statement is. I get excited about the thought of spending the last nine weeks helping students to find their strengths and helping them to experience success and strive to be exceptional on a daily basis.

I would love to read your thoughts.

Do you agree with Jenifer's statement, "Your strengths are what make you exceptional."
Also, what are your strengths and what depletes you and how are you currently staying on your strengths path.

More to come. I am off to Los Angeles next week for StrengthsFinder training. I can hardly contain my excitement!!!

Benjamin Zander...

Who is Benjamin Zander you ask. He is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and author of the book "The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life". I was listening to a Podcast last night and the speaker was talking about Mr. Zander and being a teacher I was intrigued by the title. Afterall that's what I try to inspire my students to do everyday, imagine what you could become or do with your life. If this is anything like "Uncommon Genius", it should be a REAL treat and well worth your time.

I am super excited to be attending Jenifer Fox's book signing tonight in Orlando, Florida. If you have not gotten her book, what are you waiting for...it's FABULOUS!!!

Your Child's Strengths: Discover Them, Develop Them, Use Them by Jenifer Fox M.Ed.

I will be writing about my experience next week. Until then have a GLORIOUS Easter Holiday with your families.

You have to watch this movie!!!

Chalk is a mockumentary that was shot in Texas and its opening scene showed the following statistic...

50% of teachers leave the profession before their third year

This statistic absolutely floored me. I knew teacher retention was a problem, but I didn't know it was that bad. I saw chalk for the first-time at The Jacksonvlle Film Festiville in 2006. At the time I was finishing my second-year and was thinking about what I was going to do next year. I loved the movie, it was shot like The Office and had some really likable characters and I loved the dialogue. A lot of the conversations and thoughts were ideas that I had been pondering over the last couple of months and towards the end of my first-year of teaching in 2005.

If you get a chance, rent or buy the movie. It is VERY inspiring and is a good motivator for first-year, new teachers. It will make you laugh, but also remind you of the impact that we make on the lives of students as teachers.

If you get a chance to see Chalk or have seen it. I would love to read your thoughts...

What's your Red Rubber Ball?

I attended a conference last year and a person I met there told me about Kevin Carroll. She told me that he was a motivational speaker and has written a wonderful book called "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball". I was interested so I bought a copy and was blown away. I was so inspired that I decided to share it with my students last year and they loved the book. I even created a "Red Rubber Ball Gang". The group only had two requirements for initiation. First you had to memorize the 7 rules and secondly, you had to know what your red rubber ball is. This year I took it a step furthur and bought journals for my students and they read the book and wrote journal entries about their experience reading the book and telling me what their read rubber ball was. Some of the entries made me tear up. It is a joy being in a job where you can connect on a heart level with the people you are trying to impact.

So what's your red rubber ball? What excites and energizes you? For more inspiration check out http://www.kevincarrollkatalyst.com/

Strengths Movement in Schools

I am SUPER excited to read Jenifer Fox's new book "Your Child's Strengths: Discover Them, Develop Them, Use Them". I have been using Gallup's StrengthFinder in my classroom with my students and am excited to finally get my hands on a actual strength-based curriculum that has helped students to reach their full potential in the classroom.

Like, Jenifer, I believe that teaching to a student's strengths in the next big idea in education. If you are interested in reading more about the strengths movement in schools check out the website, www.strengthsmovement.com . It has a wealth of resources for teachers and also has an on-line community where you can interact with other people from around the world that are passionate about the strengths movement.

If you have taken StrengthsFinder. I would love to read your 5 strengths. If you have not, you can purchase StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath at any bookstore and take the assesment online by using the code that accompanies the book.

More to come. I look forward to having many strength conversations on this blog. I am excited to see what will happen with the strength revolution in schools over the next couple of months as more people are exposed to the benefits of teaching to students strengths.

...Charles "Tremendous" Jones...

I ran across the quote by Charles "Tremendous" Jones in December and decided to give my students an assignment over Chrisnas Break...The goal, read a book that you REALLY REALLY enjoy over Christmas break and write a journal entry about it. I have to admit I was pretty skeptical about whether or not my students would take the assignment seriously much less do it. Boy was I pleasantly surprised, 90% of my students completed the assignment, to this day it is my most successful homework assignment. There is something to the fact that LEADERS are READERS, as Mr. Jones says...now that's a legacy to leave behind...that we as teachers would turn our students into life-long readers and they would turn into leaders that would change our world for the better!!!

BOOKS you MUST READ!!!

"Rules of the Red Rubber Ball" By Kevin Carroll

"Made to Stick" By Chip and Dan Heath

"The Go-Giver" By Bob Burg and John David Mann

"Love is the Killer App" By Tim Sanders

Uncommon Genius" By Denise Shekerjian

My goal is to read 20 books in 2008...I have read 5 so far and am well on my way...What has been a book that has inspired you this year? Look forward to reading your thoughts...