Articles by: Chris Wondra

Every year in the spring, the day before the last day of school, we have an event we call, “Eighth Grade Recognition.” It’s like a mini-graduation ceremony. Kids dress up. All the parents come and sit in the bleachers. The band plays. The choir sings. Student’s speak and introduce each other. Our principal gives an inspiring message. This year, one of my eighth graders wrote and delivered a great message he titled, “Mom! Dad! Look at me!”

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

You already know what bringing a positive attitude and a smile does to your classroom environment. What you may not realize, however, is just how much influence your energy actually has on your surrounding community. According to recent research, emotions can spread like viruses. And what you’re spreading reaches far beyond anything you may have previously imagined.

“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called ‘truth.'”

In recent months, the Library of Congress has piloted a new photo series on the photo-intensive website, Flickr. If you’ve never been to Flickr, it’s essentially a website where photographers from around the world are uploading and sharing their photos, and commenting on the photographs other people post.

In this case, Flickr has teamed up with an unlikely photographer (or should I say archive of American historical photography), and the results are literally breathtaking. One example alone is Jack Delano’s “In the waiting room of Union Station”, taken in Chicago, Illinois. The photo features two officers who create shadows in spotlight-like beams of sunshine coming in from the gothic windows above.

Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.

“The 6 career secrets no one ever told you: 1) There is no plan. 2) Think strengths, not weaknesses. 3) It’s not about you. 4) Persistence trumps talent. 5) Make excellent mistakes. 6) Leave an imprint.”

Heard of Wordle? Check the newest “Technology in the Classroom” minute to implement Wordle with a few clicks. The blog post is itself “Wordled,” so not only will you better understand what the site can do, but you will see application and ways in which the site can be used in the classroom. Click now!

“It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm.'”