I had a middle school student fall into some trouble. At first he denied what had happened, but as other educators spoke with him, and dug deeper, he admitted to being at fault. 👏 I had to come up with a way for him to feel comfortable talking things through. What I decided was to provide him with the opportunity to create a slideshow while spending the day in ISS. I visited him in reflection and asked him if he had the chance to do things differently, would he? That day, he went home and confided in his mom. She must have had a heart to heart conversation with him because the next day he decided to open up and accept his mistakes.  

Here's what my little guy came up as a way to tell someone he was sorry 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bNNoNooF9DSP7COGvo1bFx_EGg0FV1RaajloE4fYK1M/edit#slide=id.p

KNOWING and UNDERSTANDING LOVE

February 14, 2016

Happy Valentine's Day!

Throughout my childhood, I've been taught to feel LOVE; as throughout my infancy, I've been shown and was given PURE LOVE.

As a young woman, I remained steady and submerged in the LOVE that I was taught as a child and shown and given during infancy.

In my older years, as I became a wife and then a mother, I passed on the LOVE I'd been taught to feel and to demonstrate.

Regardless of the problems I experienced throughout my childhood, I remained feeling LOVED.......

I grew up, really up, really never understanding what anything other than LOVE truly felt like.

HATRED was something I didn't identify with, I never really truly understood. Instead, I'd pray for others, seeing hatred as a momentary setback that would somehow go away.

It was easy to get over the things that went wrong, because, despite these things (whether they'd been close to home or not) there was always LOVE that I was feeling, that was overflowing................

Within the past ten years, my loved ones have gotten much older, some have even moved on, some are gone from this earth forever.

LOVE, these days, is like a sport...........structured, and redirected. That is, it may be there, but mainly, the LOVE is geared toward a person who feels strongly about the sport.

This is a blessing, and thank goodness for LOVE regardless of its form.

But the LOVE shared among mankind comes in spurts and I guess I had to figure this out for myself because I never knew what anything other than LOVE felt like. 

Now, I understand the difference between LOVE and HATRED; that is, what it looks like, how it feels to receive, even how it feels to deliver, as I now believe that to completely transform oneself and be as one with GOD, a Christian must do. I guess this is what GOD waited on for as long as he could.

LOVE is patient, LOVE is kind........... LOVE is not envy...........

The LOVE I'd known my whole life seems to have dissipated. Many claim that these are signs of the times.

It is my opinion and my experience that with HATRED in the picture, LOVE seems more remote......

This is just something I've been wanting to say.

 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV / Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.   

1 Peter 5:10         And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

 

Impressionism to Post-Modernism; taking the Praxis II Art Content Exam

Hi folks,

As I prepare for the Praxis II Art Content I found remarkable literature at the local library as a source. I highly recommend Modern Art post Impressionism to Post Modernism published by Thames & Hudson, edited by David Britt.   It is a wonderful read that covers the Modern Art Era.

Makes me want to say, "I am the Degas of teachers" because his style was influenced by so much more than just light and colour.  And to think I never really paid much attention to him before now.

A must read!!!! 

I will add my findings to this post when done. Hopefully this will help me achieve a passing score. Wish me luck!

My final days as a graduate student (reflections)

May 9, 2013 Thursday

            Today was my first day at the McKeel Daycare Center. I met with Michelle and she introduced me to her staff. I have been assigned to the oldest group of students; they are 4 and 5 year olds getting ready for kindergarten.  The instructors Mrs. Meile and Mrs. Joan work with thirteen students in all. Approximately sixty percent of the children are from the surrounding community while forty percent have parents who are college professors and/or staff.  The lowest percent are children of parents attending the university.

Friday, May 10

            While working with a student (who joined this group in the past day or two), I was asked to use hand over hand while helping him write his letters. I learned that although these students are very young, in comparison to the students I normally work with, they are intelligent enough to know when to ask for help. It’s interesting to see students begin developing their writing skills as early as preschool, knowing they are still at risk for having poor reading and writing skills as they mature. The two teachers follow the curriculum and spend one on one time helping these children develop their fine motor skills.   I see this as a priority as they prepare these children for kindergarten. Often times I find myself comparing an older student (who is disadvantaged) to a high functioning preschooler, and wonder, how successful will this child be?  There are many factors to consider.

Monday, May 13 – I am ready for my own classroom. The first thing I would do is sit down with my administration and mentor and find out what subjects and what content I am going to cover. Then I would skillfully develop my lesson plans. I am very excited about my career in education and I think that’s the first step to becoming successful.

Tuesday, May 14 -- I believe the BEST lessons happen by chance. If you say something good and nurturing eventually it will spread. Students were complimenting each other in one way or another. I like your sweater, I like your sneakers, I like your jewelry. The teacher provided feedback by saying, “I like how you are speaking to one another,’ then repeated a few phrases which set the tone for her classroom. Never be afraid to do this with the older students because they too are in need of a positive lift. Remember, they are very small children on the inside who are not experienced as positive thinkers. Try giving each student one strength to thrive on and watch what happens. I found my world changed dramatically because students heard me say repeatedly, “it is (or it is not) in the best interest of my students.” I wanted to do good by them, and, in turn, they learned to trust me. It takes time and patience and is why I am truly ready for my own classroom if I am to support higher learning.  I learned that positive behaviors are instrumental to learning.

Wednesday, May 15 –I highly recommend reading fairy tales to children that are spin offs to the original classics. Not only does it increase the attention span of the children, but it promotes critical thinking. For example, The Three Wolves and the Big Bad Pig was the rewritten version of The Three Little Pigs. The children began laughing instantaneously as the teacher read the title. We all know the idea and, as a teacher, I know this idea will stretch the intelligence of my pupils. Cognitively, students are putting together the idea that this version of the story replaces its predecessor and is intended to be humorous. Such a concept could be applied to content making it more attainable and generalized.  

I am thinking about all the strategies and techniques I would like to implement once I begin teaching. I am ready to begin a new chapter in my life; one that is fulfilling where I could take all my experiences and put them to work.

Thursday, May 16 -- This was my final day at the center. I feel accomplished over the past few weeks simply because my supervisor provided me with constructive feedback, professionalism, and her approach tended to be more nurturing. I don’t mean snuggly and warm I mean she talked about my strengths and provided ideas that could enrich my teaching style. As for educators who live by other standards……harsh remarks…...humiliation...……I find them counterproductive, always have and always will.  Such acts could only be deliberate because I’ve learned over the years it’s the only mechanism that destroys the spirit and ambition of ANY being. And when someone feels bad about themselves, they will inevitably come after you in fear that you will overshadow and make them look unwarranted (and if you think only those who lack education are capable of being ruthless, please, think again; It’s those who lack love, compassion, integrity, and dignity). Forgive me for being upfront. As stated in my philosophy on special education “We should all come to terms with the idea that each person is special and unique in his or her own way. What one person lacks, another thrives” It is this philosophy that will take civilization forward.

            I feel I have evolved into someone I love in that I am quite proud of my accomplishments. I hope and pray that the world will someday listen to me because I know what I am saying holds value, is fair, and is simply the truth.

 Friday, May 17
My final thought is that I am excited to teach children of any age. Being K-12 certified as a special educator means that I have one advantage over many. I incorporated several activities day to day but most of my initiatives have been cut short because they are not my students and it was not my class. The children and I discussed geography as we explored the earth’s globe. We talked about traveling to a specific region around the world, be it Africa, Australia, Egypt, India, or Spain. What animal would we find in Egypt? Camels! Africa? Zebra’s and Giraffe’s!

Where will our magic carpet take us today? I provided several prompts “Which animal would you like to see?” Then we must travel to ………………. !  Each child was given a turn to choose. I also covered days of the week for several minutes per day. I created a visual tool as well.

            Thank you and God Bless! Last night I attended my Masters in Education graduation ceremony and I found it invigorating.

Sincerely,
Sharon M. Perrotta-Thourot
M.Ed. Special Education Teacher
East Stroudsburg University

Are You For REAL?

Pharmaceutical companies are losing ground..... so now more medication is being forced on people.....and, of course, vulnerable people suffering from diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis....Now I've learned that sudden bursts of laughter (or crying) are the result of a neurological disorder....  Unbelievable!!! 

What about the expression on someone's face that is ridiculously funny; a personality that shows up in lieu of a comment???   What about the divine spark my husband and I share when we look at each other and share our most personal thoughts? What about love and joy that GOD  has placed in our hearts?  What about baby's first babble or the things our pets do to get our attention? 

What about the fact that someone is trying to measure up to God and, instead, is making a complete fool of himself.....  Arguably, expressions do not have the same value for all. Why not try being yourself by acting human as God intended? While some express joy, others chose not to and undoubtedly devalue thier lives.    If we were all alike, the world would be so unamazing.....and, for many, it is!

Monday after Epiphany
Lectionary: 212

Reading 1 1 Jn 3:22–4:6

Beloved:
We receive from him whatever we ask,
because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
And his commandment is this:
we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,
and love one another just as he commanded us.
Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them,
and the way we know that he remains in us
is from the Spirit whom he gave us.

Beloved, do not trust every spirit
but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God,
because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
This is how you can know the Spirit of God:
every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh
belongs to God,
and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus
does not belong to God.
This is the spirit of the antichrist
who, as you heard, is to come,
but in fact is already in the world.
You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them,
for the one who is in you
is greater than the one who is in the world.
They belong to the world;
accordingly, their teaching belongs to the world,
and the world listens to them.
We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us,
while anyone who does not belong to God refuses to hear us.
This is how we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.

Retrieved on: January 8th from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/010713.cfm

Remember, 2/3 will be sent to God, while 1/3 will go to Satan.  May God Bless you!

My response to Harvey's "If I were the Devil"

Here are some warning signs I've created for myself based on MY lifes experiences

The devil will try to trick you; his false promises will ultimately leave you in isolation.

 

Growing toward the Lord, and letting him know you need him, will bring you happiness, but first you must form a bond with him and him only.

 

Once you've formed a solid relationship with the Lord, through prayer and worship, and letting him fill your life, you will find love in your heart again.

 

Your spouse will adore and cherish you, but he too must stay constant with the Lord; pray together.

 

You will experience sudden bursts of joy and share love with your children once again.

 

When feeling doubtful, ask the Lord to get you through it. Ask him to walk you to where you are going (even if it's your mailbox).

 

The job that's meant for you will be given to you and you will prosper.

 

Never give up!  Remember the Lord walks with you, the Holy Spirit lives in you, Jesus Christ stands beside you at all times.

 

Hang Rosary Beads in your car, the one you drive the most! The Lord will be watching over you and people will understand you better.

 

Think of the things that made you happy as a child and mimic those things from time to time

Take out a photo album and look at pictures of a time you were most happy  

 

My last words: a quick blurb on the radio quoted this scripture from Timothy and it hasn't left me since.......'people examine acts of others, but the Lord examines the Heart"

 

Can you imagine devoting your entire life to a specific cause or ministry only to appear before Christ empty handed because your motive or attitude in carrying out that ministry was wrong? In eternity, everything we did for self will be abolished. Only what we did for love of Christ will remain.

When we give, we must learn to see ourselves as doing these things to Jesus and for love of Him. This is the only motive that will be rewarded by God in Heaven.

 

In the days when Jesus walked the earth, He clearly warned us about doing what we do with wrong motives. "Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven." [Mt 6:1]. This principle applies not only to fasting, prayer, and giving, but to anything we may do in this life.

 

In case you're wondering, The only two things I could think of that I did out of pure selflessness was go into education, where I spent time helping students that were classified as at-risk, eventhough I received no pay for my first two years. The second thing was.......I spent a candid day with someone who, for a second in time, I didn't want to be alone. 

May the Lord be with you.

Sharon Maria Perrotta-Thourot

Paul Harvey's "If I were the Devil"

A close family member recommended this article to me. A culmination of what people

could do to the world out of selfishness and greed. Paul Harvey Radio Commentator wrote this article in

1965, maybe earlier.

PAUL HARVEY’S ‘IF I WERE THE DEVIL’ TRANSCRIPT
If I were the devil …
I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree — Thee.
So I’d set about however necessary to take over the United States. I’d subvert the churches first — I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: ‘Do as you please.’

“To the young, I would whisper that ‘The Bible is a myth.’ I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what’s bad is good, and what’s good is ‘square.’
And the old, I would teach to pray, after me, ‘Our Father, which art in Washington…’

“And then I’d get organized. I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting, so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa. I’d pedal narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.

“If I were the devil I’d soon have families that war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed, and with promises of higher ratings I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames.

If I were the devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions — just let those run wild, until before you knew it, you’d have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door.

“Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing, I’d have judges promoting pornography — soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of Congress. And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls, and church money.

If I were the devil I’d make the symbols of Easter an egg and the symbol of Christmas a bottle.

“If I were the devil I’d take from those, and who have, and give to those wanted until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious.

And what do you bet?
"I could get whole states to promote gambling as thee way to get rich?

I would caution against extremes and hard work, in Patriotism, in moral conduct. I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on the TV is the way to be. And thus I could undress you in public, and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure.

In other words, if I were the devil I’d just keep right on doing on what he’s doing. Paul Harvey, good day.”




People judge actions, but God examines the heart; only he is able to judge fully and fairly.