Sunday, January 20, 2013

What to Say....

Do you ever feel as if you have to have just the right thing to blog about and post?

I have been struggling about what to share this past week or so. I cannot believe it has been 2 weeks since my last post. I have written about 10 posts in my head and even started a post on tattling that I want to share but....

We have been testing. Listening to a few kiddos that read a page long passage at 16 words per minute is lots of fun. Right as they are about to reach the 3 second miscue rule, they say the word. BUT, I am beyond proud of how they did. =)

We have done some fun math activities but I forgot to take pictures.

Grades and report cards have happened....I hate grading papers.

I have several packets for TpT that I cannot seem to finish.

I found out another loved one has cancer.

The weather in Texas goes from 75 to a high of 32 in in about 2 days....I have a desire to hibernate when it is cold.

I just seem to be in a funk.

Then, I saw this:


I think I feel as if I still have a hard time trusting myself about what to blog about. There have been times I know God placed a message on my heart to share. There are still times I have worried about what I have shared.

Today our message in church was about our words. It is always amazing how God puts us where He needs us when He also knows what we need to hear.

I was reminded today to not forget the power of our words.

At the beginning of school one year, we did a team building activity as a campus. We were told to remember something hurtful that someone said to us. When then thought of something, we wished we had heard. We then got in 2 circles...an inner and outer one. The person standing behind us whispered those wishful words in our ear. We then moved around the circle until each person had whispered those words in each person's ear and we then switched the inner and outer circles.

It seems we all had longed to hear similar words and almost none of those words had anything to do with our outer appearance or how smart we were. We had wanted to be told we were important, cherished, valued, and worthwhile. We also realized how it was easier to remember those negative and hurtful words.

Have you ever heard what might be considered kind and sweet words delivered in a sarcastic tone or even by someone you are so used to hearing speak in a mean, bully voice? It is easy in that moment to be judgmental and think to ourselves that we would never speak to a child that way. But you have to remember and think about how you are only hearing a snippet of their conversation but in that moment impressions are made and conclusions are drawn.



I know there have been times I wish I could not only take back what I said but take back the tone of voice I used. I try and apologize to my kiddos when that happens but I know there are times I might not even realize I have hurt their heart.

Our words can be mirrors. They not only reflect our hearts but the can also be the ever present image of God in our lives...a reflection and light for others.

It is easy to let the pain of hurtful words cause us to not respond in kindness and patience. How we react to our kiddos teaches them how to react to others.



When you walk onto your campus, you are a mirror that others are looking into. What do they see? 

From My Heart to Yours,

41 heart notes:

The Polished Teacher said...

It has definitely been worth the 2 week wait for that post. I always find your posts so inspirational and rejuvenating during stressful times. That circle activity seems so powerful. Definitely a reminder of how powerful words are and that we need to use them to lift up others and ourselves.

I am so sorry to hear about your loved one. I will keep your loved one in my prayers.

Here's hoping the weather gets a little warmer and you get inspired to finish your TPT products! Have a wonderful week!

ThePolishedTeacher

Lisa Mattes said...

You have done it again, Heather! Your words zinged right through to my heart. PreCISEly what I needed to hear.
Growing Firsties

Brandi said...

I feel like I always say this, but your ability to cut through to the heart of it. As a blogger, and especially a new one, like me, you are always worried about saying it perfectly before hitting that publish button.

Thanks for always lifting me up. I sometimes feel like you are talking right to me:)

I am praying for that loved one of yours. <3

Brandi
My Teacher Friend

Unknown said...

Heather-

I always love readin your blog! You always are so positive. :-).

Unknown said...

Heather-

I always love readin your blog! You always are so positive. :-).

Jill said...

Excellent post! Thank you
Jill

You always know the right thing to say and how to say it. I am sorry about your loved one with cancer. Hugs

Kate Daniel said...

Those are some beautiful pictures. I love the one that says, 'Be kind to one another, even if you disagree on stuff'. So true.

I absolutely love your whisper circle. What a wonderful way to start the year! I need to remember that for the Fall!

Prayers for your friend, Heather.

Kate
Second Grade Sparkle

Sara said...

Once again, your post is spot on. Far too often, I find myself saying words or (more likely) using a tone of voice that I know is hurtful. I try to apologize, but know I don't always realize I'm doing it at the time. I'm much more likely to realize it at 3:30 AM. But, I know it's something I can work on. After all, life would be boring if we were all perfect.

Unknown said...

Am sending you warm thoughts and even warmer hugs from a scorching Aussie summer. And lots of positive vibes for your unwell friend. I have read all the comments so far. Your blog makes a difference in peoples' lives.
You are awesome!

Sara said...

I agree 100%! I saw another pin on Pinterest that said something about how our words become kids' inner voice. I printed that one and put it on my desk as a reminder when I get frustrated. Now I have some more inspiration. Thanks!
Sara
Polka Dot Kinders

Teacher Mom of 3 said...

Heather- I also am so inspired and encouraged by your posts, especially this one. You definitely have a gift for not only writing, but for edifying others. Thank you for blessing my day! :-) Lauren Teacher Mom of 3

Jill Sloothaak said...

Thanks for this, Heather! A great way to begin my week (on what I THOUGHT would be a snow day.....).

Have a great day!

Jill
abcs and polkadots

Sara said...

Wow, I really needed to read this; thanks for sharing what's on your heart! Have a great week!

~Sara<3
sweetsarabowling@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Heather,

Thank you for those inspirational words. I too sometimes get in a funk with my blog posts and think that nobody really wants to hear what I have to say. But then I post and all it takes is one kind comment and I know that my word is heard.

Your posts are always ones that I look forward to. You always have such kind things to say and the message behind your posts always make me stop and think. I have a feeling this would happen to me even when you think you have nothing important to blog about.

Thank you for inspiring so many of us in blog land.

Hugs,
Ann
Mrs. Greene's Kindergarten Korner

Unknown said...

Wow, you're words are so inspirational! Thank you for opening your heart and making yourself vulnerable. Many times I think we keep from sharing for fear of how it's going to be perceived. But I for one appreciate your sincerity.
God bless you,
:0) Melissa
More Time 2 Teach

Ms. Dawn said...

Glad you're back. I've been checking everyday for a new post and was so happy to find one today. It is obvious to me that you are doing EXACTLY what God wants you to do. Teach little ones, and US through your blog. Please keep posting what He puts on your heart ... we need it. I pray you will continue to have a discerning heart. Sorry about your sad news. :(

Unknown said...

That would be a good lesson for my students. They too often make comments about each other that require my redirection about how much our words can impact others. I love the two circle idea... I wonder my kiddos would buy into it.

Becky said...

Thanks for the encouragement! As always, your post was just what I needed to hear. I was just having a conversation with someone about how important words of encouragement are. Words have so much power! It was with words that God created the earth and Jesus is the Word become flesh. God has given humans the unique ability to use words to communicate, but that ability brings responsibility, especially when we are working with little ones. Thanks for reminding us all to be careful what we say.

Becky
Compassionate Teacher

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely post...wonderful inspirational words and pictures!

Terri Izatt
KinderKapers

Erica said...

What a perfect post! Thank you for sharing this. It was very inspiring. :)

Erica
Sprinkles to Kindergarten
erica_crowder0612@yahoo.com

Jammie Fewell said...

I can totally relate! I really love reading your posts!! You are always so inspiring! Thanks for keeping it real.

Jammie Fewell
www.firstgradestompinground.blogspot.com

Everyone Deserves to Learn said...

Tone of voice is so important, for students of all ages and walks of life. Thank you for reminding me.

Maria
Everyone deServes to Learn

Unknown said...

Hi Heather,
I've been trying to email you, but for some reason it keeps popping back to me. So, I thought I better contact you this way. I wanted to let you know who the winner of your product was. It was Suzy. Her email address is (tokyoshoes@hotmail.com). Please email her to make connections about sending her the file. Thank you so much!! Also, as a way of saying thanks for contributing to my giveaway I want to send you my "Snowmen at Work" unit.
Thanks again!
Kyp

tamaralynn @tarheelstateteacher.com said...

Heather, wonderful post and great inspiration. Our words do mean so much. I know we all can remember kind words and hurtful words that someone said to us so many years ago...I hope our kiddos remember all of the kinds words we have said to them and forgive the time when we have lost or patience (or our mind).

I have been writing about a similar awakening. (We had two high schoolers die in our community who went to our elementary school. I taught one of them in 5th grade). Although this has been terrible, it has reminded me of what REALLY is important in my work with students.

Today, I posted about my kindness, apologies, character building, and community building lessons from our first week back.

lifeloveliteracy.blogspot.com

Cara said...

I feel like you are reading my mind! Wow! You hit it right on the nose. Every bullet point on your list is happening with me right now (except I live in Florida) but I too have a desire to hibernate when its cold. OR come to school is PJ's and fuzzy socks! I loved reading this post. You have made a new followerer out of me!!! I am sorry to hear about your loved one. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Cara

Kindergarten Boom Boom

Unknown said...

Heather,
I love your post :) I remember being at mass about a year ago and the sermon was simple and straight to the point....just two sentences. "Be nice. You never know when your kind words will save a life." I have always believed those words to be true. Thank you for "whispering" that reminder in my ear :)

-Katie

Beach Sand and Lesson Plans said...

THANK YOU!!! I have been struggling this weekend with what to post. I want it to be "just right". I even wrote and rewrote a post last night and still have not posted it because I don't like it. It does seem like when I write something there is someone who reads it and appreciates it...then it's all worth it. Thanks for your inspiration and personal thoughts. This was beautiful!
Gina
Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

Unknown said...

I honestly want to thank you for this post. I have also been struggling to find "my voice" with my blog and constantly question what I post. I have found it somewhat difficult, but rewarding at the same time.

The activity that your school did struck a core in me. I can definitely remember the harsh words that have been said as well as those that I have said to others. This is something that I have been trying to be more conscious of and hopefully change because I know I am able to get my point across without bringing someone down or making them feel bad.

I can not wait to read more of your blogs. They are definitely inspiring and beautiful.

Denise
Dreams of a Educator

Holly said...

Oh how we've all been there - said something that we wish we hadn't. I've had a sick boy at my house, and I've been up the last five nights with him. I'm hanging by a thread...so this post came at a great time. My nerves are frayed and I'm going to have to be especially cogizant of that 'ol mirror!

Hugs to you, Miss Heather!

Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade

vicky1970 said...

Heather,
You are such a blessing! Thanks for sharing. God is good so glad we know Him and know our future is secure with Him for sure.
God bless,
Vicky
Traditions, Laughter and Happily Ever After

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Your blog is ADORABLE and I am a new follower!
-Julie
The Techie Teacher

Ms. Joens said...

Your posts are so encouraging! Thanks for the comment. It's so nice to read another's thoughts on teaching and the classroom who has put Jesus first!

Unknown said...

You are always so inspiring! Always saying what I need to hear at just that moment! It has been a rough week and your words have helped me end it on a positive note! Thank you for sharing!
Hugs and blessings!
Cheryl
Crayons and Curls

Unknown said...

I couldn't agree with you more. It is so important to respect, value, and inspire each other as colleagues and friends. Sometimes, we are in too much of a rush or stuck in a rut, and we fail to see and appreciate the positives. We need to take the time to show each other we care. I always tell myself I can't just say it, I have to model it. By modeling kindness and respect, our kids will know what we expect of them. And if we make a mistake and hurt someone's feelings, we need to model how to apologize and make mends with that other individual.

Janet
http://livelovelaughlearn1stgrade.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

You are very clever with words....such a great writer! I am excited to see your blog, and I know I will be frequenting it regularly. Thank you for visiting my blog! I am just getting it up and running!