[LM_NET] SHARE: Appreciation

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

As some of us are preparing to start the new school year, I thought
that this short reminder of how "appreciation" can make a difference
in the lives of our students was timely.

(This excerpt came from Simple Truths...a leadership and motivation
websit at:  http://simpletruths.com/   The website has some short
"motivational video" clips that might be great to kick-start beginning
of the school year staff developments.  Those are at:
http://simpletruths.com/movies.html
...... also, if you haven't checked out the 212 degree video, be sure
to watch it!!   http://www.the212movie.com/  )

Here's the "appreciation" story:

************************

No matter who we are or what our actions may say, we all want to be
recognized and appreciated. I often quote Lou Holtz, the famous Notre
Dame Coach, who said, "Why is it that the people who need love,
(appreciation), and understanding the most usually deserve it the
least?"

Jaime Escalante, the teacher on whom the movie "Stand and Deliver" was
based, tells an amazing story about a mistaken identity and the
difference it made in a young man's life.

This teacher had two students in his class who were both named Johnny.
One Johnny was an excellent student, a happy child, and always had his
homework completed on time. The other Johnny was always in trouble,
never had his work finished, and generally made the teacher's life
miserable.

The night of their first PTA Open House of the year a mother stayed
after the meeting to ask about her son, Johnny, and how he was getting
along in the class. Assuming it was the mother of the "good" Johnny,
the teacher replied, "I can't tell you how much I appreciate him. I am
so glad he's in my class."

The next day, for the first time all year, the "problem" Johnny had
all his work done, he spoke up in class, and never once caused a
disruption. He even volunteered to help another student. The teacher
was astounded!

At the end of the day when everyone else had left, "problem" Johnny
came up to the teacher and said, "My Mom told me what you said about
me last night. I haven't EVER had a teacher who wanted me in his
class."

That Johnny became one of the best students the teacher ever had – and
all because of a mistaken dose of appreciation! No matter who we are
and what our situation in life is, we all want and need to be
appreciated.

**********************



~Shonda

-- 
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
Library Media / Technology Specialist
Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com

Resources for Texas School Librarians:
http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/
http://txschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com/

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

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