Teach Children It’s Still Me Under the Funny Hat

Dear Gene,

I just got home from your seminar today in Rochester, NY. The whole way home (1 1/2 hour drive) I discussed with a colleague all the exciting ideas we learned and how we could adapt them to our classroom. We came up with handing out heartprints for good behavior. (From the book Heartprints) The children could turn them in at reading time (when I read or they silently read) to pull out their own stuffed animal to sit with. I wrote a letter to send home to parents asking that their child keep a special stuffed animal at school for such occasions. My first graders are a very loving group, and this will be an exciting way to promote being kind has rewards.

I also promised you I would jot down my idea of wearing a silly hat to encourage my students not to treat me differently because I was wearing something that was different. It really did leave for a great lesson on inner beauty and physical appearances.

Thanks again,

Lisa Woughter

– Lisa Woughter