This post shares a personal experience with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and emphasizes the positive impact of volunteering in reducing anxiety for teenagers. It discusses how volunteering increases self-worth, develops new skills, connects with positive role models, fosters gratitude, and helps in getting "out of their head". The author also offers resources for starting volunteering.
Project Stella Book Talk: The Warden’s Daughter
One of my favorite books that I read as a teacher to my fifth grade students was Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. I am excited to have come across his new book published last year, The Warden’s Daughter.
This is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Cammie O’Reilly – a twelve-almost thirteen year old girl who lives in an apartment above the cell blocks of the Hancock County Prison. She interacts every day with the prisoners that live there and she has authority – they listen to her because she is the Warden’s daughter. The one thing she doesn’t have is a mother.
“She Writes Comics” – Women in Comics
Currently, Stella's biggest ambition is to be an artist/illustrator and so I want her to have some strong role models who use art to make an impact. Unfortunately, my initial search for women in art did not give me what I was looking for.
Then this morning I decided to look for "Documentaries about Art" on Netflix to see if there is anything that Stella can watch (and be interested in). I found She Writes Comics, a documentary that tells the unknown story of women in comics.
Way of the Warrior Kid – A Highly Recommended Read!
One of my top summer recommendations right now is this book - Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy Seal Way by Jocko Willink. It currently has 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon with over 590 customer reviews.
I get asked many times about book recommendations for boys that may be reluctant and in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. This book is a ROCK STAR recommendation.
The Legacy Project
The Legacy Project is simple. It is a journal. Inside the journal, I wrote a question on each page. I provided instructions to the recipient asking them to take time over the next year to answer the questions with as much or as little detail as they desire. Then, after the year, I ask that the journal be wrapped up as a gift and given back to me.
Teaching 4 Impact 