by Marcia Davis-Dawkins | Jan 30, 2018 | Education, Kids, Parents, Teachers, Teens
Accept You For Who You Are
By Marcia Davis-Dawkins
How many times have we heard the expression, “Follow your dreams”? At times it just seems so overused and meaningless. In this 21st century, we are always competing for several things, especially jobs. Life simply feels stressful because of the pressures we face. At times it feels as if self-talk has to come into play to dig us out of life’s ditches. Self-talk can help us to have better self-confidence. One of the things that we should invest in is a gratitude journal where we can write down what we are thankful for and appreciate what we sometimes take for granted. If we have a gratitude journal we can also begin our day with positive thoughts.
S.M.A.R.T
On a whole, we have to accept who we are and teach people to love us. We should love ourselves as well as set standards and morals for ourselves. We have to learn to appreciate who we are before we can appreciate and love other people including our students. We should dream big and set SMART goals. S.M.A.R.T. goal is defined as one that is specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time bound. Own and Hone your craft – be passionate about what you do (your passion should be in line with your purpose). Evaluate your path and progress. Stay focused no matter what the issues or the problems. We should be the best that we can be and realize that success doesn’t come overnight but we should begin our journey without fears.
Accept Yourself
Psychotherapist, Margarita Tartakovsky lists 12 Ways to Accept Yourself:
- Set an intention.
- Celebrate your strengths.
- Consider the people around you.
- Create a support system.
- Forgive yourself.
- Shush your inner critic.
- Grieve the loss of unrealized dreams.
- Perform charitable acts.
- Realize that acceptance is not resignation
- Speak to your highest self
- Be kind to yourself
- Fake it til you make it
As educators, we can help students set goals and if and when they fall off course try to get them back on track. Keep encouraging them because there is something good within all of us. We should let the our mantra be, “If a task is once begun, never leave it till it’s done. Be the labor great or small. Do it well or not at all.”
Determination and Perseverance
by Marcia Davis-Dawkins | Jan 23, 2018 | Education, Kids, Parents, Teachers
The Hurt Child
By Marcia Davis-Dawkins
In all likelihood, probably no adult is more trusted by children who have been abused than a loving, caring teacher. Teachers have the unique opportunity to identify abused children and start the healing process. To do so, however, they must be able to discern the signs of a child in distress.
We often think of pain and hurt as physical phenomena, or as the presence of uncomfortable feelings. Pain and hurt, however, encompass more than just concrete affliction. This is best witnessed in the case of emotional pain. Larry James once said, “Emotional abuse is just as damaging as physical abuse. The only difference between the two is with physical abuse you are wearing it on the outside for the world to see and the other is felt deep inside. Others cannot see the bruises on your heart.”
As educators we have all seen students suffering from emotional maltreatment. These are the students who are constantly belittled and rejected and who endure the absence of a positive emotional atmosphere. They may be verbally abused or have inadequate parenting, sometimes bordering on neglect. They may be secondary victims, those who have witnessed firsthand domestic violence and even death of a family member. As such they demonstrate delays in emotional development and manifest immature behavior.
One of the most noticeable forms of abuse is physical. This expresses itself in the presence of bruises, burns, broken bones, or even internal injuries. These injuries are the result of slapping, punching, hitting, kicking, pushing, etc. These children are often easily startled, and often cringe in situations they consider fearful.
We have all had students who are obviously physically neglected. They may appear malnourished, lack adequate clothing, have poor hygiene and just seem to have no one who is concerned for his/her well-being.
And then there are those students who we suspect are being sexually abused. They may have been molested or exploited and lack the emotional and developmental ability to understand what has happened to them.
Teachers 
Often, as teachers, especially novice teachers, our focus is on teaching and learning. We are not trained as social workers or psychologists. Our goal each day is the intellectual advancement of our students. As such, we scratch our heads and wonder in frustration why this student doesn’t complete homework, why that student falls asleep in class, why another shows no interest at all. We do not take into consideration the baggage each child carries, the obstacles they face each day, their struggle to just survive. We wrongfully write them off as lazy or disrespectful, when instead we need to delve into the reasons behind the behavior and become their biggest advocates. We cannot sit on the sidelines and say that’s not what I was hired to do. Students are entrusted in our classroom for a reason—never by accident.
To offer support, we as teachers must be approachable so that students feel it is safe to tell us their stories. Actively listening is one of the best tools. School can be a place where children can rebuild their self-esteem, assert themselves and see themselves as successful. Abused kids often feel powerless to control much in their environment. Allowing expressions of feelings through art, music and creative writing helps release pent up emotions. Pointing out a student’s strengths helps one to gain a sense of self-identity and bolster self-esteem. They learn that they are valued, accepted and belong.
Additionally, Insight Learning, which is based in problem solving is particularly effective with abused children, as is Narrative Therapy. In this approach, children are helped to identify their values so that they can confront the problems they face.
Many times, in the situation of abused students, teachers are their only lifeline and reprieve. Let us realize that they are crying out to us for HELP and rise to the occasion. Don’t observe and do nothing. Your action can save lives!
It’s Gonna Be Okay!
by Marcia Davis-Dawkins | Jan 8, 2018 | Education, Kids, Parents, Teachers, Teens
I Can Do All Things
By Dr. Marcia Davis-Dawkins
Whenever a New Year begins people often reflect on the past year and set new goals that they want to accomplish. The intention may be to lose weight, eat healthy, begin college, or start a diet, among many others. Whatever it is, it usually calls for will power, self-talk, motivation or simply encouragement from friends or family. It takes some inner strength and dogged determination to achieve the goals which were set.
Motivational Speaker Jessica Cox
Take for instance, Motivational Speaker Jessica Cox. She has defied all odds by turning obstacles into accomplishments. Jessica Cox was born without arms as a result of a rare birth defect, but that has not stopped her from being a dancer, a swimmer, and driver of a car. Astonishingly , she drives a car without having to use her upper body. She uses her feet like most people use their hands, enabling her to drive an unmodified car with an unrestricted license. She can also type on a keyboard at twenty-five words per minute, pump her own gas, and to put in and remove her contact lenses. Additionally, she is a certified SCUBA diver. Jessica Cox also has her Sport Pilot Certificate for an ERCO 415-C Ercoupe, designed in the 1940s, which the Federal Aviation Administration has designated as a light sport aircraft. The plane that she flies was built without rudder pedals. Instead, the rudder interconnects with the ailerons through the yoke. This unique design allows Cox to control the airplane with one foot controlling the yoke, while the other foot controls the throttle.
After reading about Jessica Cox and her accomplishments, there is hardly anyone who can say that they wouldn’t be able to achieve whatever they conceive and believe. In a previous article, I discussed what it means to do self-talk . There is power and life in the tongue. Speak success into your life. Once there’s life, there’s hope. We should encourage each other with positive vibes. The sky is the limit and as educators we have to incite ourselves,as well as our students, to reach for the sky.
I Can
Jessica’s story has shown us adversities and challenges should not prevent us from trying and doing our best. Once we put our minds to accomplishing something, we can do it since we say “I Can” is in the phrase “I Can’t!” In the long run, challenges turn us into better people. How can an educator or a parent encourage a student or child to follow his or her dreams? We could help and introduce students to SMART goal setting, When we set goals they will be motivated, purpose will be improved and attention will be more focused. As educators we must give students positive feedback. Be a role model and use words that inspire and compliment. A single word can change a student’s life or dream. New year, new beginning ! We can redirect a student’s path to positively. Let us also walk in newness, strength and boldness! Remember as Napolean Hill once said, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve!” 
Determination and Perseverance
by Marcia Davis-Dawkins | Dec 19, 2017 | Education, Parents, Teachers, Teens
Education and Success
By Dr. Marcia Davis-Dawkins
“What are you studying again?” “Why are you still in school?” “You are still studying?” These are some of the questions I often hear from my peers or family members. I heard those questions so many times that I just wanted to take a few steps back and look at them under a microscope.
Professional Student 
I guess being hungry to learn, or what some people refer to as a “professional student,” is seen as a terrible thing. Some people, including myself, are often referred to as professional students, but are simply trying to study for several reasons. What are some of the reasons why people study or go further than high school education? The list seems endless, but includes some of the following: –
- To climb the ladder of success
- To be someone
- To use as an equal opportunity
- To gain knowledge
- To improve one’s knowledge
- To be more diverse
- To be more proficient in their aspirations in life
- To fulfill job requirements (to get promoted)
- It is fun to learn – some people just simply like to learn
- To gain employment
- To make more money
- Want to get a higher education than their parents did
- To set an example for their children
- To switch careers
- To make a connection (meet people) or to network
- To reinvent self
- Love to learn
- Gain independence
- Employment
- To break the glass ceiling
The reasons may vary but ideally, in the long run once you are educated no one can take education away.
As I reflect on myself as an educator, I wonder how students feel about being in my classroom. Do I encourage and promote a love for learning? I can engage students in continued learning so they enjoy and value learning
Changing the powerless with Education and Success!
Since I am given the curriculum, I should try to focus on the classroom environment, the materials that I use to engage the students, as well as their interests. The activities and materials that I use to teach students should not be boring or mundane. If I show enthusiasm about the subjects I teach, then students will be excited about learning and want to keep learning. I should explore the various learning styles to meet my students’ needs. Do I value their thinking? Do I think about their differences? Do I set specific learning goals for the students so they will love learning? I should always be thinking about how I can help my students feel a sense of belonging and also get to know their parents. I can implore upon them that education holds them up for the rest of their lives. It’s part of the foundation upon which everything else rests.
As a teacher, I can share information about the student’s specific areas of weaknesses and strength so I can help parents realize the underlying causes of their child’s difficulty. This conversation can also include information about how to help their child use areas of strength to support areas of weakness. This will promote success for the students. I can use my educational status to change the powerless.
It is vital to remember that in this fast paced world, staying in the same place is actually going backward. If you don’t keep learning, if you choose to stand still, you will fall behind in the game of life. It’s usually what you learn after you think you know it all that is the most valuable!
by Marcia Davis-Dawkins | Dec 4, 2017 | Education, Kids, Parents, Teachers, Teens
The Teacher Who Makes a Difference!!!
By Dr. Marcia Davis-Dawkins
Gail Goldwin once said, “Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater.” It is not uncommon for teachers to spend many hours 
grading papers, preparing lessons, entering grades in computers and just figuring out how to make a lesson fun and exciting to students. Those teachers who go above and beyond to help everyone they meet deserve hugs and the highest honors. To the teachers who have to wait for the custodians to open doors to the school every morning, this is for you. Because every time I feel like I’m early for work at 7 am, there are a few people who are already ahead of me, photocopying assignments for learning groups.
Being Ready to Teach
By 8:35 am every morning those same teachers are ready to teach with creative, interesting, rigorous and thought-provoking lessons. Lessons that open the students’ minds, and not only encourage them to absorb facts, but acquire understanding.
Many years ago when I was hired to teach at an urban school district in New Jersey, it was hard to adjust to the new environment. But the same teachers who were up early in the morning to prepare, were the same ones who welcomed me, by having students write me letters of advice on how to become a wonderful teacher like the ones they already had. Since that day, it has been my quest to make my classes just as fun- filled and rigorous as their classes. It was William Ward who said, “The teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, and the great teacher inspires.” The teachers who go above and beyond have motivated me and so many other faculty members to be the best teachers we can be by seamlessly weaving fun and custom wrapped methods which result in success for divergent personalities.
Having humility, patience and enthusiasm for the subject area is how inspirational teachers continue to do so well. They have high expectations for their students and the students enjoy the encouragement as they rise to the challenge. They provide a warm environment that allows their students to make mistakes.
On a professional level, these teachers are always willing to collaborate and make suggestions where needed. Great teachers do not say things like, “You’re really not cut out for this.” “This is not your thing.” They realize that students soon learn their own limitations and do not erect false ceilings up for them. Inspirational teachers have been consistently driving students to be the best that they can be for many years.
When a school is divested of such individuals, whether through attrition, retirement, reassignment, etc., everyone suffers. Sure, their positions may be filled, but they can rarely be replaced. There remains a resounding void, both in the classroom and in the hearts of those for whom their inspiration may have been his or her last hope. Teachers Who Makes a Difference
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by Marcia Davis-Dawkins | Nov 20, 2017 | Education, Parents
Learning Designed For Every Student
By Marcia Davis-Dawkins
The 21st Century has witnessed several approaches to enhance and facilitate students’ learning. One of the new paradigm shift is Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is a teaching strategy designed to meet the needs of every learner. It is ideal for all students, especially those who have learning and attention concerns. Educators are always looking for innovative ways to impart knowledge since no two students learn the same way.
Here are a few tips about UDL: 
- UDL is the umbrella for differentiating instruction and helping students learn 21st Century skills.
- There is no one kind of learning: –
– learning differs across tasks
– learning differs across development
– learning differs across individuals
- Provide students with multiple means of: –
Representation – (the “what” of learning) accessing information, the visual presentations, audio text support, multimedia presentations
Expression – (the “how” of learning) of knowledge based on students’ unique viewpoint, options for expressive skills and fluency
Engagement – (the “why” of learning) engagement with the curriculum; option to reduce threats and distractions
teachers are accountable for the learning of diverse students:-
-Learning disabilities
-Sensory and physical disabilities
-English language barriers
-Background and cultural diversities
-Emotional or behavioral problems
-Lack of interest or motivation
Overall, people/students do not receive, process or remember information in the same way.
- Curriculum needs to incorporate flexible materials
- Teachers need to be proactive rather than reactive after students falter
- General educators and special educators must collaborate
- Embedded UDL concepts to release the learning potential of ALL learners.
Speaking as an immigrant, I intially doubted myself and enterprises usually seemed bigger and more difficult than they were. The tasks at first seemed overwhelming when I looked at the big picture, but I decided that I didn’t want to be left behind, but to keep up the pace. I have tackled a few missions myself, one of which is the SMART board, and each day I get more excited about using this technology. I look forward to the wonderful opportunities for learning and growing that the pathway of UDL will pave.
As educators we must keep up with the pace – Make learning both enjoyable and relevant to “natives” – Shift your thinking!
Below is a link for of an article highlighting a school in Jamaica that is using technology in education.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/use-technology-for-teaching-and-learning-educators-urge_114810?profile=1373&template=MobileArticle
