3 Tips for Successful Students!

When I followed God's call to be a full-time tutor, He didn't provide me with a magic lamp with a genie ready to grant me 3 wishes...

So here are my 3 tips/wishes I have for all of my students!

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1. Come prepared!

My elementary kids are usually pretty good with this one. Have your paper and pencils lined up before I walk through the door. Be ready to hand me your homework and/or if you had questions, those questions written out. Use my time!!! I am a willing resource! Please ask me questions, tell me your silly story that helped get you through the day, and ALWAYS have extra batteries for your calculator, pens, graphing paper, etc. If we finish our lesson early, you better believe I'm gonna push you to the next level! :)

2. Have a positive attitude!

When I walk into a room and you greet me with a big smile and telling me a joke you heard...Man! That is CONTAGIOUS! We'll be making math puns all through geometry! And even when it is "one of those days," we can still have a great session! I have wiped away a few tears before a session starts and I know what it is like to just need to BREATHE! Just be honest with me and I'll do what I can to help you succeed and push through our tutoring session so you're as successful as YOU can be! :)

3. Be willing!

In order to tutor with me, the student must be willing to be tutored, have a desire to try, and be respectful. A willingness to learn, explore, and be creative is NECESSARY for life-long success. At some point, every single student (not their parent, friend, teacher, etc. but his/herself!) must realize that if he/she is going to succeed, he/she has to work for it.

And as a student of life, I hold myself accountable for those three tips as well!

Robin Williams

This is not a long post, but one I felt I needed to write. Be aware, it is more personal than professional--as his death hits home.

Robin Williams had an amazing skill that is necessary for our educators and students today. Robin Williams was a mastermind at improvisation, he could change his voice, his personality, and his words to enhance any situation. Such amazing skills are needed when we teach students ANY subject. Let's remember to help our students come out of their shells, be silly, and run with their mistakes.

As a former comedian myself, the news of his passing really hurts. We do improv comedy using the "greats" as our models, Williams often topping that list. But oh, if I could count how many "outgoing", "funny", and "creative" people I've met that battle depression or some type of derivative (self-harm, eating disorder, bipolar, drug abuse, etc.)...

As an educator, I am an extra set of eyes to look for signs that might be stemming from a health issue such as those above. I am also an extra set of arms to give hugs, handshakes, and high fives. Both are necessary if we are going to help.

I tell my students that I pray for them--because really, that is the most important thing anyone can do for someone else. Robin William's death is a reminder that no one is immune to sin's hold. Be careful (and I am speaking to myself as well), nothing in life is worthwhile if it is not through Jesus Christ.

I've been down that road and if it had not been for that moment I sat in my kitchen February 2010 where I admitted to myself and to God that I actually 100% believe that Jesus Christ is God and that I would have to live my for Him and not my own pleasures... it could have been me as the deceased comedian. Praise the Lord that we all still have a chance RIGHT NOW to realize how small we are and that there is a loving God (Jesus Christ) that doesn't want us to be hurt. And if you have questions about what I am talking about, please feel free to email me and/or visit this page HERE.

I don't know William's relationship with the Lord, I hope he knew Him. And I pray Christ is glorified as He comforts his family, friends, and the world through the loss of a very inspirational man.

P.S. And I hate to have to write this but we all know what the internet is like. If you have a negative comment to say, please reconsider as people mourn this man's passing. If you still want to mention something to me that might be taken negatively, please contact me privately.

Home Office Style plus a FREEBIE!

Oh yes, summer is STILL technically around... but all these kids back in school sure shortened it! haha

My summer project is now... COMPLETE!! I have finished organizing my husband's desk into my home office! It doesn't look super creative, and it sure is still a work in progress, but I am very happy to have things organized and easy to find!

I have back to the future all over my office, because... I LOVE BACK TO THE FUTURE!!!!

My brother gave me a painting of the time machine delorean adapted from old hotel art. It is titled "Makin' Like A Tree". Then I of course have the remote control time machine that my husband used to propose to me :) The ring accidentally fell out so I knew he was about to propose! haha

And I have a gift I gave to my husband for our first anniversary. A shadow box including my veil with a picture of us from our wedding day with our vows. It's a good reminder that my first priority is always the home; even while working on my own business.

And my cutest part, organized binders for all of my small business needs! These are up on Teachers Pay Teachers for FREEEEEEEEEE! They each have a verse on them that reminds me to be humble, honest, and trustworthy in all of my dealings (yes that includes taxes! haha). I've also included the side tab for each binder! Definitely take them!! If you want a different color, just let me know and I can change the chevron colors for you :)

FREEBIEEEEEE ON TPT!!!!!

Here is what they all say:

TAX: 

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17

RECORDS:

"And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches." Proverbs 24:4

CONTRACTS:

"For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife." Hebrews 6:16

EXPENSES:

"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due: custom to whom custom: fear to whom fear: honour to whom honour." Romans 13:7

INCOME:

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." Ephesians 4:28

CORRESPONDENCE:

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2