Lessons Learned

Gradual Release It seems like yesterday that my son’s tiny hand held my finger as we walked along.   Within a few years,  I was walking with my hand on top of a toddler’s head as he scurried along looking at zoo animals.   It feels like it was only a few hours ago that my hand left the back of the bicycle seat as he sped away on a two-wheeler for the first time.  Time moves much to fast. As my son’s teacher, I know that my job is to prepare him for the gradual release of responsibility.   We have repeated the gradual release cycle many times over the past 17 years.  Through demonstration, guided practice, independent practice, and finally application,  he become a licensed driver last fall.  I must admit releasing him to drive was tremendously more stressful then releasing him to ride a bike. Recently, my wife, son and I visited colleges.   He is at the age to choose a profession and place to learn for the next stage of...

The Star Spangled Banner “A True Reflection of American Character” A binding thread in the fabric of the American Spirit is embracing our great nation’s symbols. Our flag, our motto, our national anthem instill a sense of pride and fill us with hope. Some American’s state that our national anthem does not represent the American spirit. As an American, I support their First Amendment Right to state their case for alternative national anthem. Debating opinions and respecting opposing views are true American virtues. God Bless America , America , and America the Beautiful are patriotic, meaningful, and moving. Maybe, one of them would be a powerful and symbolic national anthem. However, I wonder do these songs reflect the true character of Americans. In my humble opinion, The Star Spangled Banner symbolically represents the true character of Americans. Endurance, perseverance, pride and hope are foundational American spirit character traits. The f...