T.G.I.F. Teacher Newsletter - Birth Equity, Controversy, and Gifted Kids

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Hello Friends and T.G.I.F.

It's strange to be writing this message on a Tuesday. I decided to prepare this week's newsletter ahead of time since we're traveling for the holiday. Let's hope for the best.

Thank you for being a part of our community. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of good food, family, friends, and much-deserved  rest.

Happy Friday - Have a great weekend! 😄

Here are some things I thought were worth sharing this week.

The News

Here are some articles that grabbed my attention.

• Birth Equity - It's where every baby and new parent gets what they need from the very start. The United States has the highest number of women who die giving birth when compared to all industrialized countries. Children are given many advantages or disadvantages based on where they end up being born. Organizations like the Burke Foundation and Healthy Steps are tackling the problems related to "birth equity". Truth is, not every child hits the parental and socioeconomic birth jackpot. Taking care of babies and families is the compassionate thing to do, and it benefits our country as a whole.  
• Controversy - Republicans and Democrats agree that high schools should teach controversial issues. Parents also want their high schoolers to learn about controversial topics. Learning happens when topics are explored from all angles and faulty outcomes occur when parts of the story are omitted or hidden. Kids, when presented with the truth, are more than capable of making sense of the so-called "tough" topics.
• Gifted? - What was learned from following a group of "gifted kids" for 45 years? It turns out that kids that were identified as gifted took many different paths in life. Also, hard work was a determining factor in how successful these kids ended up being. Intelligence alone is not enough. My favorite part of this study was that all kids benefited from being treated as though they were gifted.
• Video - Empty Classrooms, Abandoned Kids: Inside the Great Teacher Resignation - While I've made the decision to stay in teaching for the long haul, I understand why so many teachers are leaving the profession. For those that have been paying attention, it's apparent that changes need to be made. Thank you Laura and Tom for sharing this with me.

• Resource - The American Civil War | Teaching and Learning Resources - Understanding the American Civil War and its effect on the trajectory of our nation is a worthwhile endeavor. Many of the challenges our country faced during this time in history are still with us today.
• Teacher Support - Help Save Our Recess: Build Creativity and Imagination is a Donor's Choose project created by Chelsea Morgan. She is asking for art supplies and recess options to challenge her students' creativity and imagination. Side Note - all kids deserve a playground and art class.

Growth

Personal Development and Wellness Resources

• Motivation - It still takes some momentum to turn on your motivation. According to Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, there are three needs that must be satisfied to increase self-motivation. They are competence, autonomy, and relatedness. A combination of setting the right goals along with a “getting started” routine can rev up your motivation engine. I also think having an “accountability” buddy makes a big difference.
• Baby Steps - Big changes can be scary. Breaking things down into easy-to-complete tiny steps is an effective strategy.  
• Enough - Gratitude and “enoughness” go hand in hand. It’s all right that things are less than perfect. Gratitude helps shift your focus to what’s good in your life, and “enoughness” helps you handle the rest. It’s been a rough couple of years. Take time during the holiday season to reflect on the good things and people in your life.

Inspiration

Here is a quote I’ve been revisiting this week:

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you have was once among the things you only hoped for." - Epicurus*

Favorite Things

• 🦃 Turkey - I'm a simple man. I love Turkey. I'm especially fond of leftover turkey sandwiches followed by a nap.
• 🚿 Shower Thought - We spend our childhood wishing we were older, only to get old and wish we were younger. [source]
• 🔧 Gadgets- Here's a post I put together highlighting some Black Friday deals and recommendations. Any purchases you make help support Why Edify and this newsletter 🙏. Thank you.