Uh Nooo, I don't want to know what's under your cape in a creepy flash your trench coat type of way. Get your mind out of the gutter!!!!
What's Under Your Cape? is a superduper, frogilicious, fantastical, (yup, they're real words) resource for teachers to use to integrate Character Education in their own classroom. Barbara Gruener, the author of this book, who is also a friend, and a superhero herself, shares her knowledge of having positive characteristics of SUPERHEROES on her own blog, The Corner on Character.
Some of my blogging buddies were talking about doing a book study on What's Under Your Cape? I didn't even have the book when I said I wanted to participate. Well, yes, I partly wanted to participate because I don't like to be left out of stuff but I knew the book HAD to be absolutely FABULOUS since I was already a big fan of Barbara's!
I picked a date that corresponded with a chapter and it happened to be E is for Enthusiasm! Coincidence? I think NOT!
Those of you that know me in person would probably say I am very short, loud, slightly obnoxious, crazy, real loud, full of .... energy, real real loud enthusiastic, especially when it comes to teaching! I have such a passion for making a difference in student's lives and I am equally enthusiastic about teaching!
So what is enthusiasm? Watch this little clip and see if it helps you define being enthusiastic.
Sorry about the video overload but they really do share my feelings and help me explain my thoughts!
In this chapter Barbara shares book titles and questions to ask yourself and your students. She shares songs and ideas to use in your classroom but I will let you discover them when you read it. She even suggest to reflect on some our favorite inspirational quotes.... I have a ton of quotes printed out on pretty paper posted all over my classroom. I need those reminders daily and so do my students.
As most of you know I can get pretty wordy (yes, in real life too!) so I am going to leave you with one last thought (before you leave me for being too wordy - LOL!). Enthusiasm, passion, a great attitude, and positive thinking is not something that is innate, or we are born with. It is something we deliberately and purposely have to make part of our day, every day.
I challenge you to show enthusiasm and positive thinking to your students every day. It will become a wonderful habit for both you and your students. I promise you with passion, enthusiasm,and a great attitude you will have a wonderful atmosphere in your classroom and a terrific year no matter what age you teach!
Our next Chapter will be R is for Responsibilty
Enthusiastically yours! ;)