The Lighting of a Fire

Friday August 15, 2014 


It’s my first week back in the classroom, and I’m already thinking about how to light the fire inside those students.

But education is not just for the young, you know. 

I have a quote for you today, my fifth favorite, that applies across the board as we learn our way through life.

I’m linking up with the ladies at Friday’s Fave Five today as we name our five favorites of the week.

Here are mine: 

1. My husband’s help. He is SO handy and so willing to help with my projects. I needed to spruce things up in my classroom a bit, and I had an idea that required his assistance. He cut boards, stapled, measured, and helped me make my room beautiful. A couple of these were t-shirts I love but don’t often wear, and a couple were bags from Barnes and Noble. We turned them into plaques for my classroom wall! He’s the best.


And, perhaps, the English teacher's favorite:


2. A great quote and a new bulletin board design. I’ve had this quote up for a while, and I do love it. (Trying to inspire my kids to think before today, beyond tomorrow, and outside of their high school selves.) The board needed freshening up, so we set to work, using scrapbook paper for borders and decoration!



3. Bidding goodbye—for now. A number of college-bound students have dropped by to say goodbye. One said, “I’m leaving in 15 minutes and I just came by to say goodbye.” So sweet!

4. My favorite pictures of the week. My grandson, Aiden, got his first hammer. His dad said to him, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Three-year-old Aiden replied, “I’ve never heard that before.” (I was pleased to see the safety glasses.)
 5. A quote for all of us—because learning is a lifelong endeavor. 

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” (William Butler Yeats) 

Pouring information into kids’ heads is temporary; when you light a fire, the desire to make that knowledge your own and find some more is permanent. 

That’s what I want for my students!

I don’t know about you, but I love to learn. I pray that will always be my mindset.

Wishing you a week of loving learning, 

10 comments:

Karen said...

I'll bet your students love your classroom. I would!

It's nice being married to a handyman, isn't it?

Great photos of your son and grandson!

Goldly Indian Mom said...

Thank you for sharing this quote this is the first time I ve heard it.Always felt education was like filling a pail,but this quote made more sense :)

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Willow said...

I've been training some adults to help in our writing classes and it's great to see the enthusiasm of these life long learners-- love that Yeats quote.

Love that comment from your son--hammers must be used responsibly :)

Gattina said...

Apparently you love your job ! Most of the girls I know they don't and find it very tiring ! So nice of your hubby to help you, mine was good in this too, but now he suffers from arthritis and has no strength in his hands anymore.

Annette Whipple said...

As much as I enjoy being your "student" through your informal training of books and blogging, I am sure your "real" students are greatly blessed by your passion and insight.

TKAMockingbird is my all-time favorite book...followed by Emily of Deep Valley.

My high school (from 7th-12th grades) homeroom teacher was an English teacher. I never had the opportunity to read the book in a classroom setting, however, I read the book every year during homeroom. I bought my own copy during or after college...and for the past ten or so years have even read/listened to it each year.

nikkipolani said...

I laughed out loud at Aidan's response to that quote! And the upcycling of your stuff into wall decor? Brilliant.

Faith said...

I can tell you are the kind of English teacher my own daughters would love. Both girls have been blessed with one good teacher of literature in the past. Sadly, my youngest had a not so good teacher last year. She is hoping this changes in 2 weeks as she begins 10th grade AP English.she has to read Silas Marner....one of my faves for the first book discussion. I'm guessing your students love you since they come back to see you!!! Have a blessed week!

Jerralea said...

You know you've definitely made an impact when students come to tell you good bye before embarking on another adventure!

Love the idea of using old t-shirts as wall decor. Recycling at its finest!

So cute seeing your grandson with his hammer and his goggles. You're kidding - he's already 3???

Melanie - Author/Editor said...

What a neat idea for plaques!! I'll have to keep that in mind for my daycare. Sounds like you're all set with your classroom.

Very handsome grandson!

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hi~ so nice that your hubby helps you set up your classroom. I love the pictures of your son and grandson with their hammers. So cute. I am wondering what grades you teach. I teach Junior Writing and Freshman Lit. Hope your school year goes well.

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