Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success"

  

Calendar Books by Allen James' reading for November 11th from "A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success",

"Always tell your students how bright their futures look" (James, 2012).

It's no lie, young people's futures DO look bright; it depends on them as to how it turns out (of course there are other variables which come into play as each of us knows all too well).

Just as we were once the future, so do today’s youth carry the weight of the future. By creating inviting and enjoyable opportunities for strong youth participation, we put in place essential building blocks for the continued vitality of our world. The arenas of dreams and opportunity we create and enjoy for ourselves today will necessarily pass – or not – to our youth.

The strength of youth participation definitely depends upon how well we are able to encourage, guide and include, support and mentor them. It ultimately depends upon available resources and opportunity as well. And resources must include but go far beyond financial support. For long-term success, opportunity must be designed to spark interest, inspiration, desire and a curiosity deep within them to want to participate. Opportunity must include varied venues for personal growth and skill development allowing for direct participation of youth in all age groups. Opportunity must expose them to leadership initiative, new concepts and motivating role models. Opportunity must provide a genuine feeling of acknowledgement and appreciation for the many talents and achievements of each individual youth and for youth as a group. Opportunity must allow the possibility to dream of their own future.

Teachers carry a large degree of the responsibility in securing this future. Children and youth spend on average 9% of their time in school (www.tarcherbooks.net). The influence of the individuals with whom they spend this time, their teachers, affects them to a much greater degree.

Teachers, always tell your students how bright their futures look. They will have enough discouragement along life's journey.

Keep looking up. AJ