Reading with Mrs. Shivers

I love these quotes because they are about playing not with standard toys, but by using your mind and imagination. The second quote about getting to know people reminds me of all the hours we spend playing games, and how the competition has made many lasting memories with our family and friends.  This was my very favorite baby growing up. Almost every picture from my childhood has "Baby Beans" in it. (She has beans in her bottom to help her sit up.) Even when she lost her hat, got dirty, and scuffed her face paint, she remained my most cherished possession. In times of hurt and trauma growing up, she was my comfort. I still have her in a box as an adult.  Music has always been an essential part of my life. My parents did not have the money for dance lessons, so when my Grandmother bought me this ballerina, she was my way to pretend I could be a dancer too. She came with cassette tapes that I could play and dance around the room just like the doll. When I was a ...

This quote may seem a little unorthodox, but it is truly how I approach relationships. The core in any relationship,  must be truthfulness and authenticity. There is nothing more important in my opinion than being true to yourself, and presenting yourself as exactly who you really are. When you can really be who you are, you can develop lasting quality relationships and partnerships. These partnerships are essential for career success, emotional well-being, and for making a difference in the life of someone outside yourself. My husband Charlie and I have been married almost 15 years. He is my rock, my partner, and my very best friend. We met in college, and anyone who knew us then would say we were opposites. What we have learned over the years, however, is that if we reserve judgement and remain open to communication, we are actually far more alike. A positive relationship not only supports, but helps you move forward in life. In our marriage, we've been through...

We exist in community, and though we are only one person, we can be that one that makes a positive difference in a child's life. There will be many people in and out a a child's life. Some will help the child develop, others will hinder. I want to leave the right mark. I feel like this sums up the goal of child development for me. As caregivers we help the child progress from focused on themselves to seeing others, and hopefully then preparing them for responsible citizens as they learn to care about others across the world. Each child is unique. Its my job to connect and help each student I work with succeed in their own way.