Blog Archives - Brave Teachers

Teaching Children To Choose Kindness, Part 2

6/29/2015

So this is the second part in a little mini series Brave Teachers is presenting on teaching children to choose kindness.

Our first step was learning to respond rather than react to our children and modeling that to them.

Our second step is pointing out examples we see in daily life of people choosing to treat other people with kindness. This is not about the fancy big stuff. It's about the person who holds a door for a large group or picks up something that someone else drops or lets someone with a couple items in front of them in the grocery store line.

These moments are super teachable and so simple once we start to tune into them. A little comment or conversation might go something like this: "Did you see that person return the gloves that man dropped? How did it make you feel when you saw this happen? Wasn't that a kind thing to do? I bet that person will feel good today knowing they treat other people with kindness. Can you think of something kind you have done that makes you feel really good?"

These conversations can happen in a classroom or with your child in the car. They are important!

Teaching Children To Choose Kindness, Part 1

6/28/2015

When I think about what I really want to do with my life--how I want to be remembered--what mark I want to leave on the world, here is the one thing I know for sure:

I want to leave the world a kinder place.

{I feel like if this was a vlog or podcast we would break into "You may say I'm a dreamer. You're not the only one."}

It sounds so lofty, but really it is about being intentional and mindful and compassionate. Those are really very simple concepts. It is the ongoing practice of them in life that is difficult and therefore dismissed as lofty.

We must be taught these amazing aspects of human existence. We must practice and meet them like a stranger every day.

And so how do we teach children to choose kindness? I have lots of fun ideas, but I'm going to start with the most difficult one. We teach children kindness by treating them with kindness and respect and responding rather than reacting to them. {This is really difficult, people, but it's so worthy of us!}

The first step to responding rather than reacting is taking a moment to ask ourselves what is going on here before we say or do anything. Sometimes I have to walk away from the situation to do this! Just practice this step. The more I practice the easier it becomes and the clearer the needed response becomes.

It's also lovely to have our kids see us practice this with ourselves and other people.

The first step to teaching kids to choose kindness is to model with them responding instead of reacting!

Today I choose to respond
rather than react.

I am a beacon of kindness.

I treat myself with kindness

Choose Kindness Challenge + Give Away

6/26/2015

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. {Dalai Lama}

This quote has really gotten me to thinking this week about what it really means to always choose kindness. I'm especially thinking about the subtle snarkiness that really affects me so much more than the recipient--an eye roll, a tone of voice, when I listen just waiting to speak rather than listening in the present.

This is tough stuff, people! This is not close to the shiny surface. It's in the deep gritty workings of the heart. Let's make a pact to be a little more intentional about choosing kindness in the little moments. Are you in?

I love to reward kindness, so if you're joining the Choose Kindness Pact for the Friday Challenge, leave us a little message on the Brave Teachers FB page. One lucky kindness crusader will receive an Inspiration Care Package of artsy goodness sent to you. Yippee!

What's the latest news at Brave Teachers?

This evening I will be at ACoT from 5 - 9, along with other resident artists. Stop in to enjoy art, see my studio, chat, buy art, whatever suits your fancy! {There is also a photography show opening across the street at Nine Muses--lovely!}

Brave Yoga continues on Tuesday and Thursday at ACoT. It's 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. It is $8/session. Saturday class continues 9 - 10 a.m. at Grace Loyal Oak UCC.

Brave Teachers Personalized Professional Development, Consulting, and Coaching continues to unfold. It is becoming so strong and powerful! You can check out a summer sample here. Please share it!

I'm about to burst with other ideas that are developing, but I don't want to let the cat out of the bag too soon!

Peace and joy for you

6/21/2015

A little blessing especially for you today:

May you experience, receive, and share
peace and joy for the journey.

I've had some amazing {almost magical} moments with family and friends and creativity. To me that feels like what summer should be all about. On Friday we ate salad at Luigi's and saw the In/Out art by Mustill store on a little hike My son insisted we take my dad to Malley's for Father's Day so we could enjoy ice cream on the carousel! Live doesn't get much better than this!

That is what my hope and prayer is for you today--peace and joy that feel almost magical!

xo Brave Teacher Mim

P.S. Save the Date: I am doing 2 workshops in July at ACoT. Papermaking is on July 28, 11 am - 1 pm
and Book Art will be July 30 11 am - 1 pm. It will be so much fun so mark your calendar! More details will follow soon!

P.P.S. Yoga start this Tuesday, and it's not too late to join the Summer of Inspiration--both are in the sidebar to the right!

Friday Challenge and Inspiration: Wonder

6/19/2015

I thought it would be fun to have a little fun challenge each Friday. The challenge today is. . .BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR WONDER! Wonder is all around us when we really start to look. It's in the plant that grow in the sidewalk, the questions your child asks, the stars in the sky, the kind gesture of a stranger, and so many other places. Are you up for the challenge? Leave a message here on where you see wonder.

Have you seen what Brave Teachers is up to these days? I'd love to have you join in the fun! Check these out:

Brave Yoga: Breathe, Stretch, Relax begins Tuesday, June 23 at ACoT. Starting this week! {Please sign up if you're planning to join the whole amazing 6 weeks!} Get details or sign up
Every Saturday, 9 - 10 a.m. I'm guiding yoga at Grace Loyal Oak UCC, 3285 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Norton 44203 for $8
Have you check out Personalized Professional Development HERE? Have you shared it with your favorite school principal or administrator? I would be so very grateful if you would take 5 minutes and share a link with someone who might want to invest in their school this way next year.
I'm making paper with people for FREE at ACoT {Art Center on Tusc, 571 W. Tuscarawas in Barberton, OH 44203} on Sunday afternoons.
I'm making art like crazy. In addition to these little bits of inspiration, I'm painting, collaging, and making paper prayer flags. Find out more about my paintings HERE.

Have a WONDER-full and adventuresome weekend,

Brave Teacher Mim

Buy Brave Art

6/15/2015

People are inquiring more about Brave Art. Where can it be seen and purchased are the two most commonly asked questions. {Love these sort of questions!!}

At this very moment there are two place to view and/or purchase Brave Art:

1. My Studio and the Gallery at ACoT

I LOVE my studio space. I have about a dozen of the 4 x 4 Cutie Cubes that go for $20. Here are a few pics of the most recent:

Love Wins (SOLD)

Secret Garden

Take Flight

I also have some of my favorite larger paintings here, too. . .

Hollyhocks 2
24 x 12 inches
$145

Some of my other faves are in the gallery here, too! You can see/purchase them HERE.

The other place to see and purchase Brave Art is at Miss Mercedes in Lakeside, Ohio

I love the way I see my art scattered around the shop with so many other yummy bits!

I hope your will be able to enjoy some Brave Art this summer. It makes a great gift for weddings, graduation, or just because.

P.S. Can you keep a secret? Soon Brave Art will be available online at Brave Teachers!! More will be revealed soon!

Love Wins

6/14/2015

May you be reminded today that LOVE WINS.

And that is my blessing for you today. I cannot think of two more hopeful words in the English language. It's so easy to feel like the greedy bully will win out. or the selfish family member. or the addiction. or {you fill in the blank}

Take heart today, and rest in the place of faith and grace because love wins.

Friday Challenge

6/12/2015

The challenge today is. . .COMMIT RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS! This may be kind words or actions directed toward anyone. For me this is so much about just being intentional with how I treat people. Sometimes I like to go on a kindness secret mission, and I hand out little cards everywhere I go. What will kindness look like for you?

If you're looking for a little inspiration of something you can make, I recommend THESE FREEBIES at Kind Over Matter. Just scroll down the page for many ideas of simple ways to express kindness. If you want to get kids involved I LOOOVE The Magic Wand of Kindness. So go forth and be kind. Are you up for the challenge?

Have you seen what Brave Teachers is up to these days?
I'd love to have you join in the fun! {Its not just for teachers!}
Check these out:

I'm about to burst with excitement about the many projects that are brewing over at Brave Teachers. {Every couple weeks something new and big will be revealed!}
Brave Yoga: Breathe, Stretch, Relax begins Tuesday, June 23 at ACoT. Two days a week of yoga will rock your little world! Get details or sign up
Every Saturday, 9 - 10 a.m. I'm guiding yoga at Grace Loyal Oak UCC, 3285 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Norton 44203 for $8
Have you check out Personalized Professional Development HERE? Have you shared it with your favorite school principal or administrator? I would be so very grateful if you would take 5 minutes and share a link with someone who might want to invest in their school this way next year.
I'm making paper with people for FREE at ACoT {Art Center on Tusc, 571 W. Tuscarawas in Barberton, OH 44203} on Sunday afternoons. I'm in between 11 - 3, but we wrap up and clean up around 2:45. Handmade paper is great for card making, drawing or painting, wherever your imagination leads you. Papermaking is fun for all ages. You can also visit my studio and some of my art.

Have a wonder-full and adventuresome weekend!

Favorite Part of Summer

6/10/2015

Something to write or think about today:
What is your favorite part of summer? or parts--it's hard to have just one! How do you feel differently in the summer?

I totally love the ease with which I live. I don't stop. I'm still creating and working, but there is an ease to it. I plan and cook nutritious meals without total fatigue. I am more gentle with myself about completing tasks, so ironically, more gets done. I take time to look at the sundrops blooming in my backyard. I parent without a hurry up and rush mentality. It is a sweet spot that I want to keep. How about you?

An affirmation for us all: I live and work with ease.

P.S. I would love to have you check out the sidebar to the right. I have some juicy and amazing offerings. Inspiration. . .Personalized Professional Development. . .Yoga. . .and more.
Please sign up and join us. I'm looking forward to working with you!

What Skill Are You Learning This Summer?

6/9/2015

Today I want to give a shout out to Jon Acuff. I totally buy what he's selling in his book Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, And Never Get Stuck. Read more about it HERE.

He is also the person that taught me to incorporate the word {hustle} into my daily vocabulary. He is also the person that motivated me to wake up at 5 a.m. every morning for an entire month and start writing a book that I would want to read for teachers about transforming education. That was the catalyst for the Personalized Professional Development that I'm offering for the 2015 - 1016 school year.

He has a FREE summer program about learning or doing something in little 15 minute increments. It's a great way to tackle something that seems too big to do on your own. If you want build your skills, HERE is a great place to start!

I am learning to declutter {and hopefully limit future clutter}.

What are you up to today?