Safe to Learn
  • About
    • Why Safe to Learn? >
      • Page 2 - Why School Safety?
      • Inspiring Quotes
      • Thank You...
    • Leading Safety >
      • Select one action item to support the Safe to Learn Community Project
      • Incorporate Safe to Learn
    • Safe to Learn
    • Safe to Learn Community >
      • Mission & Values
      • Background: Safe to Learn Pilot Project
      • How Are the Children?
      • Reflections: Education & Safety
      • Educators Q&A: "Why be part of Safe to Learn?
      • Saving School Safety
      • Let's Be Safe
    • Quick Views >
      • Principals Quick Views
      • Teachers Quick Views
      • Directory Quick Views
    • Advisory Council >
      • Chate Asvanonda
      • Dr. Nancy Degnan >
        • Uncommon Sense, Uncommon Courage
      • Renee Domingo >
        • School Safety Standards
      • Kim Colella >
        • A Musical Journey to Africa
        • Kim Travles to Africa
        • Kim's Photos from Africa
      • Dr. Tom Horton >
        • 1923 Cleveland School Fire was Catalyst for School Fire Drills
      • Kay Karr >
        • Why Plan?
        • Lessons Learned from Hurricane Ike
      • Avagene Moore >
        • My Dream of “A Nation Prepared”
      • Sgt. Tracy Moore
      • Captain Jim Olsen >
        • School Shootings - What Have We Learned
        • Let's Listen - School Shootings
      • Barbara Thurman
    • Safe to Learn Teams >
      • Our Team & Contributors >
        • Dee Beaugez, Founder >
          • Interview Q&A
          • About Safe to Learn >
            • Preparedness Experience
          • Real Images
        • Donald J. Beaugez >
          • Technology Expereince
        • Diana Savage
        • Jessika Savage
        • Elizabeth Hall
        • Patti Lowry-Parrish
        • Kanun Andrade
        • Jorge J Martinez >
          • A Gateway to Freedom
      • Pilot Project Team - LCISD >
        • About the Safe to Learn Pilot Project
        • Thank You - Lamar CISD Principals & Assistant Principals
        • Balancing School Safety and Academic Goals
        • Irma Nurre
        • Sonya Sanzo
      • Safe to Learn Authors
    • Authors
    • Authors In the News >
      • Phillip Martin - In the News >
        • The Mural Man - Liberia
        • Help African Teachers Expand School and Clinic
        • Mural Man - Moldova >
          • #1 TV Interview
          • #2 TV Interview
          • #3 TV Interview
          • #4 TV Interview
          • #5 TV Interviews
        • The Mural Man Series Begins
        • A Taste of My World Cookbook
      • Rick Tobin - In the News >
        • Ten Tips for Safer Schools Series
      • Authors Press Releases
    • Media & Press Releases >
      • TEPSA Conference 2016
      • Three Questions June 2016
      • Authors Press Releases
      • Advisory Council Press Releases
      • About Safe to Learn
    • eBook Submission Guidelines >
      • eBook Submission Requirements
  • Blogs
    • Wander My World With Me by Phillip Martin >
      • 2018 - 2016 Directory Wander My World With Me
      • Introduction - I Draw
      • Faces in the Crowd Logo
      • Help African Teachers Expand School and Clinic
      • Wander My World - Liberia -eBook Helps Fund School
      • About Murals for U.S. Embassy Ebola Survivors Project in Liberia
    • Safe to Learn by Advisory Team and Authors >
      • Dream of A Nation Prepared
      • About the Masai Warriors
    • Golden Navigator by Sage West
    • Ask Tiffanie - Seasonal Foods and More >
      • Tiffanie's Invitation
      • About Tiffanie Boldizsar
    • Nurse Stitches
    • Authors Blogs >
      • Authors Blog Directory
    • Honoring Mourning and Remembrance
    • Preparedness Perspectives >
      • Preparedness Directory
      • Flooding in Texas
    • What Have We Learned? >
      • Directory 2016 - What Have We Learned?
      • Let's Listen - School Shootings
    • Inspiration for Life
  • Let's Guide Safety
    • School District COOP
    • Principles for Principals >
      • Leading the Way to School Safety
      • Reflections >
        • The Day After 9/11
        • Observations
        • Be Prepared and Be a Leader
        • Communication is Key
        • New Safety Checklist
        • Practice, Practice, Practice
        • Note to Ada
      • Author Ada Rosario Dolch
      • It Takes Time & Practice
    • Keeping It Real >
      • Building School Response Teams >
        • Lucien Canton, CEM
    • Response to Violence >
      • The Best Response to Violence in Your School Is the Response which Never Has to Happen >
        • Dr. Cathy Anthofer
        • Links and Resources
    • Ten Tips for Teachers for Safer Schools >
      • Elementary Schools
      • Middle & Junior High Schools
      • High Schools
      • A Great Starting Point
      • Rick Tobin
    • Color Me Safe Series >
      • Patti Parrish >
        • Pet Safe - All Seasons
        • Keep Pets Disaster Safe
        • Lucky Dog's Message
        • Lucky Dog Rap
      • Denise Langston
    • Forever Hope >
      • Fulfilling a Dream >
        • About Vickee Greer
    • 2016 Authors Inspiring Safety & Awareness
    • 2016-2017 Authors Inspiring History & Leadership
  • Safety Series
    • Invest 1 Hour a Month to be Safe to Learn
    • Principles for Principals by Ada Rosario Dolch
    • #1 - Safety First
    • #2 - Calendar >
      • Safe to Learn 2016-17 Calendar
    • # 3 - Fire Drills >
      • 1923 Cleveland School Fire was Catalyst for School Fire Drills
      • Fire Drills Prepare Students for Real-Life Incidents
      • Outstanding Safe to Learn Pilot Project for 2014-2015
    • #4 - Building & Campus Safety
    • #5 - School Response Teams
    • #6 - Tips for Teachers
    • Why Plan? Documentary >
      • Why Plan? For Sale
    • Future Safety Series
  • Teachers Tools
    • About Health Equity Project >
      • Waiting for Health Equity
      • Start a Conversation about Health Equity
    • The Door - A Must for the School Year >
      • More About - The Door
    • Tsunami K-6 Curriculum
  • Let's Read
    • STORE
    • Wander My World - Liberia -eBook Helps Fund School
    • Let's Read Authors
    • Contact Safe to Learn About Volume Orders
    • Let's Read - Books >
      • What Do You Do With An Idea by Kobi Yamada & Illustrated by Mae Besom >
        • Resource: Examples of Lessons Plans Based Around "What You Do with An Idea"
      • The Mitten by Jan Brett >
        • Sheir Loy Reads "The Mitten" to Help with Safety
      • Sleep Ponies by Gudrun Ongman
      • Garbage Bag Suitcase
      • A Long Walk to Water >
        • Links - Linda Sue Parks
      • What Color is Your Parachute for Teens
      • Helping Traumatized Children
      • Let's Be Prepared Resources
    • Let's Read Educators
  • Let's Talk
    • Start a "Let's Talk" Round Table Discussion >
      • Let's Brew a Cappuccino
      • Every Child Needs a Champion
      • Foster Care & Garbage Bag Suitcase >
        • More about Garbage Bag Suitcase
      • "Why Plan?" Documentary
      • 9/11 Webinar 9/13/2016 >
        • New York 9/11/2015 >
          • Let's Talk 9/11/2015 - Stand with Me Today
          • New York 2015 - 9/11 Images
          • Remember 9/11 by Phillip Martin
      • Documentary Films >
        • Let's Talk - Most Likely to Succeed
        • Let's Talk - Beyond Measure
        • Let's Talk - Paper Tigers >
          • Educational Versions
          • ACEs/toxic stress color wheel
        • Let's Talk - The Cats of Mirikitani >
          • The Cat Who Chose to Dream
          • Asian American History
      • Distracted Driving Awarenes
      • Discovery Education MS 88 Brooklyn NY
      • Bullying Though the Eyes of a Child
      • Kindess Matters Campaign
      • Let's Listen - School Violence
      • Let's Talk - Safe to Learn >
        • How Are the Children?
        • Reflections about Safe to Learn
        • Why Safe to Learn?
      • Let's Talk - Safety >
        • Active Shooter
        • Make A Difference
        • Emergency Preparedness for School
        • Incarceration >
          • Incarceration - Links and Resources
        • Natural Disaster - Lessons Learned
        • Teaching 9/11
        • Violence in Schools
        • Violence Prevention Resouces
        • Cure Violence
      • Let's Talk - Social Issues >
        • Homeless Students >
          • Homeless Youth Resources
        • Helping Hunger
        • Human Trafficking in Schools
    • Health Equity Issues
    • Share Your Ideas
  • Free
    • Free Graphics for Teachers
    • Presentations for Teachers
    • Free Art Lesson Plans
    • Free Coloring Books
    • Websites for Teaching and Learning
    • Original Stories
    • Safe to Learn Calendars
    • Safe to Learn Drawing
    • FREE Seasonal Recipes >
      • ​Cumin-Jalapeno Black Bean Soup
      • Pies by Barbara
      • Healthy "Ice Cream" Treats
  • Links
    • Suggest a Link
    • Animals and Children >
      • Pasado's Safe Haven
      • The Gentle Barn
      • Red Rover Readers
      • Travel the World & Learn Kindness to Animals
      • Animal Stories & Books
    • Children, Education & Safety Resouces >
      • Linda Lantieri
      • Resilience Resources
    • Let's Talk - Preparedness >
      • Emergency Plans
      • Incident Command System
      • FEMA Trainings
      • Earthquake and Tsunami Resources >
        • The Really Big One
      • Distracted Driving Awareness
      • School Bus Safety Resources
      • Fire Drills
      • School Safety Resouces
    • Homeless Youth
  • Leadership
    • Inspiring Leaders >
      • Every Child Needs a Champion
    • In Memoriam >
      • Principal Susan Jordan
  • Amazing Educators
    • Every Child Needs a Champion
    • Sheri Loy's Innovative Lockdown Solution
    • Miss Julie Inspires Safety >
      • Julie Kennedy, Teacher/Educator
      • Outstanding Safe to Learn Pilot Project for 2014-2015
    • Let's Sing >
      • Nancy Stewart, Founder of Sing With Our Kids >
        • Sing With Our Kids - Nancy's Pilot Project and Free Resources Website
        • Nancy Stewart Free Website Resources
        • Why Sing? The 5 Practices of Early Literacy
        • Safe to Learn - Let's Sing Excellence in Education Award Winner 2015
    • Let's Sign (ASL) >
      • Nancy Hanauer, Founder Hop to Signaroo ® >
        • Babies Can Communicate
        • Signing for Social and Learning Skills
    • Educators in the News >
      • Abigail's Plan
      • 10 Minutes of Compliments >
        • Special Books Project
      • Inspiring Student with Music & Songs
  • Let's Explore
    • Phillip Martin - The Mural Man >
      • Directory of Murals
      • Let's Explore Mural Man Series
      • Murals #43 and #44
      • Mural #14 - Don't Let Drugs Take You for a Ride!
      • Murals #6, #7 & #35
      • Food Pantry - Ohio, USA
      • Mural Man' Phillip Martin
      • Artist Phillip Martin
    • Wander My World With Me Blog Directory 2016
    • Water >
      • Water Center - Earth Institute | Columbia University
  • Let's Taste
    • A Taste of My World Cookbooks by Phillip Martin >
      • Let's Brew a Cappuccino
      • A Taste of My World, Vol. 1
      • A Taste of My World, Vol. 2
    • The Very Exciting, Great And Nutritious (VEGAN) Cookbook >
      • Kanun Andrade
    • Flavorful Food Adventures >
      • Tiffanie Boldizsar
  • Communities
    • Principals Resources >
      • "Why Plan?" - School-Center Emergency Management
      • Lessons Learned from Hurricane Ike
      • THE DOOR - Health -Safety
      • "Principles for Principals" A Gift From Ada Rosario Dolch
    • Leadership & Safety Series Downloads >
      • Leadership and Safety Series HS
    • Lamar CISD Community
    • Inner Resilience Program
  • Store
  • TEPSA 2016
  • Training Site
  • About Health Equity Project

Reading and 'Riting No 'Rithmatic

10/13/2019

5 Comments

 
Picture
When I look back over my many long years of education, I can think of very few classes that made a lasting impact in my life.  I'm kind of thinking that the list should be longer than that.  But, most of what I do (and I think I do it pretty well) has been self-taught.

The First Course   The first class that I know made a difference was a quarter elective class in eighth grade.  Seriously, who has a life-altering class in junior high?  I don't think I signed up for the class.  I think it's just the way my schedule worked out.  I had to take a speech class. 

I had a lot to learn.  I remember that my first speech wasn't really planned out.  I thought I could wing it.  I specifically remember my mother asking me if I was ready.  She probably should have asked to have a listen.  She didn't and I fumbled through my speech with a whole lot of room for improvement.  There were a lot of bad speeches presented in that class.  However, I listened.  I learned about introductions, wrapping things up with a conclusion, and a huge dose of preparation and poise in between. 

The teacher was strict.  And, good for her.  She wanted us to learn and do our best.  Nobody got a 100 when they gave a presentation in Speech class.  Well, that is, nobody but me.  And, I did it twice.  It was a large junior high school, but gossip flew all over the place when that happened.

A few years ago, I discovered one of the reviews of a speech I gave in that class, along with the teacher's name.  I contacted the school district and asked if they could deliver a message for me.  I wanted to thank her for teaching me skills that I've used my entire life.  Now, I've taught long enough to know that not many students write to thank their teachers for anything.  And, certainly, the thanks rarely comes a few decades later.  I seriously doubt if this woman remembered me.  But, my message found its mark.  I got an email reply from the teacher and I think it's safe to say that I made her day.

'Riting   I really can't credit any course for my writing skills.  I think part of it must be a gift and part of it comes from a lot of practice.  The skills certainly weren't honed when I was in high school.  I will never forget (or forgive) the teacher who read my book report to the class as a poor example.  Well, I learned a lot that day which she never intended to teach.  I learned one really wrong way for a teacher to instruct a class. 

The next book report was oral.  I knew what to do.  I blew everyone away.  No student or teacher was prepared for what I could do.  Of course, this teacher was not one to praise any student  (another method I learned not to follow in a classroom setting).  Her only comment was, "I was a bit breathy."  She did, however, tell her next class how amazing I was.  A lot of frustrated friends rushed to share the news. 

Something happened between high school and my master's classes.  By then, my papers were read as worthy examples.  And, it blew the professors' minds that I usually didn't have rough drafts.  I just sat down and wrote.  That's when I first started hearing the word "gift" to describe what I do with words.

So, what caused this change in my writing?  I think it was continued practice.  I kept a journal every day of college and I still do every time I travel.  And, the more I travel, the better the travel writings get.  At least, in my very not always humble opinion.  It is true.  We all know what practice makes.

No 'Rithmatic   I knew quickly where my skills were.  I might use a little geometry and gridding when I create my murals, but I can't say that math and I have ever been friends.  No math class ever changed my life, not one little bit.  But, that said, I can't think of an art class that did either.  Everything I do as an artist has been self-taught.  My cartoons have been with me throughout my childhood and I practiced a lot in math class.  Thanks to a heavy influence from Charles Schulz, I developed my own style of cartooning that has done quite nicely for me.  Nobody taught me to do the portraits I draw, which are my best souvenirs from my world travels.  And, on my own, I figured out how to paint murals of any size on any wall.  That has taken me around the world.  So, I guess it is fair to say that I'm better than good enough (a standard that I will never be satisfied with).

Before I continue on to another topic, this is a good place to mention another elective that positively impacted my life.  It was typing.  I took typing back in the days of typewriters instead of computers.  Everyone hated the class.  Everyone hated the sound of the teacher's voice as she said, "A, S, D, F, G" or "H, J, K, L, Semi, Space".  Yep, we all hated it.  But, I never dreamed that I would one day spend large chunks of almost every day sitting at a keyboard typing.  And, I never have to look at my fingers - unless I need to type numbers.  I'm very thankful for that awful class.

Modern Languages   I should be so far beyond monolingual.  I studied Latin for three days.  There was a smattering of Tagalog and Arabic.  I had three months of Spanish in college.  There was a year of German and two years of Dutch studies.  To top off all of that, I studied French for three years.   In most of these languages, I would be hard-pressed to string together enough words for the most simple of sentences.  In a life or death situation, I'd be dead.

Surprisingly, I have my most success with Spanish.  I have found Spanish speakers to be the most gracious and patient liars on the planet.  Almost every one of them tells me that my Spanish is wonderful.   They say, "I wish my English was so good after only three months of study."   Because of their amazing patience, I am able to communicate almost any thought I need to say with a perfect gringo accent.  I know very well how bad I sound.  I know this because on occasion I have met the Spanish speaker who feels the need to correct every mistake that I make.  Every sentence needs correcting.  Every dang sentence!  Honestly, I can't say even one sentence without a mistake in español.  Believe me, it doesn't take long for me to stop talking to those people.  I prefer gracious liars.

There is a reason for my minimal success in Spanish.  I've never had to use most of the other languages I've studied.  Usually someone speaks English, and I just consider that a blessing from God and immediately give up attempts with a foreign tongue.  But, I've traveled across a large portion of the Spanish-speaking world.  And, I've had to use it to get around.  When push comes to shove, and there is no way around it, I will habla a little español.  I've done it in Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic.  I cannot say that practice makes perfect.  But, I can say that it has helped me communicate.  And, as far as I'm concerned, most people don't care if it is perfect as long as they understand what you are trying to say.

Through It All   So, just like everyone else, there were a lot of teachers in the mix to get me as educated as I am.  Many I've forgotten.  Some I certainly wanted to forget.  But, I have one in my life that I've kept in contact with over the years.  She knows she's the only one.  And, I certainly hope that everyone has a Madame Heine in their life.

When I grew up, nobody traveled.  I went to Miami Beach one summer and it was absolutely huge.  Nobody traveled that far.  Almost every family vacation we ever took was to the Smoky Mountains.  Perhaps eight hours in the car was as much as my parents could stand?  And, with four kids, I completely understand that.  But, Madame Heine traveled.  She shared her stories and she fully expected us to travel as well.

But, like I said, nobody in Ohio traveled.

I fully never expected to leave the state.  However, Madame Heine shared slides (and if you don't know what those are, you are just too young) of her trips to Paris.  She prepared French onion soup and escargot for us to eat in class.  She started so many sentences with, "When you go to Paris . . . "  And I knew full well that when I went to Paris, I was supposed to go to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Montmartre and Sainte Chapelle.  But, in my heart, I never thought I'd leave Ohio, let alone venture off to Europe or Paris. 

Well, life has its surprises.

I traveled a lot of the world before I finally made it to Paris.   It took me twenty-five years to get there.  But, after I did, I had to contact Madame Heine.  I told her that I finally saw Notre Dame Cathedral.  I tasted French onion soup and snails, which really didn't compare to what she prepared for us.  I remembered the locations she suggested so I visited the Louvre, walked the Left Bank, strolled down the Champs Elysees, and wandered around the Arc de Triomphe.  And one day, years later, I did cartooning work for Notre Dame Cathedral.  I told Madame Heine about all of this, and she cried. 

My French skills are not what they once were (or what they should be) but a little came back to me when I traveled with a group to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for one of my murals.  While I was there, I was the only one in the team of eleven who spoke any French.  Funny, none of us spoke Swahili either.  So, I served in a minor capacity as translator.  Very minor.  But, I can shop for souvenirs like nobody's business even in French.  And, when I returned to Ohio, I had to contact Madame Heine one more time and tell her about my success thanks to her classes.

I contacted Madame Heine after the fire in Notre Dame Cathedral.  I knew she would be devastated.  And, I told her that I needed to see her again.  It had been too long.  So, I made my way to her home a few weeks ago.  I'm so glad I did.  She had so many students over the years.  I have, too.  I know I don't remember all of them.  She most likely doesn't either.  But, she remembers me.

Now, I've heard conversations about students who say that they were influenced by a special teacher in their life.  I'm hoping everyone has at least one of those.  But, it never occurred to me that teachers might be positively influenced by students in their classroom.  However, on this trip, I realized that I had a positive influence on Madame Heine.

One of the best presents I ever received, perhaps the very best, was a badge maker that my mother found.  It was the perfect present for a budding young artist in high school.  I sold badges for basketball and football games.  Life would have been so much easier if I could have printed the art with computer generated graphics, but this was in the Dark Ages before computers.  Every illustration was hand-drawn and hand-colored.  And, as it turned out, Madame Heine liked my badges and my artwork.  She purchased some of my work and added more to her collection over the years.  And, for the rest of her teaching career, she wore a badge every day.  So, she had to think of me a lot over the years.  Her collection, after retirement, is now on display in her home.

Another thing I remember about Madame Heine was the fact that she helped me in math.  I hated story problems.  Really, I truly hated a lot about math.  But, Madame Heine was such a special teacher in my life.  And, one more time, I want to say merci. 

5 Comments
Jenny
10/15/2019 06:53:26 am

What a wonderful tribute to Madame Heine! Having an impactful teacher in your life and keeping in contact is a blessing. Your math class in elementary school impacted a project we did every year for parents. 🙂 You taught me how to draw the USA out of rectangles that you made up during one of your math classes.

Didn't you make badges for your students at Havencroft? I have a vague memory of your students getting to wear them.

Thanks for sharing your gift!

Reply
Phillip
10/15/2019 11:55:59 am

Jenny, I remember creating the map of the USA like that when I was in fourth grade. I had no idea you used it as you have. That's a nice ripple. My students probably had buttons. I don't remember but it had to happen.

Reply
Anne M Nelson
10/15/2019 07:24:05 am

Phillip, as a friend and a teacher, I was so moved by your 10/13 Blog entry the I am sharing the URL with my friends. You are a special friend withy special gifts in many arenas.... Safe travels my friend.
Anne

Reply
Phillip
10/15/2019 11:57:13 am

Anne, well, you read my blog again. Good for you. You never know what I might write about. I'm glad you enjoyed the words and thought it worthy of a share. More to come . . .

Reply
Anne Nelson
10/24/2019 09:11:39 am

I re-read your blog and now have forwarded it to my "Madam Heine" who was our only teacher in the music department at my high school. He will get a huge kick out of "Reading and 'Riting No 'Rithmatic"

Safe travel my friend. Let me know when to pick you up on the 9th...

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Wander My World With Me 
    by Phillip Martin

    Artist, Muralist,
    Photographer and
    World Wanderer
    Blog Directory

    Wonder about Wander My World With Me?
    • I Draw (Introduction)
    • Faces in the Crowd
      About Icon Images 
    • Directory

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All
    Portraits
    Travel

    RSS Feed

    View Previous Blogs and Add Comments
    Scroll to the bottom of this page and select "Previous" 
    and/or add Comments by selecting "Comments" and fill in the "Leave a Reply" form.
    Phillip Martin's Web Sites
    • Facebook
    • ​The Mural Man
    Phillip Martin's Books
    • The Mural Man Series 
    • A Taste of My World Cookbooks
“Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. 
 We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.”
 
~ Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa



Proudly powered by Weebly
Design by DivTag Templates