Inspirational Stew: 150 Poems, Quotations and Maxims for Teachers, Parents and Caregivers to Encourage and Inspire Young People

A teacher for 35 years in underserved and at risk neighborhoods, Claritha D. Ingram enjoyed teaching, mentoring and inspiring students using a positive approach to classroom management - verses and expressions to make students think and to motivate them to use their time wisely and take charge of their destiny. When she couldn't find the kinds of poems she wanted, she wrote them. She was rewarded with a learning-conducive classroom, positive changes in the students themselves and encouraging feedback from parents, co-workers and administrators. You too can use her original work and other selected poems, quotes and encouraging words to take charge of your classroom, youth group or your own children. This book helps teachers set the tone and prepare young people to open their minds and hearts to what is available with a good education.

Teaching students can be challenging, and classroom management can be an even bigger challenge. A teacher can work extremely hard preparing class rules and reminding students of expectations and procedures. Unfortunately, inappropriate conduct often takes center stage. Rules and consequences are okay to control this behavior for a short period of time. However, students soon become immune over a period of time. When the fear of misbehaving is no longer a concern, inappropriate behavior resurfaces. Teaching and learning are then sacrificed for discipline.

Nevertheless, using a positive approach, you will capture their attention. The goal is to keep students engaged in learning and manage classroom discipline at the same time. Now the big question is: How do you do it?

By incorporating motivational poems and messages into instruction every morning before you begin, you can align students' thoughts with words of encouragement to uplift their spirits. Articulating the right words that reach out to young minds can have a powerful and positive influence on how a child behaves and performs in the classroom. This is something children can feel within. It is meaningful and forms a foundation for their strength to push harder to achieve their best level of proficiency. Some students will be reluctant at first but add a daily deposit of motivational wisdom; and, "BINGO," they will begin to accept the wisdom as truth. Moreover, they will start thinking on a different level about their education, character and self-worth. This positive activity needs to take place in the classroom, in the community and in the home: "It takes a village to raise a child."