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Shannon Bryan
10/8/2021 02:29:02 pm
This was a very well thought out newsletter and I enjoyed the photos of the children reading.
Ashley King
10/8/2021 02:38:16 pm
Thank you for your encouragement. Maybe the next issue will include the readers from your family!
Toni Mazzanti
10/10/2021 12:00:10 am
I loved the story about building fences by Mr. Grover. It's a beautiful lesson to teach through someone else's work. I've never really given it any thought about how every day living can benefit as a teaching moment.
Grover L Welch
10/11/2021 06:41:42 pm
Thank you for your kind comments. I appreciate you reading it. I find that the best lessons are those from real life. This lesson, I felt, really put things in perspective. The events of last few years make me lean in on the idea of how connected we are as a world. Again, thank you.
Gregg Hooks?
10/17/2021 10:10:10 pm
This was a very well thought out newsletter, everything from the pictures as well as how everything was so detailed just sticks out to me.
Constance Burch
10/21/2021 08:23:19 pm
Mr. Hooks, it is not always enough to generalize a response. While we choose to make our efforts known to our Instructors and our fellow students, we must also choose to give feedback to the author that encourages them and shows that we the reader have received valuable information that in some way will help us to grow and excel in our educational journeys.That is the importance of these wonderful articles, they share experiences and information so we can grow intellectually. I hope you got more out of this experience than your comment expressed.
Charles King
10/10/2021 12:05:30 am
The Global Perspective was a interesting read. Seeing how others are dealing with the hardships from Covid19 brings to light how we are all in this together in some way. The picture of young August playing ball over the fence is creative and fun! Such a bright young man!
Paul Dawson
10/16/2021 08:52:18 am
Thank you. I am a little biased, being his grandfather, but yes Arthur is a very bright young man with a lot of promise. He hides his talents behind his modesty but I believe his time to shine will come! 10/13/2021 07:50:32 am
I loved the article on Charles Graham. It was inspiring to hear of his struggle and what all he came to accomplish with those struggles.
Dr. Madison Peschock
10/13/2021 01:24:54 pm
Thanks much. His book is amazing and very inspiring. 10/13/2021 04:35:16 pm
Thank you Ms. Whaley for reading my story. The beauty and blessing is how my past has proven to position me today. I am truly living an enjoyable purposeful life, back in the place where I started. Again thank you for your comment.
Joshua Denton
10/13/2021 10:22:33 am
I found the most intriguing part of this newsletter to be the article by Grover Welch. As a kid, my dad would always tell me that whatever you do, you need to do it to your best ability, which is very similar to the idea in “Building Fences”. I feel that it relates the most to my life because I have always believed that hard work can help you achieve anything.
Grover L Welch
10/13/2021 01:37:54 pm
Thank you for the great comments. I’m glad that the article provoked your memory. Memory is one of the most important things we carry inside our brains. Just like this story, my grandfather shapes my life even now.
Madilyn Barnes
10/13/2021 05:52:15 pm
I loved seeing the the photos of all the children reading their books! It is very encouraging to see young people who love to read.
Ashley King
10/20/2021 01:24:20 pm
We enjoy finding new young readers to add to the next issue. Do you know any young readers who would love to be included?
Ashley Phillips
10/13/2021 09:39:06 pm
I truly enjoyed reading the building fences article. It reminds me of the times I used to spend in the garden with my own grandfather. I also believe it wise to prepare yourself ahead of time for your students questions. Over all a good read.
Grover L Welch
10/15/2021 08:47:01 pm
Thank you for reading, I’m glad it stirred pleasant memories.
Dagan Danley
10/14/2021 10:21:26 am
I loved seeing the the photos of all the children reading. It is very encouraging to see young people who love to read. I have struggled with reading most of my life due to adhd and I am just now getting to where i can properly read books and understand and focus about what i am reading. I'm so thankful to all the teachers who were/still are teaching through COVID. This has been a hard time for all students and teachers/professors, especially the younger kids who have had to learn a new way to live.
Emily Jackson
10/20/2021 08:43:00 pm
Yes! I work at an after school program, and seeing all our kiddos complete their reading homework is very encouraging. To celebrate my group of kiddos specifically, over half of my group of 4th graders met their AR goal this quarter!
Jacob Shelton
10/14/2021 10:59:26 am
Dr.Walter, I enjoyed the part in your editorial note about teachers being underpaid. I understand that during these times of Covid, doctors and nurses are very important but like you said so are teachers. They risk their health and the health of their families, when they come back to teach in person classes. While taking online classes more and more students are falling behind, they are not leading they are just cheating and getting by. I know how much teaching means to you and one of the most important things I have learned from you this semester is how important the pursuit of knowledge is, so thank you Dr.Walter for what you do everyday.
Braden Taylor
10/20/2021 04:03:32 pm
Your input on teachers health and their importance to our society even during COVID times was very nice. Dr Walter's passion for teaching is ever reaching. I now am writing this from my graduate teaching position that Dr Walter was a critical key in obtaining.
Jacobyhankton
10/14/2021 11:02:04 am
Although teachers aren’t credited for their works I feel they should be held high due to the impact on society.Many people should always remember what Mr.Grover said with “ whatever you do, you have to do it with care and confidence”. Throughout all the protesting always remember that ALLL LIVES MATTER no matter the situation. Many don’t know but reading and writing for children is an great exercise for them and expand their vocabulary. Although teachers go through a lot they have to be strong and continue to be role models for their students
Grover L Welch
10/15/2021 08:50:51 pm
Thank you,
Lawren Sunni Weaver
10/14/2021 09:30:24 pm
I appreciate Dr. Kay Walter addressing the anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty of pandemic life in her "Editorial Note." The past nineteen months have been emotionally devastating for a large portion of society, with most people having experienced the tragic loss of life taken too soon by this deadly virus. In the wake of these losses, coupled with the disruption of daily life and activities-- due to lock downs, restrictions, and cancellations--mental health can be greatly and negatively impacted. Recent studies have reported mental health crises to be at an all time high collectively, with predictions that the trend will continue for years to come. I feel that the first step in addressing mental health issues is active awareness. Thank you, Dr. Walter, for promoting mental health awareness through these trying times.
Emily Stell, UAM Counselor
10/15/2021 12:35:01 pm
Sunni, I am thankful for Dr. Walter specifying the mental health effects COVID-19 has on us collectively as well. The pandemic has impacted us socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I also agree that teachers certainly did not get the recognition they deserved with how they adapted, loved, and did the very best they could for their classrooms. Expressing appreciation can be the difference in someone's day, as it is another form of connecting with others. The Editorial Note ended positively, and I too am hopeful at how we can be intentional in showing care for one another amongst a difficult time period. We can be intentional with our self-care, and we can be intentional with taking care of our mental health and talking about mental health with others. Thanks for your comment.
Amya sellers
10/14/2021 11:48:48 pm
The pictures of the children reading truly inspired me, as a kid I loved reading and it was my favorite subject. To see children who loved it as much as me is nice I hope that kids these days love and learn the true value of reading.
Dr Walter
10/15/2021 04:11:06 pm
Amya,
Kamaryn Frazier
10/15/2021 12:01:07 am
I enjoyed a lot in this reading everything stood out to me and was very touching. Reading this reminded me a lot about when I was younger in school and the things I did.
Ashley King
10/18/2021 06:36:31 pm
Thank you for taking the time to read our Newsletter!
Bailey Harris
10/15/2021 12:27:09 am
I really enjoyed reading the global perspective newsletter. It was interesting to see what lockdown was like for other people around the world. I’m glad to see that Arthur was still able expand his knowledge safely while in lockdown. I liked that his parents didn’t let him just sit around and do nothing. It’s cool that he wrote about John Ruskin as well!
Paul Dawson
10/16/2021 08:56:58 am
Thank you for your response. Nurturing parents are so important at such times to augment the online teaching. He was so excited to be able to return to school, and is now settling in well in his new school.
Emily Hand
10/16/2021 11:12:58 pm
I loved this story about building fences by Mr. Grover it was very inspiring. It's a beautiful lesson able teaching through someone else's work ethic. I've never really given it much thought about how any many thing that I do every day an affect life. But with that it can also benefit as a teaching moment for everyone. Thank you so much for sharing such an inspirational story!
grover l welch
10/19/2021 09:25:58 am
Thank you for sharing your own response. It is important that we remember how much our lives inform our teaching.
Alexys Grice
10/17/2021 07:56:04 pm
Dear Dr. Glover, I loved your story so much and it was very inspiring. When I was younger, my mom use to always tell me to go out strong for what I want in life. I feel like your story can relate to my life because hard work and dedication can help you strive for greatness and you most definitely described that in your story. Thank you for the amazing story.
grover l welch
10/19/2021 09:28:10 am
I have this constant sense that I am the sum of my parts. The hopes and dreams of my life always take me back to the moments I have poured my soul into. Thanks for reading and I really appreciate the feedback.
Josh McGarity
10/17/2021 09:39:52 pm
I really liked the pictures of the kids reading. I think it’s important that you should start early at reading so you can have more knowledge. I wish that I read books like them when I was little. I like how the professor made sure they would socially distance at all times.
Ashley King
10/20/2021 01:44:01 pm
The children make the issue, I think. Do you have any young readers who would enjoy being a part of the next issue? When exactly did you start to enjoy reading?
Cole Caldwell
10/17/2021 11:55:40 pm
What stood out to me the most in this newsletter were the points that Dr. Walter brought up regarding teaching during the ongoing pandemic. Teachers have done a lot over the past year and a half because they care about education for us students dearly and I, along with others, really appreciate that. I also agree that in the event of the pandemic and the lockdown everyone experienced when we had to go 100% virtual that it put students through a lot of emotions. I am glad that we are able to be back in the classroom now because I think that is how students learn and teachers can educate at their best.
Ana Rodriguez
10/21/2021 01:09:59 pm
Cole, 10/18/2021 10:06:43 am
I loved the story about the fences. It reminded me of my great grandfather teaching me to always try my best. Also i applaud you for trying to answer the questions your students may have on the social turmoil we face today. I think both lessons are in great demand in todays world.
grover l welch
10/19/2021 09:29:44 am
Thank you so much for the great comments and support. I believe very much in my kids, and anything less would be a disservice.
Keithejana King
10/18/2021 10:28:35 am
I absolutely love the pictures of the children reading a book. I really didn’t like reading when I was young because I didn’t like every book but once I found a book series I like I started reading a lot more and I started reading other books from the smallest to the biggest books. Every child should start reading early because they will have a greater knowledge and a better vocabulary and also will become more fluent readers.
Emily Jackson
10/20/2021 08:46:33 pm
Absolutely! I work at an after school program, and my group of kiddos really enjoy the graphic novel books! They LOVE the Dog Man series, the Diary of a Whimpy Kid series, and the Dork Diaries series. I read the last two when I was still in elementary/middle school, and I'm glad both are STILL keeping kiddos interested in reading!
Edward Finney
10/18/2021 10:43:38 am
I really enjoyed reading this newsletter! One of my favorite parts was seeing the pictures of the kids reading. Most kids today keep their heads in phones and video games. So it was refreshing to see children reading. I also liked the article by Grover Welch because it reminded me of the summers I spent with my grandparents.
grover l welch
10/19/2021 09:31:31 am
Thank you for the supportive comments.
Vanessa Gibson
10/18/2021 10:46:34 am
I think Dr. Kay Walters and her students are doing an amazing job in the community. It touches my heart to see children reading or learning how to read. When I see kids trying to read or reading it makes me happy because education is real vital in todays class.
Ashley King
10/20/2021 02:34:53 pm
Dr. Walter truly works hard, making sure all is accounted for with her students' education. What sparked your interest in education? Was it a certain teacher, family member, or friend? The young readers are truly a gift. If you have any young readers you would like to include you can always email us.
Caleb Skipper
10/18/2021 07:59:33 pm
I agree with Dr.Walters that Teachers are underpaid. Teachers are a valuable role in forming their students into what they become in life. This is more important now than ever. Covid is making hard us all to go to school and for the teachers to teach us properly. I think it is important to compensate pay for what these teachers have endured these past two years.
Dr Kay Walter
10/19/2021 04:23:48 am
No one teaches for the money, Caleb. All work should be fairly compensated, but some things are worth way more than money is. As Ruskin teaches us, THE ONLY WEALTH IS LIFE. Teaching is a calling not just a career. Over the last two years, it has been harder to teach than usual, but it has also been harder to learn, harder to communicate, and harder to parent. We can all do our part to mitigate the virus and make this time productive by being thoughtful, intentional, and kind to ourselves and all those around us. 10/19/2021 06:12:05 am
Ashley King
10/20/2021 02:47:46 pm
Your words are truly inspiring! Are there any authors who inspired you? Any teachers?
Brandon Gurnsey
10/20/2021 01:09:09 pm
I really enjoyed reading this newsletter. I’m glad that there are people encouraging kids to read in the world. Growing up I never had anyone pushing me to be better or telling me to read a book, but looking back I wish I would have. I feel like I would have been more successful in school if there were people encouraging me to read like how the kids in the pictures have. I love seeing kids learning how to better themselves. The pictures of the kids are awesome and are also my favorite part.
Braden Taylor
10/20/2021 04:06:50 pm
Teaching our youths to read is possibly the most important thing any educator can do. Being able to read is the key to learning. Whenever you can you should encourage children to read and tell them how important it is to the rest of their lives.
Kaitlyn Watson
10/20/2021 07:31:01 pm
My favorite part about your blog was the story by Grover Welch. His story ¨Building Fences¨, really caught my eye and I really enjoyed it. Still to this day, my mom always tells me, ¨Do the best you can. If you still fail, at least you know you did your best.¨There is just some things in life that you will fail at. I have learned that no one is perfect and everyone has their highs and lows.
grover l welch
10/22/2021 01:03:18 pm
Thank you for your kind words. I love that so many people enjoyed my writing, and am blessed to have so many people connect with it.
Karly Marlar
10/20/2021 07:51:36 pm
I love the beginning of the newsletter. The “Letter from the President” news article was very approachable. I was able to agree and reflect off of it. It made me feel hopeful and reassured me that my English teacher too feels this way. The part where it said, “I hope you find this newsletter both useful and uplifting” had me do just that. 10/22/2021 09:42:27 am
Too often, we let negativity eat at us. This organization is full of individuals who seek to do the opposite–to build one another up and support our growth. To paraphrase Fred Rogers, surround yourself with the helpers.
Anissia Lindsey
10/21/2021 09:29:36 am
It’s those small moments that can make a monumental impact on our lives. In “Building Fences” by Grover Welch, this idea is emphasized. The wise words his grandfather shared with him while building fences created an impact in his life that he’s carried on. I’ve always valued the stories and advice given by elders. Like the author I try applying all those lessons to my adult life. A new lesson taken from this article is to do things with “care.” If more people did things with care we’d see a much different world.
grover l welch
10/22/2021 01:02:16 pm
Thank you for your kind words. I have found as I get older, I appreciate those moments in my life and lessons they have taught me. We each have these unique walks that turn us into these walking libraries of wit and wisdom. I try to pull a book off the self every day and apply it to my life. Good and bad they all taught me something.
Maraeshia Simpson
10/21/2021 11:29:13 pm
The part of your newsletter that caught my attention was "Global Perspective" section. By me graduation in the class of 2020 the pandemic was just beginning. It affected the entire class of 2020 no matter where they were from. It was and is still upsetting to many that they didn't get to participate in a traditional school setting and attend class normally. But, being on lockdown brought some type of new talent or hobby out of everyone!
paul dawson
10/22/2021 08:01:45 pm
Thankyou for your comments. I believe that the covid experience has given both pupils and parents a deeper appreciation of the qualities every teacher brings to the classroom. I am struck by Dr. Walter's editorial note because this pandemic has impacted so many parts of life and it's often the parts that don't come into our own lives that we neglect to notice. I, for one, don't have children and haven't been in school myself over the last year and a half. Here in Idaho I hear about the almost rabid protestors at school board meetings and I saw the pictures of West Ada parents lining up around the block to sign an exemption for their children to not wear masks at school, but hearing what teachers are going through on the ground doesn't make it on my radar. This newsletter brought it into my home and I appreciate that. Teachers never get the praise they deserve even in the best of times. These are not the best of times and they deserve praise all the more.
Dr Kay Walter
10/23/2021 08:29:31 am
The praise a teacher values most is the success and recognition of her students. I remember a time long ago when you were a student in one of my freshman classes, and I am so proud of the accomplishments you have made since then. The friendship we have developed and maintained over the years is a gift that sustains me during the hard times. Thank you for being a faithful reader, occasional contributor, and supportive commenter. Thanks also for including the link to your blog Keep up the great work!
Mia Smalls
10/24/2021 05:51:37 pm
I loved how Mr. Grover incorporated his grandfather’s teachings into how he teaches his students now. I think it is awesome how he is following in his grandfather’s footsteps and teaching his students about the world and all of it’s complications! I hope to take what my family has taught me and to make them proud as I’m sure his grandfather would be. Family is important and so is learning and I love how both is incorporated here.
Grover L Welch
10/25/2021 06:05:37 am
Mia,
Sydney
10/25/2021 05:27:45 pm
I found that the most interesting part of the article to me was the article by Grover Welch.When I was young my stepdad would always tell me that whenever I would to something to do it as best I can which is similar to what “Building Fences” is saying . I feel this relates to my life because when you work hard it tends to pay off. I had someone around to teach me basic thing like hard work and determination.
U
10/26/2021 08:37:14 pm
Thank you for connecting with that writing. I hope your ability to value hard work and recognize the lessons from your childhood continue to be a source of strength as you grow older. It seems the further I drift from those days the more I want to paddle against the tides to remember.
Grover L Welch
10/27/2021 04:19:22 pm
Diego Gracia
10/26/2021 09:08:58 am
After reading the section in spanish I was very excited to see the hispanic community achieve their goals. Just like Ana Rodriguez I have dreams of impacting the next generation in a good way by being a coach. Reading that really inspires me and motivates me to keep going towards my goals in school. Helps me to stay focused so that I can be an example for the hispanic community later on.
Ana Rodriguez
10/27/2021 09:16:02 pm
Diego,
Dan Boice
10/27/2021 02:44:12 pm
Kathy Anderson was a force of nature here at UAM, and it's great to see that she is bringing her passion for librarianship to Philander Smith. I'm proud to have walked next to her for a few years.
Kathy Anderson
10/27/2021 02:58:21 pm
Thank you for the kind words. I learned a lot of valuable lessons at UAM and I am blessed to be able to use that knowledge at Philander Smith College. 11/21/2021 07:26:48 am
Thanks Dr. Walter for publishing these inspiring essays, and for your support and care for students, teachers and humanity!
Dr Walter
12/3/2021 10:45:59 am
Nick, thank you for your contributions to our profession. Your 30-minute Shakespeare is a wonderful tool for English and Language Arts teachers and students. My own classes value your work highly, especially when they have service learning projects to do. Thank you for making sure Shakespeare accessible to us all.
Walker Brown
12/7/2021 06:05:49 pm
I thought it was pretty cool how my cousins were in you’re newsletter! It was designed beautifully and I love all the pictures!
Dr Walter
12/7/2021 06:35:41 pm
Walker, your twin cousins are two of my favorite readers! When their mother went to Great Britain with me, that was the trip of a lifetime. Did you see the passage from her travel journal on page 10? Reading opens a whole world of opportunities! Leave a Reply. |
 
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