College Ready

Sharing strategies for student success, college readiness and academic coaching

Monthly Archives: August 2013


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The Only Writing Advice You Will Ever Need

Ernest Hemingway said, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” 

“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” ― Ernest Hemingway

There is nothing like the power of truth in writing. Writing in your own voice empowers you to tell your story in an authentic way. And don’t worry about what the critics say, there are always going to be haters. When you write your truth, it rings so clear and honest that readers pay attention. And the same is true in life, generally. There’s no substitute for authenticity…for the real.

Life can be messy. Writing is Messy. Life can be hard. Writing is Hard…but just start…with that one true sentence.

~~On Truth, Giving Back, and Free Stuff~~

I am amazed and humbled that even with very little publicity, and still pending a formal launch, this blog will reach 500 views over the weekend, maybe even today…and that’s how I was reminded of this quote. I decided to just start, to jump in, and to share my truth, after being in the planning stage for over a year. Eventually, you just have to take that leap (was the attitude I embraced while jumping!)

Why jump, and risk the fall? I want to give back a little of what my mentors and colleagues have given me. I want to model openness in the academic community. And I especially want to help young adults navigate a path to higher ed and opportunity. (You can read more about all of this in my first post.)

So to celebrate 500 views, from people all over the world, and to thank everyone for the support you’ve given me, I’m going to be offering a free academic coaching session to one new follower on my College Ready facebook page. So check out the details there, if you (or someone you know) is either in college or getting ready to launch their college career. Thanks for reading a little bit of my truth here!

xo, Lisa

PS: Curious as to the most popular posts so far? Here they are:

Students Just Say No to America’s Top Colleges 

Think Before You Share: 7 Rules for Posting Photos Online

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10 questions to help you become a better teacher…

Good questions to ask at the start of the school year.


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Books Worth Reading

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I’m reading The Book Thief. How about you? What are you reading?


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Tutorial: How to Make an Infographic using Piktochart.

This is an amazing tutorial, with step-by-step instructions, on “How to Make an Infographic” using Piktochart, by Mia MacMeekin. I always find her infographics engaging and easy to follow, so I was excited that she did this tutorial and thought it was worth sharing. Like she says, she finds them “simple” to do , but simple often means “hundreds of hours playing w Piktochart.” Still, it’s a skill all 21st educators are going to want to add to their toolbox…so here it is. Enjoy.

An Ethical Island

Hello, World!

Lots of my friends have been asking me how I make the infographics. I find it very simple. But, I admit that that simple mindset is after hundreds of hours playing with Piktochart. I think I know most of the quirks. Well that was I did until last week when Piktochart updated the website. BUT, I am getting used to the new platform and love it!

Here is a quick overview of how I make them…

How to Make a Piktochart infogrpahic

~Mia

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Public Education: It makes society collectively smarter

“Let me explain why I LIKE to pay taxes for schools…” by John Green

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5 Ways a College Degree Pays: a richer life in all respects!

Video: “5 Ways Ed Pays.” A ‪college‬ degree means a richer life-not just in terms of money earned, but in quality of life! Get inspired. Be inspirational. Every student deserves a teacher who inspires! Just be open to good things, and be yourself…that will do! 

 

Do you agree that a college degree means a richer life? Post a comment and join the discussion! We’d love to hear from you!

 


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Wanted: Happy Teachers

For all the amazing educators who help make the world happy! It’s about that “Back-to-School” time around here and…

collegereadycoach.com

The energy we bring to the classroom makes a profound difference on our students and their learning outcomes. The brain “at positive” is 31% more productive than at negative, neutral, or stressed.

What can you do to be a Happy Teacher? I write, share ideas with colleagues, and mentor as ways to stay focused. I also employ “playful learning” strategies, because a place of learning needs to be welcoming and inspiring. Oh, and don’t forget to smile, laugh, and share a little bit about yourself with your students.

How about you? Can you share one idea in the comments for being a “Happy Teacher?” Post your suggestions, tips, and hints here, please. Merci!

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Food for Thought: Harper Lee, on the Power of Books

Always~

"The Book to Read is not the one that Thinks for you but the One which Makes you Think." ~Harper Lee | College Ready

“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”~To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

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On Teaching a Love of Reading.

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On Teaching a Love of Reading.

“We shouldn’t teach great books; we should teach a love of reading.” B. F. Skinner

This is my truth…always has been. Always will be.

AND, it’s why my son, in 2nd grade, read the entire Captain Underpants series. Even though the school library wouldn’t stock the books, (something about the word booger and/or atomic wedgie in every title, I guess). Even with a mom with an MA in American Literature. Yep. I encouraged him. Heck, I even bought ’em for him!

Because when you want to read…when you love to read…when you can’t wait to turn that next page to see what comes next…You Read.

And that’s all that matters, in the end. The reading.

B.F. Skinner had it right!

           Teach a love of Reading.

                  Amen & hallelujah.

Oh, and PS: Full disclosure–I had to look up the correct spelling of “booger.” Guess it’s been too long since I have read a Dav Pilkey EPIC novel! 🙂

So, tell us…how do you make sure your students or your children want to read? Are there books they would read again and again? Books they love but you hate? We’d love to hear from you in the comments. 

Sept. 2014 Postscript since this post was originally published: Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants series has claimed the top spot on the Most Frequently Banned Books list for two years in a row, 2012 and 2013. All the more reason to live dangerously…read!

Feel free to follow me here, or on Facebook, Tumblr or Pinterest, for more short but sweet posts, freebies, teaching ideas and fun images about literacy, reading and education, with a side serving of inspiration. Because we could all use a little more inspiration. Right? Right!

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Checklist: 10 Ways to Make it a Super Saturday that are Good for the Soul

A quick and easy “Checklist for a Lovely Day.” And, I agree with almost all 10 on this list…

How to have a lovely day...

I have a little bit of an issue with “Wear Perfume.” Smelling nice is great, but I would replace that one with “Drink Coffee,” or even, “Read a Book”!

But perfume is ok, too..I suppose!! How about you…what is on your checklist titled Nice Day?