Food for Thought.

A good lesson feels like a favorite recipe, lovingly prepared. What are the ingredients that an inspiring teacher needs to acquire? First of all, there is presentation--the delivery must be appealing. One must add a good portion of interesting subject matter and extra amounts of interdisciplinary flavor. Pour in challenging but not too difficult media including a variety of colors and textures. Sift in a taste for creativity along with allowances for originality and interpretation on the part of the student. Season with the right amount of clear directions. Stir in some famous artists and styles. Garnish with strong discipline and sprinkle with a dose of patience and understanding. Timing is everything! Do not overcook--this makes it palatable to all involved. There is an art to cooking and teaching--be a lesson chef!

A Recipe for Teaching

How have I sustained my interest in teaching art after twenty-four years? I mix in my love of children and art, my enthusiasm, my need to share and impart knowledge to others, my desire to give back that which I have learned, along with my desire for more knowledge. I throw in a little fun with creativity spice and simmer indefinitely.

I've found that a good teacher and chef have much in common. A great lesson, like grand cuisine, must appeal to all the senses. Too much of one ingredient creates an imbalance. A special lesson should evolve into a feast for the senses. When everything works right and the ingredients are well balanced, students want to enjoy it again and again. Prepared without care, a lesson, like a soufflee, is likely to flop. When working with a student teacher, a delicate balance must be maintained between the cooperating teacher and student teacher for handling of responsibilities. Just as a balance must be achieved amongst spices and flavorings so that no one element overpowers.

Daily Inspiration

There are many sayings or adages associated with cooking--"Too many cooks spoil the broth," "If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen," "Don't bite off more than you can chew." The same goes for teaching. I'm a firm believer in sayings. I've had the good fortune of working with over a dozen student teachers so far during my career. To sustain their energy, I use encouraging poems and adages as daily inspiration and tasty tidbits for mental stimulation. I have compiled a number of refreshing sayings and poems that I use to encourage reflection, introspection, and tickle the funny bone.

I have included a few examples of some daily inspirations with the hope that they will inspire you.

Riselle Schectman is a teacher at Westowne Elementary School in Catonsville, Maryland.