Gina's Quotes Du Jour (Wordsworth & McCartney)

My approach to teaching these lessons mirrors the way that these behaviors are rewarded in life. I'm employing the old variable ratio reinforcement tack that I learned in psychology class. Basically that means that sometimes I will reward a desirable behavior, and sometimes I will let it slide by seemingly unnoticed (see - just like in real life!). According to Psych 101, this is the most reliable way to teach a behavior...when the regularity of it being rewarded is intermittent rather than consistent. When a behavior is not always rewarded, the reward becomes more desirable, so one tries even more ardently to gain the reward.

Some may say I'm using bribery to produce the behavior I'm seeking from the children, but after all, everyone needs a reason to do the right thing... I prefer to think of it as incentive. Would you go to work if you didn't get paid? I didn't think so, and you don't consider your paycheck bribery...

I find the children actively looking for ways to do good. At this point, whether it's for a hug, an M&M or a privilege, I consider it a successful lesson. Mission Accomplished!




It is my sincere desire to impact our future by raising good, thoughtful and loving young people.

This is important to me because in my personal philosophy, the concept of "god" as a personification of goodness exists only if we humans create it with our actions. As good grows, "god" grows.

I don't choose to be a good, moral, caring and loving person because "god" told me to under penalty of hellfire and damnation. I choose to be these things because I believe it is my responsibility as a human being blessed with the privilege of a conscience and the luxury/curse that is free will.

Oh, and what about earning eternal life? Honestly I can't think of a better way to ensure living on than in the hearts and deeds of those I've touched as they pay forward the good they've experienced.

I fully intend to do my part of creating goodness in the world by my example and by nurturing it in my little charges, one small kindness at a time. Cumulatively they create one great good. Isn't that the purpose that god gives to the lives of those who believe in him? A reason to be good...a reason to be?

Even if my personal philosophy turns out to be wrong, at least I've done some good along the way...

I can always fall back on another philosophy I agree with...

...And in the end

The love you take

Is equal to

The love you make.





Who knew that Wordsworth and the Beatles had so much in common?