Sunday, April 1, 2012

The Wisdom of Suess

At this point in the year, most of us are probably gearing up for test prep and high-stakes testing.  It is stressful and just not as joyful as teaching should be.  While I understand the need for testing, I do not understand giving such importance to a single snapshot of growth and achievement.  So many edicts coming down from law-makers and boards of education seem to be designed to crush the spirit of teaching.  I'd like to share with you some words of wisdom from that wisest of all authors, Dr. Suess.  Hope they will give you some encouragement and something to smile about!

Today you are you, that is truer than true.  There is no one alive who is youer than you.

Why fit in when you were born to stand out?

You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.

Think and wonder, wonder and think.

You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.

Everything stinks til it's finished.

Will you succeed?  Yes you will indeed!  Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!

Step with care and great tact.  And remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.