Famous people with learning disabilities:
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Winston Churchill
George Bush

University Professors

Classroom Teachers

Model One: Recognizing Special Strengths
Model Two: Rebel Outlaws in Class
Model Three: Masters of Motivation
Model Four: Power Of Writing

Good Teachers - Success Secrets
Ten Secrets to Success
Slow Learners with Special Strengths
TOP TEN ­ Rewards of Teaching

Order the BOOK: Gifts of All Children

     Good teachers are masters of motivation.  Good teachers create exciting ways to motivate students to learn.  While each good teacher is different, they have in common ways to spark interest, stimulate excitement and provide an array of challenging classroom projects.  These insightful projects motivate each student to enjoy learning.  Good teachers recognize the special strengths of each student.  Students yearn for recognition.  When recognition is given for special abilities, students burst forth with new energy and enthusiasm.  This is the essence of the Special Strengths project.  This project is articulated in detail at this MOM web site:  www.momteachers.com
 
     Recognition of each student's special strengths is crucial to the concept.  In the book, The Gifts of ALL Children, ways to recognize each student's special strengths is presented in three models from teachers in Washington, Kansas and Indiana.  Each model shows the creative style of teachers in three states who bring out the special strengths of their students.  At the MOM web site, university professors from 49 states endorse and recommend the Special Strengths concept, also known as the Gifts Project.  The book is available at the MOM web site. 
 
     Student self-discovery is the outcome of the recognition of each student's special strengths.  This self-learning adventure excites students to want to learn more about themselves.  When this self-interested motivation occurs, the excitement of learning is attained.  The goal of enjoyment of learning that good teachers are seeking is achieved.  Student energized by self-discovery, respond with anticipation to find out the next project, next experience and the next fulfilling reward of learning.
 
     There is ample philosophical validation for teachers to use the Special Strengths project in class.  There is an inherent need in each individual to find each one's special strengths, that inner gift.  This self-discovery fulfills each person's need to feel worthwhile and useful.  This question is:  how do good teachers do that?  That is:  how do good teachers do that without taking valuable time away from academics?  The Special Strengths project takes only a few minutes of class time. 
 
     Here is how it is done.  (1) Teacher asks students to look around the room and write down two or three strengths seen in particular fellow students.  No names of fellow students are given.  Later, teacher reveals the list of special strengths seen in anonymous fellow students.  (2) Now, teacher asks students to write down two or three interests, strengths, talents that are seen in self.  Teacher assures confidentiality.  Each student signs and gives the list to the teacher.  (3) Teacher encourages students to use each ones special strengths in school.  Teacher takes every opportunity to acknowledge the special strengths shown in the work of individual students.  Teacher sees and appreciates the blossoming of self-discovery, self-confidence and the self-interest joy of learning.

For teaching rewards, please click here.
TOP TEN ­ Rewards of Teaching

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