Good Morning America Teacher Appreciation Honored for Acts of Kindness
Mrs. Shannon Anderson’s story went on Good Morning America Teacher, Shannon Anderson, is a teacher full of kindness. This story makes you happy to know that people enjoy random acts of kindness and acts of service during these times.
“When you get, give and when you learn, teach.” -Maya Angelou
Living by this inspiring quote by Maya Angelou is one Mrs. Anderson surely lives by. Mrs. Anderson is an inspiring and humble teacher with a 25 years teaching background. She has taught first grade all the way through college grades.
If I learn something new, even as I’m learning it, I’m thinking of how I can apply it and share it with someone else. When I receive something, I want to pay it forward or help someone else feel the joy in receiving something as well.
Anderson realized how powerful education was when she was in high school. This is the time that she helped her mom earn her GED. Her mother had Shannon when she was in high school and had to drop out of school. They didn’t have much growing up.
Mom didn’t get to go to promo go to graduation or enjoy her teen years.
That is when she realized her dream of becoming a teacher.
THE TEACHER BECOMES AN AUTHOR
While still in high school, Anderson worked at the children’s department of her local public library. When the children’s librarian left each day at 4:00, Anderson would take over until the library closed at 8:00.
I fell in love with kids’ books all over again. It was so exciting to be the first to read a new book that arrived or to help match a book to an eager young reader!
It is in the children’s library room, where she got to experience the joy of what stories and imagination would do. She magically poured her heart into entertaining stories to the kids and recommending books to them.
Anderson is also a published author. She has published 11 books. One is called Y is for Yet, A Growth Mindset Book and Monster & Dragon Write Poems.
HUMOR AND HEART FOR BOOKS
Kids tend to gravitate towards humor and heart. When she presents read-alouds to her students, she believes that kids fall in love with the book by showing real joy and appreciation for the story elements.
Marveling at how an author worded a page, a scene or character, I point these elements out to kids. This helps them to understand that someone was intentional in their word choices and craft.
One of the best ways to get kids to enjoy reading, she feels, is to apply the same principles that adult readers do with books.
When I read a book I like, I seek out other books in that series or other books by that author. We can encourage kids to do the same.
HER CLASSROOM LIBRARY GROWS THROUGH KID’S WISHES
Shannon asks the kids to tell her what books they wish she had in the classroom library. Of course, another way to get a child to want to read a book is to Skype with the author or have them watch a video to get to know the author or the back story behind the book. This peeks interest and the child feels special knowing some insider information.
THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM
This inspirational leader wakes up at 4:30 am and either goes for a run or strength trains. “I’m a big-time morning person and get so much done before lunch. And by a typical evening that ends at 8:00 pm, she’s off to bed.
CHILDHOOD BOOK FAVORITES
Cuddling up on her grandmother’s lap, Shannon recalls reading LITTLE GOLDEN BOOKS. Another personal favorite were the Velveteen Rabbit and the Little House on The Prairie Series.
A DEED A DAY — BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE IMPORTANT
It makes Shannon happy when those around her feel like they matter. She strives to show her students and her daughters that they are each special. She likes to help others feel appreciated and loved. If you feel the same way, join her “Deed a Day Facebook Group,” where currently over 1,000 people post daily about the blessings in their lives.
Her goal is to get better in some small way, everyday. “When I can go to bed feeling like I have done this in some area of my life, it makes me happy.”
HOW ACTS OF SERVICE GOT THE ATTENTION OF GOOD MORNING AMERICA TEACHER
Mrs. Shannon Anderson of Rensselaer, Indiana, delivered custom stuffed animals to her students’ homes in celebration of year-end book projects.
GO THE EXTRA SMILE TO MAKE LEARNING ENGAGING
One of the books Shannon has written for teachers is called, Go the Extra Smile! Working hard to do more and care more than is expected, is part of her personality. Although this book is about how to make learning exciting and engaging, it is common to find that she will “Go the Extra Smile” in all areas of her life.
If you are an educator and would like to be featured in our education blog, contact writer Lisa Caprellil.