TidBits About Donna #43 Teacher’s Pets & National Education Association Award

I have been a teacher for … oh … a lot of years – about thirty. Teaching is my first passion, besides my husband of course. Writing is my other passion. So when the National Education Association, NEA, recently acknowledged my column, TEACHER’S PETS at SmartWriters. I was flattered. Actually, I was ecstatic. You would have had a hard time pulling me down from the ceiling. This award honors both my writing and my teaching. It intermingles my careers. The best of both worlds!

Of course, I am unbelievably proud of my team of reviewers — seven to fifteen children ages, eight- to twelve-years-old. They are amazing reviewers and have grown into this job as the years have passed. All of the KIDDLES have been members of the KIDDLE CRITers since they were six years old. The only prerequisite is that they must have been in my first grade class. In May I induct about four to six more children. The number of invitees depends on how many current members there are.

Each review session, the children come prepared to work and laugh and tease and giggle and eat … and of course, to read and write and review picture books. So far the KIDDLES have reviewed more than 60 books.

You can see the reviews at SmartWriters. Happy Reading!

We hope you enjoy them.

COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY . . . AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS . . . 

Congratulations on the NEA recognizing your page. Excellent! Well done! Neat! You did the hard work. You’ve earned the honor!

Roxyanne Young, Editor SmartWriters Journal

Congratulations! That’s a great reward for all your work!

Carolyn Johnson, Internet Librarian and Educational Author

Mom! That is absolutly fantastic! You must be so proud….what an accomplishment. You deserve it!

Lots of love, Kiersten In case you didn’t guess . . . That’s my daughter!

That was GREAT!!! Congratulations!

I’m so happy you have received this recognition for all your hard work. “You Go Girl”!!!

Fav Cuz, Trish

WOW! Congratulations Donna. That was great. This should give you some well deserved recognition.

Hank, father-in-law

Congrats, Donna on your hard work and your award for your young publishers and critics! Keep up the good work with your students. Good luck to all of you!!

Love, Joyce, cousin

Congratulations on your recognition by the NEA. Very impressive!

Pat, brother-in-law – the youngest one