(Continuing posts especially for newbies)

Soccer season has begun in many places. Students are running back and forth across fields, while parents pull lawn chairs out of vans or sit on metal bleachers. Friends of players are sitting on the sidelines, sharing Gatorades and squiggly, red chips.

Are you sitting in your classroom grading? Or trying to figure out your new grading program? Do yourself a favor. Take a blanket or chair out to the sidelines. Watch Ozzie run after that ball. Cheer a little for your students. Or cheer a lot. Nothing will garner more goodwill in the classroom than a few well-placed cheers and the ability to greet Ozzie tomorrow by saying, “I could not believe that last kick! The goalie never had a chance.”