Talk the Walk- Repeat After Me for Intensity

Here is a book full of quick poems for the intense learner!
Recite them and let them help you develop the skills you need to reach your best: how to participate, focus, apply knowledge, stay organized,  and also how to put yourselves into an adventure story where you solve your own problem and learn a lesson!  This book will explain the why's of loving school, being respectful, and doing the right thing for the right reason.  It finishes with stories that teach valuable lessons!
Thank you to Cliparts.co
 Clip arts

Participate-

Quick Draw Questions:

Never just echo

The answer could be wrong

Think well, on your own

Beat your best. Finish strong 

Quick Isn't Loud:

Do not shout out

Use your speaking voice

And when in doubt

Silence is a choice

Pass:

What does the question ask?

Make your answer complete.

If you have to, say, "Pass."

It is fun to compete.

Sing:

I will stop and then move on
When it's time to sing a song
High and light to let it ring
Like a song bird's offering

Building Power

See, to build a tower
Each block has a place
Each gives you more power
Instead of empty space

Performance Time

This is your program
You have lines to prepare
For the story, you are important
Each voice must be clear

Yes!:

If she did it

Then, how about you?

The shoe can fit

There is much to do!

Win:

If you participate

Learning will be fun

Life's a race, with a gate

Through which much is won

Ready?

It feels so great to compete

To be better, one on one

But the win is not complete

Till you're humble that you won

Go!:

Keep your eyes on each card

Warm up your smart brain to show

Getting faster is not hard

When you're certain that you know

Recite:

Recite along

From the start to the end

It is all wrong

To just mouth it my friend

Action:

I am only half awakened to the person I can be
As I often fail to use that sleepy side of me
Though there is a great force in intellectual attraction
The excellence of education is not knowledge but action!

Praise:

Praise is your feedback

For something you have done

Wear it like a badge

That's what a leader does

A leader stands up tall

So that others want to rise
Remember all can fall
It's the climb that makes you wise

Focus-

Dig:

Dig through what you learn
All of the day long
Knowledge will return
Like a favorite song

Dig more:

Dig through what you learned

All of the day long

Knowledge, then returned

Will get stored up, strong

Positioning

While sitting at the tables
To the teacher my eyes turn
I straighten up my papers
And get ready now to learn

To focus I push my chair in
And sit up very tall
I know it’s time to begin
And I will give my all

Reboot:

Reboot your brain
And process the best
Listen again
To classics... and rest

Routine:

Let daily routines
Guide all your actions
Establish good habits
Avoid distractions

Tools:

Pencils write on paper

Not on the desk or floor

And that clean eraser

You know what that is for

Time:

There's a time to speak

And a time to listen

This is how we seek

And treasure up wisdom

Stick to It:

Each song you sing
Or drill to say
Helps you improve
In some small way

It might teach Reading,
Spelling, or Math
Or be for leading
Us to the next path

From the patterns in Phonics
To the methods of Science
It's repetition that sticks
For greater self-reliance

It's Okay to Know It:

Pay attention 

For review

For reflection

To improve

Keep Your Cool:

If you get stuck
And forget stuff
Here is the rule
Don't lose your cool

Kindness and Gratitude:

The heart needs to grow

As much as the mind

Let your feelings show

Be thankful and kind

Still:

Tell your body to be still

Calm your hands and use your will

Then, listen up with much thought

This is your time to be taught

Speak:

Muscles do a great deal

Just like eyes help you to see

When you say an old drill

Your brain stores that memory

Channels:

Make the brain bright
With channels deep
With knowledge wide
To share and keep

Partake:

Your class is the real deal
It will serve you a lot
For the mind, it's a meal
So eat while it's hot

Bank Account:

Learning comes in many ways
As through study the effort pays
With banks of thought leaving a trail
Which then resurface if saved well

Process of Elimination:

Read each choice

Which is best?

Wait to choose

It's a test

Clues

Do what you know

And eliminate

More clues will show

If not... estimate

Work Past the Test:

Work past the test
And continue on
Serve well to bless
Now where you are strong

The test is not the end
But opens doors for more
As light that grows within
Shines brighter than before

Command:

Tell yourself what to do

And make it the right thing

Till the lesson is through

This is called focusing

Cue:

Just look for the cue

For what will come up next

Gestures, like a clue-

Call you to be your best

Slow Down:

Read slowly to understand
In order to retell
Who is doing what, where, and
What lesson came as well?

Repeat:

As the teacher speaks, listen

Repeat her in your mind

When you understand, begin

Then you won't get behind

Instruct:

Repeat the directions, please

Show that learning is a breeze

"Ready, go!" you hear her say

That's the best time to obey

Train:

Busy fingers are transferring

Muscle memories to your brain

If you want to be listening

It's first your fingers you must train

Visualize:

Lessons develop right before your eyes.

Try to stay focused as you visualize. 

Think of a way to keep it where you want

Inside your brain so you don't have to hunt

Link:

Connect it to something that you know

Where knowledge can build, link, and grow

What new vocabulary did you find?

Repeat these words inside of your mind

 Practice:

Challenge yourself
There is joy in success
Practice will help
You to reach your best

Absorb:

Truly, thoughts are things
That become absorbed
Oh the joy each brings
As we own what's stored

Games:

How long can you stick to a task?
Set a timer and see...
How many things can you do, fast?
Do a series of things

The Hobby:

Leave behind the past

Become lost inside

Find a creative path

Where your daydreams guide

The Artist:

When you draw a picture

Fill up the page

A cow in the pasture

Or just his face

Learn to have an eye

For shapes and lines

Color, shade, outline

Show depth and size

Apply-

Vocalize:

Learn to vocalize
And practice what you heard
Don't just memorize
But understand each word

Name It:

You can play the name it game
What rules should you apply?
Know from where the answer came
There are steps to try

Learn It:

New learning comes in a blink

As you build on what you know

All you have to do is think

And apply it well to grow

Step up:

Think the question through
Applying every step.
What was asked? Review
What label must be kept?

Check it:

Circle what you found
Is the answer there?
Check it like a hound
In reverse, with care

Research:

"I don't know"
Is not allowed
Research, and grow
You will be proud

Neatness:

Write it neatly now
With your posture straight
The lines show you how
Make your papers great!

Your Words:

What you learn

Becomes your own!

When you turn

To language known

Simplify:

Break it down

Like concrete

Pile it up

At your feet

Check it:

Check for mistakes

And learn from them

Do what it takes

Solve your problem

Double Check:

It's on the board

Check every word

Here is my smart trick

I double check

Testing... 1,2,3:

Students show me your pencil
Put your finger on number one
Test taking can be that simple
When listening habits have begun

Fix:

When you have the red pen

You become the fixer

Look and listen, then

You might catch a trickster

Trail Time:

Like a favorite song

Learning remains

If you trail it along

Within your brain

Reach:

Embrace challenge
Reach for it
Seek out knowledge
Benefit

Organize-

Anticipate the next step

Stay ahead of the game

Where should your papers be kept?

And, did you write your name?

Folder:

Get your homework folder

It's a two-part holder

Review it, leave it- left

Return it, homework- right

Leave it left, review it right

It's your best, so hold it tight!

Packing Up:

Each paper is my best
I pack it up with care
For homework, here’s the test
On the right side, is it there?

Now I must look around me
Where are my tools and my pencil bag?
What’s in need of sharpening?
And whose name is on my sweater’s tag?

The biggest battle then is won
Studies never stop
Your homework must be done
To apply what you've been taught

Tidy:

If you're ready to leave your seat

You've put everything away

You show respect when you are neat

And can find things the next day

Desk:

Folders on the left

Books on the right

Draw a line between them

So they don't fight

Stop:

I am moving on,

The time is now gone

I did what I could

A schedule is good

Whiteboard:

Homework is a source of help

And whiteboards never talk

Math problems and words to spell

Go! Try to beat the clock

Waste:

Don't leave a trail to trace
Or hoard what can be trash
When everything's in place
You save a lot of cash

File for the Future:

At home, keep a file

Of each subject all the while

Highlight, outline, review

Don't forget what you knew

Choices-

Choices:

One way or another
Choices form together
The good to become great
Work hard, don't be afraid

Use Your Words:

What's the mature rule?

To talk about it

It's time to be cool

And not throw a fit

Picking Well:

You're never too old
For this to be told
Your fingers don't pick
While out in public

It's All on You:

School is all about you

And what you want to prove

What do you need to do

To achieve and improve?

Body Language

Don't roll your eyes

Inside your head

Listen again

To what's been said

Don't flip your hair

And turn away

Heed what the teacher

Has to say

Count:

It is so easy
To point and blame
But what counts, really
Is your good name

Talk:

Talk it out

Be mature

End the doubt

Reassure

Respect Property:

Try to use care
When you turn each page
It's made to share
Bookmarks keep your place

Manners:

We have manners
Everywhere
Each soul matters
Speak with care

Self Awareness:

Pick your feet up

When you walk

Keep your mouth shut

Till you talk

Jump Right In:

Sink or swim

Don't just float

Jump right in

Let thoughts flow

Show and Tell:

Something's in your pocket

Just waiting to come out

Have patience, lock it

Till recess comes about

Drama:

Do not ping pong

When friendships end

Be strong, move on

Don't beg or bend

Shunned:

For some odd reason

You've been shunned from the group.

Let your smile please them

Like you're still in the loop

Your Work:

We do not cheat!
Do what you know.
Make it look neat-
Your best to show.

Honesty:

Cheating is not being honest
With others or yourself
It is better to do your best
And search within for help

Self-Worth:

Self-worth is won
As you struggle and do
So let no one
Copy or write for you

Smile:

A smile can change

Defiance to love.

Lift up what hangs

And rise above

Smile More:

A smile can change

A heart forever

Uplift what hangs

And brighten endeavor

Learn:

I make mistakes

As everybody does

Error awakes

Humility in us

Pause:

The teacher stopped and waited

To get you on track

The time that is wasted

Can never come back

Owning It:

You own your body

So keep it toned and fit

And when you're gassy

Walk away to pass it

Attention:

Speaking out of your turn

Takes from the time to learn

This bad habit does you harm

You must learn to raise your arm

Lead:

Think before you tattle
First, worry about yourself
Be your best example
As a leader bent to help

Chatter:

Chatter breaks the current flow

Of where new thoughts might go

Be so quiet you might hear

What grows between your ears

Time:

Time does not come crawling back

Nor will it hit the brakes

Learn from what you've done that's bad

Or you'll repeat mistakes

Boring:

When you chatter you destroy
Precious time to build upon
The noise does more than annoy
It makes the lesson long

Rights

Face It:

When you have a problem

Face it head on

Get on with the program

Learn and be strong

Question:

Don't put up walls
When reason calls
Ask, be polite,
To know what's right

Disagree:

Appropriately disagree
With a calm body and voice
Never, ever sound angry
You can make the better choice

Own It:

Happiness is a lifelong pursuit
Found in making the best of your time
Your own the results, as you would fruit
May it be sweet and satisfying

Choice:

You can choose
Just who you want to be
Make the news
Fulfill your destiny

Courage:

I'll not be scared
Of a big loud voice
Anger, though shared,
To shout's a bad choice

Respect:

Should someone force you
To do what is right?
In all you pursue
Keep respect in sight

Self-Worth:

Find self-worth
In higher achievement
Through hard work
For what you believe in

Stand for Freedom:

Let us stand for freedom
No matter the cost
For without liberty
Our country would be lost

Believe:

It feels great
To believe
Build your faith
And achieve

Grow:

Make a goal
To aim for
Work to grow
And press forth

Independence:

Know you are unique.
Own every thought and word.
Show you are not weak.
Be unafraid and work

Freedom:

When you goof off
Some freedom goes away
Do as you ought
Focus, some other way

Making Fun:

No one should laugh
To poke fun
Friendships should last
Hurting none

Sneaky Bullies:

When the sneaky bullies get mean
To seem better and smash your heart
Calmly echo them in a scream
Then, exposed, they will depart

Physical Abuse- No Excuse:

If you witness an abuse

Know it will not go away

Unless you spread the news

And intervene in some way

Stature:

To increase his stature

A child put another down

But being more mature

The other stood his ground

He said, "Belittling is low

And shrinks one's own good name.

Those who want to grow

Don't play this fallen game!"

Make a Difference:

You can be a hero
In the eyes of someone small
When one is treated like a "zero"
You can help them stand up tall

Problems Teach Lessons-

I want to go on an adventure
And escape inside your book
I want to find great things to treasure
To recall each time I look

A book is a new friend
You don't want to let go
An escape in the end
Where you can learn and grow!

The title drops a hint
Of the person, place, and problem
It offers just a glimpse
To recall...and recommend

The title must grab attention
From all the other books
It's the author's audition
To get a second look

Sequence each event
Read between the lines
Picture it, even
Right before your eyes

The crowning moment
Of this new year
Is when you'll open
This notebook, here

As a new author
You will apply
What you are here for
Life's "how" and "why"

Leave the problem for later

And help the story flow

The feelings build up greater

When readers see a show

A character has interests

And things unique to do

The setting is an entrance

A stage for all to view

Make a movie in your mind
A great character to find
What kinds of things will he do?
Does he have a problem, too?

Did he cheat, steal, tell a lie?
Hurt someone, make them cry?
Was he not responsible?
Just how was this possible?

Did his problem also grow?

Which way will his lesson go?

Let your character take the lead

Illustrate, a winning read

Problems can be felt

Lessons can be great

Readers can be held

Hint and make them wait

A  doer doing what?
Where, how, why, and when?
A sentence can tell you that
And more in the end.

Help the reader want

To worry, see, and wish

A solution will be won

The lesson can be rich! 

Fill In Book

 "Here I Go Again!"

It was_______________(month, season, year....) in _________________________(grade, classroom, describe the class- 'in the hardest class, ever'...) I had been asked, again, to not __________________ (name a behavior that disrupts) But, I didn't. Then, ________________________________________ (the teacher, teacher's name and how you feel about her)___________________________________ . Next, she ____________________________________________________(describe what she did: snapped her fingers in my face, stomped to the door and asked me to go to the office, sniffed with her nose in the air and put a mark by my name on a chart, calmly walked over to me and asked me to...)  It was then that I ________________________________________ (name what you did to make things worse)  Suddenly, all eyes were on me. I felt ________________________________________
(describe the feeling using a metaphor and a synonym for angry: wild, enraged, furious, hot under the collar, livid, mad, sore, storm, wild.  Example: as ____________  as a ram ready to charge)
The teacher________________________________________(said, sent me to a chair, the office...). After thinking a while I realized__________________________(the lesson- when you feel a certain way you react inappropriately). I decided right then I would manage my emotions and _______________(state how you would react the next time).

School is Positively Great

I love being part of something great.   

I love a challenge. 

I love being looked up to. 

I love to give others respect and to be respected. 

I love learning something that I can share with someone else.  

I love it when I can do my work quickly.  

I love that I can do so many things.  

I love it when my Mom and Dad are proud of me.

I love showing my best work. 

I love being able to work independently.

I love it when I know what is coming next and can show others how to behave.

I love to have my paper ready and to show my teacher I am listening.

I love to take a test and know all the answers.

I love to have less work because I learned things the first time!

I love knowing others can trust me. 

I love being self-reliant.

I love to be able to speak for myself.

I love to be responsible for myself.

I love being able to have a full recess.

I love being on time and having extra time at the end of the day.

I love it when my friends say “good job”.

I love the weekends as my time to learn in the way I want to.

I love showing others that they can trust me.

I love the right to speak for myself.

I love knowing my friends have great things to say about me.
I love_____________________________________________________________________________
I love_____________________________________________________________________________
I love_____________________________________________________________________________

Staying in the Classroom

I respect others and the teacher when I quickly get back to my seat and do not disturb the class.

I cannot expect the class to wait for me or to go back and reteach something because I left the room.

When I quickly return to class, I can keep up with the class.

I want to learn everything that will be on a test and do well on it.

By being on time, I can finish my work and not have extra homework.

When I quickly get to my seat, I show I am here to learn.

The classroom is where I__________________________________________________________
I come into the classroom to________________________________________________________
When I leave the classroom at the end of the day I feel___________________________________

Being Respectful

When I am respectful, I am being kind to others.

When I am respectful, I have a lot of friends.

When I am respectful, I know others speak kindly of me.

When I am respectful, I know I will be invited to do great things.

When I am respectful, others don’t laugh at me or think I can’t manage myself.

When I am respectful, I feel good about myself.

When I am respectful, I make the world a better place.

When I am respectful, I am given responsibilities.

When I am respectful, people want to get  to know me.

When I am respectful, I can be warm with others.

When I am respectful, I feel loved.

When I am respectful, I respect myself.

When I am respectful, school is a happy place.

When I am respectful, people like to have me around.

When I am respectful, I show love for myself, my family, and my friends.
When I am respectful, I share ______________________________________________________
When I am respectful, I care________________________________________________________
When I am respectful, I see________________________________________________________

Walking the Halls

When I leave my classroom, I am ready to show others classes that I am here to learn!

If I walk quietly and stay in line, I am showing respect and earning respect.

I have a responsibility to show younger students how to behave.  

When I stay in line I am respecting the right of others to have a path to walk in. 

When I stay in line I help the class get where we need to go.

I am showing I can manage myself when I do not have to be reminded to walk.

I feel like I am able to manage myself when I set an example of how to walk.

I know that when we sing or do drills in the hall I can sound great with my class.

When everyone is being respectful in the line we don’t have to stop and have the teacher manage those who cannot manage themselves.  

When I manage myself in the halls, I do not disturb other classes.
When I see someone in the hall I_______________________________________________________
When I walk back into the classroom I__________________________________________________

I like the freedom of being trusted to____________________________________________________

Fair

It is only fair that each student be able to hear the instructions.  

It is only fair that each be given enough time to complete their work.  

It is only fair that each be able to answer his or her own questions.  

It is only fair that each student has a turn to be congratulated for an achievement.  

It is only fair that I am given the same rights! 

It is only fair that I am rewarded for doing great things and must spend time thinking how I can change behavior that hurts myself and others.

It is only fair that parents get what they pay for- a great education!

It is only fair that if I distract the class they will not like it.

It is fair that I have only as much freedom as I am able to manage.

It is fair that_______________________________________________________________________
It is only fair that___________________________________________________________________
It is only fair that routines____________________________________________________________

A Can Do Spirit!

I can correct behavior that is unacceptable.

I can be responsible for myself. 

I can learn from my mistakes.

I can gain trust.

I can help others by being a good example.

I can decide I want to improve.

I can set goals for myself.  

I can believe in myself.

I can show that I am growing mature.

I can___________________________________________________________________(organize)
I can___________________________________________________________________(focus)
I can___________________________________________________________________(behavior)

Owning It

1.What did I do?              I WAS ANNOYING THE CLASS.

2.How do my actions harm the class?   I DISTURBED THE CLASS ROUTINES.

3.How do my actions affect me?  I DON’T RESPECT MYSELF, MY RIGHTS, OTHERS, AND THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS.

4.What should I have done?  I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO MY HEART AND TREATED MYSELF AND OTHERS WITH RESPECT.

5.What will I do next time? I WILL STOP AND LOOK AT STUDENTS THAT ARE MANAGING AND TRY TO BE LIKE THEM.  I WILL ASK THE TEACHER FOR HELP.  I WILL TALK TO MY PARENTS.

My efforts at managing myself will be accepted when I respect the rights of others to learn.

Stories Teach 

The Day My Desk Cried

         I had just shoved a paper into my desk when I heard, “Ouch!” It was my desk!  I bent down low to see what was going on.  “I can’t take it anymore!” It said. I fell back and sat on a pencil that had rolled out earlier. “I want respect too!” it said.  

        “I am sorry,” I told my desk.  “What do you need me to do?” 

        “It is like this. Every day I hold everything you need. But sometimes I wish I didn't.  One day you shoved so hard, I cried.  Another day you stabbed me with that pencil you forgot to put in your pencil box.  And I feel dirty all the time.  Why I feel like a garbage can!” with that the desk started to moan.  

I felt helpless to stop the awful creaking sound from the shuddering sobs. The whole class started looking at me.

        What should I do to help my poor desk?

Now if you read this, won't you make a comment, 
give me a grade, share your book, or even a poem? 
Then, think of your chair:

When you sit
Don't tip it more
Lest you slip
Four on the floor

Wedges of Anger:

A faller's wedge placed in a tree
Remained where it ought not to be.
The branches grew and swelled around.
And then one night without a sound-
An ice storm weighed the burdened trunk.
And down the branches went- kerplunk.

Some feelings hurt and trouble so.
But, to others they do not know.
It festers much and builds inside,
Though how hard one might try to hide.
Till one day it resurfaces.
And lays more blame with purposes.

A hidden wedge placed long ago.
Has pierced my heart and claimed my growth.
Where it can canker easily.
Imagined hurts and jealousy
Must be resolved, and then destroyed,
For life was meant to be enjoyed.

A burden shared is always best.
When we solve hurts, lay them to rest,
The enemy becomes a friend.
When we forgive there is an end.
We close the gap, we sort it out.
That's what life is truly about!

The Peril of Hidden Wedges
4–9, Jul 2007, Thomas S. Monson,
“The Peril of Hidden Wedges, ” Ensign

The Plunge

Two small girls stood atop a cliff
Oft to see the waves below
Always the first's courage would slip
A dive only others would know

One day the line was crossed
By which momentum takes over
Plunging to where the waves tossed
Thrilling in the endeavor

The other joined with a, "Woop!"
Clearly feeling relief
Becoming part of a group
Who conquers fears through belief

Watching well what others have done
And gaining momentum it seems
That each of us might take that plunge
Committing ourselves to our dreams

Brother I'm Committed
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Ensign, July 2011

Cruise Through School

There once was a man
Whose lifelong dream
Was to cruise and sail
The Mediterranean Sea

He dreamed of walking
The streets of Rome,
Athens, Istanbul
The greatest places known

He saved every penny
Until he had enough
A spendthrift with money
It would prove to be tough

In an extra suitcase
His menu was laid
With beans by the case
He'd meals to be made

He yearned for a taste
Of just one night's feast
Not knowing the waste
That each meal had been FREE!

The swimming pool, golf, the gym
The movies and presentations
Were all available to him
For the grandest of vacations

Living below his potential
Had cost him opportunity
His error alone to tell
Was in the affordability

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Your Potential, Your Privilege
Ensign, May 2011, pg.

Forget Me Not Dear Teacher

A very small flower in a garden of many
Waited all day to be named
Feeling insignificant, it would take any
Quite forgotten, it felt so ashamed

The sun had set, light would not last
In despair, it cried from its low place
“Forget-Me-Not” …a man walked past
stopped, looked down, and parted a space

There in the shadows the blue flower stood
Hidden by the foliage of a buttercup
"Ah," He said, “You have finally understood
You have worth and limited time to speak up”

“In your sweet plea… you have named yourself
The weakness of your size none shall forget
For we all need to be noticed and are in need of help
From you, the least, we learn great things come if we let!”

“This is the first of five lessons I want to share
Things we all need to remember
One for each petal you so beautifully wear
As I wish happiness for each flower member”

“The second desire comes of my heart
As I recognize talents and gifts
Sacrifices are many but the best impart
A stirring of love that uplifts”

“The third to hold to is found all around
And is easily thought less of
That is finding joy in all that surrounds
The greatness of life is love

The fourth is so easy to overlook
As we each have so much to do
But we should focus on the “why?” as we look
Up…for warmth and bright light too

The fifth is the hope of what is to come
The potential that lies within
The knowledge of what we each can become...
We are much more than this life we are in

Sweet little blue Forget-Me-Not
You're the symbol for what we should learn
If we are to grow, these five things should be sought
And from them we should never turn

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Forget Me NOT

Ensign, November 2011

The Ugly Duckling Lesson:

The mother duck rested diligently on her eggs
Positioning them warmly beneath her legs
When they were hatched...one very much stood out
By far the darkest and ugliest fledgling without any doubt

Different, the other ducklings would not leave him alone
They punished him mercilessly...his worth left unknown
Saddened and thinking it best... he ran away
Living without hope of a brighter day

Then, on an afternoon that was warm, bright, and wonderful
He saw a sight flying high and beautiful
Above, in the formation of a majestic v
Was a flock of swans flapping towards the east

Spirited, for the first time, he raised his wings in flight
Following the flock... brilliant and white
There to land where the water was pure and clean
And in the reflection... his true identity was seen

A magnificent swan had come to appear
Till... a ripple expanded from a lone grateful tear
In wonder, he waited, completely in awe
When all was still, it was him that he saw!

Like the ugly duckling
Spread your wings and fly
You were called for something
Heaven only knows just why

Dieter F. Uctdorf
Our True Identity
CES Devotional, March 2011
The Reflection in the Water

Believe in Love's Rescue:

One bright springtime day
A father and son went for a walk
They heard some ducks along the way
T'was the momma duck and her flock

Further in the distance
Along a grassy marsh
The father with insistence
Called forth a duck to march

The little duck was amused
And thought it was a game
To a slow current he cruised
The father called out again...

Suddenly the duckling
Was caught in a stream
Even the father was struggling
And made a choice, it would seem

He turned to his family
And helped the mother out
Life resumed happily
Though this duckling was not about

The boy said, "We must save him!"
The father, too, agreed
It was not safe to swim
But he knew what they would need

They ran to the garage
Where the fishing gear was stored
The net they found was large...
(They'd much and were never bored)

By the stream, with one on each side,
They tossed this net back and forth
The baby duckling could not hide...
Cornered, into the net it clamored


They made a race up the stream
To where the ducks had been
There along some reeds still green
A bit of yellow could be seen

They lowered the net just right
That the duckling could be found
They stayed back just out of sight
Not making a bit of sound

It was quite a reunion
The rescue was then complete
And for that father and son
No other day could compete

To do for another
What can't be done by one's self
Teaches of love like no other
And it feels good to be of help

Never give up
When you have gone wayward
You can get unstuck
Like this once young stray bird

Let your cries be heard
Share of how you feel
Have faith, in deed and word
Know that love is real

Testing Willpower:

Testing the willpower of four year olds
A man placed a treat before each
If they waited fifteen minutes, they were told
A second would be placed within reach

Thirty percent were able to wait
For they anticipated having more
The rest, hungry on impulse, just ate
Losing the bigger reward that was in store

The man tracked the children through adulthood
He found a pattern that shocked
Those with patience understood
The path of happiness to walk

Those able to delay gratification
Had healthier relationships and were motivated
They worked harder for their education
As for a higher income they aimed and waited

Patience is a purifying process
That helps us reach for that which we yearn
For it deepens us to possess
The tenacity to work and learn

Patience isn't merely waiting
It is steady and consistent effort
With wants and needs separating
While not being self-absorbed for comfort

As a parent what does this mean?
To indulge children, would this be wise?
With the broader picture now seen
Teach them what gratification denies

What about your mother and father?
Shall He give us everything we ask for?
Struggling builds patience and character
And refines us with faith, trust, and more...

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Continue in Patience

Ensign, April 2010

Patience:

In a goodly land
By a pure stream
A tree stood grand
And evergreen

This the only place
Such a tree could grow
It would be a waste
If good fruit did not show

A farmer fed it at the root
Awaiting a time and season
When the tree should bare sweet fruit
He had hope the taste should please him

Branch Out:

In order for us, like a tree, to grow
Tall, straight, and round
There are many concepts we should know
To branch out full and sound

First, we need our own space
With nutrients in rich supply
Then we need to set a pace
To drink in and apply

Each branch of knowledge that buds out
Will keep us from bending low
And raise us to reach more about
As the winds of change yet flow

The Weathered Tree:

When an aged tree
Is cut to the ground
You can easily see
How its measure is found

For every lone ring
There's a season and a year
When the times are lean
The rings grow ever near

When the weather is good
The tree shows how much
Having added more wood
To reach and to touch

We, like the trees
Ought not to feel bad
If through our needs
We slow down just a tad

When stress levels rise
We can apply this same rule
Unto our scheduled lives
And let life teach its school

God's plan of happiness
Allows that we proceed
Enjoying life's fullness
According to our needs

Let there always be time
To study, ponder, and pray
Being still enough to find
His light bright'ning the way

Let us simply, then
Share His love in the home
Strengthened in the end
To know we're not alone

The heavens are open
There's goodness on the Earth
What matters the most, then?
Feeling of our worth

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Of Things That Matter Most
Ensign, November 2010

Distraction:

The tree of life stands alone
To the humble, its fruit is known
Granting love, peace, and rest
Though the lofty scoff, "They're best!"

Engaging in loud laughter
They claim the fruit is "boring"
But in truth what they are after
Is distraction-  a new story

Teacher Appreciation

Thumbs Up:

My teacher gave me a thumbs up today
As she smiled in that special wise way
Then, she raised it high and spun it around
And, I was so happy, I jumped off the ground

Thank-You For:

You have made an impact
On who I am today
Thank you for keeping me on track
In many different ways

Thank-You Because:

Here is a gift card for dinner
Thank-you for being my teacher
You have taught me to be a winner,
A team player, and a leader

Thank you for the reminders
Of how to behave my best
To organize my binders
And to ace that really hard test

A Meal:

Thanks for helping me think
It's like a complete meal
New facts combine and link
Knowledge is tasty and real

The Reward

The Hug:

My teacher hugged my work today
A smile was on her face
She put it on the board all day
I felt I'd won first place

This warmed my heart and I was proud
My work had been my best!
And tomorrow, I have no doubt
That I will ace the test!

Now Journey On:

Stay on board
Life's wisdom train
Where thoughts stowed
Find paths to gain

Don't Give Up:

School is full of highs and lows

For this is how a student grows

One day up and three days down

But, wait, it will turn around

Acrostic Dictionary:

 active

 accommodating

 aglow

 agreeable

 adventurous

 adorable

 affectionate

 ambitious

 amenable

 achiever

 adaptable

 anxious

 appreciative

 approving

 alert

 attentive

 beautiful

 believing

 bodacious

 bold

 busy

 brainstormer

 brainy

 brave

 bright

 brilliant

 calm

 carefree

 challenge-oriented

 charming

 cheerful

 creative

 catchy

 chaste

 Christian

 Christ-like

 charitable

 chatterer

 compassionate

 cooperative

 clever

 comfortable

 concerned

 confident

 conscientious

 considerate

 cooperative   

 civil

 courageous

 constructive

 competent

 curious

 daring

 dedicated

 decisive

 decent

 demanding

 dependable

 dynamic

 diligent

 delightful

 determined

 diplomatic

 different

 discerning

 dreamer

 eager

 easy-going

 embarrassed

 encouraging

 enjoyable

 enduring

 energetic

 enterprising

 enthusiastic

 faithful

 favorable

 fair

 fearless

 firm-minded

 flexible

 forgiving

 fun

 friendly

 funny

 feisty

 fast learner

 forgiving

 gentle

 giving

 glamorous

 generous

 graceful

 grateful

 gregarious

 gracious

 happy

 harmonious

 hip

 hugger

 helpful

 honest

 hopeful

 honorable

 hospitable

 humane

 humble

 humorous

 interesting

 imaginative

 informative

 independent

 industrious

 innocent

 intelligent

 intriguing

 inviting

 journey bound

 jubilant

 joker

 juggler

 just

 jovial

 joiner

 jolly

 knowledgeable

 kind

 ken-speckle

 kooky

 keeper

 law abiding

 leader

 laid-back

 lively

 long suffering

 loving

 logical

 loyal

 lucky

 mature

 meek

 mellow

 merciful

 mild

 mysterious

 magnificent

 motivated

 magical

 musical

 mathematical

 nice

 noisy

 noble

 newsy

 naturalist

 neat

 negotiator

 nurturing

 nutty

 obedient

 optimistic

 organized

 orderly

 original

 peaceful

 perceptive

 pleasant

 pliable

 polite

 popular

 positive

 persistent

 practical

 prayerful

 peaceful

 peacemaker

 principled

 productive

 proficient

 progressive

 punctual

 proper

 proud

 problem solver

 quiet

 quick

 quirky

 remarkable

 rational

 reliable

 receptive

 reassuring

 respectful

 responsible

 restless

 resourceful

 rowdy

 successful

 secretive

 self-reliant

 serious

 sensitive

 sharp

 shy

 silly

 skillful

 smart

 spiritual

 splendid

 sincere

 social

 strange

 serious

 stubborn

 submissive

 sweet

 talented

 teachable

 thankful

 thoughtful

 tolerant

 team builder

 trusting

 trustworthy

 ultra nice

 ultimate

 understanding

 uniting

 upbeat

 upstanding

 upright

 valiant

 valorous

 valuable

 venerated

 verifiable

 verbalizer

 virtuous

 vivacious

 victorious

 warm

 welcoming

 wholesome

 willing

 willing worker

 wise

 wonderful

 wild

 witty

 young at heart

 yearner

 yes-man

 yodeler

 youthful

 yuppie

 zany

 zippy

 zestful

 zesty

I'm Your Teacher:

Listen I’m your teacher
There are things you need to learn
Think of me as a leader
For what I have you must yearn

I cannot pound your brain
Or crack it to see what’s there
It’s my job to teach and train
How to learn, think, and share

Meet Me Half Way:

May you all meet me half way

And be teachable

Attitude goes a long way

Truths are reachable

Student of the Day:

Listen to my clues
Get ready to cheer
Who has made the news?
____ come and stand right here!

Your Best:

You do not have to be

The class clown or pest

Start over, focusing

On being your best

Also check out my book Teacher Talk, a sampling of the endless dialogue teachers deliver to manage and motivate a class.

Thanks for reading Talk the Walk, poetry that teaches behavior and inspires academic performance)