Another reason is just for me. I teach in a public school so I can't share this one with my students. Fully Rely On God is my personal reminder that no matter how stressful things might get, I am never alone. If I am having a rough day, I look around, see those frogs, take a deep breath and keep on going.
Earning a small squishy frog is a motivator to complete an assignment, maintain good behavior, or just celebrate a birthday. Whatever the reason the kids treasure these little tokens because they had to work hard to get them. Last summer I heard from the parent of a former student now in high school. She told me they still had that frog he had earned. It was that special to him. That frog represented his reaching a personal goal. It gave him confidence to keep trying.
I have been teaching in some form since 1973 when I graduated from Adrian College. That's how long I have had frogs for a mascot. They got me through some rough times in my life so I try pass that support on to my students each year.
I tell my students that The Pond is a place of learning. They may not always be successful, but that's ok. Just like the frog they need to keep trying. Making a mistake is not a bad thing, it's what you do with it that counts. If you never make a mistake you really aren't learning anything.
