Twining Oaks has a post today that says volumes about teaching through example.  We can be expert lesson planners. We can instruct til we are blue in the face. In the end they watch more than they listen. They are observing first and foremost.  What am I modeling?  Am I being persistent?  Am I willing to work, "really work at something until I mastered it. To completion. Without giving up. WIthout whining, sulking, or throwing things."  Am I demonstrating that "self-mastery only comes by developing sound learning habits and putting in the requisite time, energy, and effort."

Honestly?  Not every day and not as well as I would like. But my little ‘audience’ of eager learners motivates me to wake up daily and keep on trying.  This may be the best lesson we can give them. To get up every morning and keep on trying to do a little better than the day before.  : )