When we think about the people we most admire, typically they are kind and honest, have respect for others and things, are independent, but take appropriate risks, are confident but not overly so, and certainly not entitled. They are hard-working yet find balance with their personal life, they are creative, critical thinkers, and problem [...]
Weeks into the new school year and things feel different. Have you noticed? We have thought long and hard about asking this question in this format, but feel like it has to be asked. Is everyone seeing what we are seeing? Are all teachers feeling the pinch we are feeling? Is it possible that [...]
SEL is a buzzword these days. Social. Emotional. Learning. “SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and [...]
It is almost mid-July and back-to-school sales are going to start soon. That means fresh boxes of crayons, shiny lunch boxes and new backpacks. Each of these serves a very specific purpose for the school day, but each also serves a vital role in very unexpected ways. Let’s look at the backpack, for example. Obviously, [...]
Communication is part of a hierarchy of learning. Newborns communicate by crying when they are wet, hungry, or tired. This communication eventually evolves into words and sentences as they grow. Communication helps children learn to share thoughts, ideas and opinions. And without adequate communication skills, school is frustrating and hard. One communication skill that is [...]
Forest Gump says he and Jenny go together like peas and carrots. To be honest, I don't like peas, but I have always loved the concept of two vegetables being perfect for each other and making each other better. Though jumping and logic go together like peas and carrots, jumping is actually foundational to [...]
Imagine you are on a crowded sidewalk in New York City. It seems everyone is going one way and you are fighting against them to go the opposite direction. As an adult, you are likely fighting that tide of people because you have an appointment, a meeting, or a specific destination in the opposite [...]
It is 8:30 at night. You have had a long day followed by a desperate run to the grocery store. Walking into the house, you have your keys in one hand, the groceries in the other, work bag thrown over your shoulder. Without dropping anything, you manage to unlock the door and flip on [...]
Self-control is something I have been talking about a lot lately. When I give a presentation I always ask teachers if they feel self-control has become a bigger challenge for their students over the years. Sadly, with lots of nodding heads, about 99% report a significant increase in the number of children who struggle [...]
Happy, successful students are active children For many adults, memories of childhood are dominated by long, active recesses at school and after-school hours playing outdoors, building forts, riding bikes, and games like Kick the Can. Today, children’s lives are far more sedentary - during school and after - and it is taking a monstrous toll [...]
