How Do You Handel a Food Court Chorus?

    There are different ways in which children can be introduced to classical music.  The video below presents one way George Frideric Handel's most famous piece caught unsuspecting diners off guard.  Notice the enchanting looks on the faces of the children who were intently listening.

Conversations with Middle Schoolers

     I thought that it might be good to follow up on my last post with an article I wrote a while back on talking to middle schoolers.  


     "On Middle School Children and Their Parents" is here for you to read.

The Blessing of a B Minus

     I picked up Wendy Mogel's newest book The Blessing of a B Minus the same day I decided to watch the 1977, Oscar-winning, Woody Allen movie "Annie Hall."  Both are a mix of Jewish culture and Americana; the movie is about adults and the book is about adolescents.  In either case, you can't go wrong reading or watching.
     Mogel's Talmudic psychology is excellent advice for those parents who are in the throes of raising teenagers.  The personal cases she cites and the experiences raising her two daughters are perfect for convincing the most reluctant believer of how Jewish religion and raising children are compatible.

A Brave New World-Wide Web

     Can we keep up with our students when it comes to technology?

     Kind of like the popular short video "Did You Know," "A Brave New World-Wide Web" needs to be shared with all teachers and school administrators.  Freightening though it is, this 4:20 minute video gives you a real insight into technology's impact on schools today — the operative word is "today."

One Crazy Summer

     One Crazy Summer the newest young adult book by Rita Williams-Garcia just may be the next Newbery Medal winner.  Even though you will have to wait until January to find out if it does win the prestigious book award, you can read the book now.  I loved it!

7 x 13 = 28?

   "Dad, I need help on my math homework."
  
    How often have parents been confronted with having to help their child with a math assignment?  And, when both child and parent sit down at the table, Dad is teaching the algorithm the way he learned it, and it makes no sense to the child.


    Click on the video below and see how 7 x 13 can equal 28 and how the calculation is in the eye of the teacher.

Leadership for the Right Reasons

    This week I attended the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Annual Heads' Conference where the keynote speaker was Dr. Ned Hallowell.  I never fail to be inspired and educated by his words of wisdom.
     I had the good fortune to sit with Dr. Hallowell and spend time with him talking about leadership in our schools.  The interview is published in the fall issue of Independent School magazine.  Visit the NAIS website and the article, "Leadership for the Right Reasons" to read what Dr. Hallowell so eloquently says about leadership.

Letting Go

     I love watching fifth graders — that's just about the time this happens — casually but insistently slide away from their parents while entering school, transmitting the message, "I am growing up, and I (think) am ready to be more independent."  This can come as a surprise to many parents.  
     "Confessions of a Helicopter Mom" is a cute essay from last Sunday's NYTimes Magazine.  Some parents have a tough time letting go when it is time.