Lois Lowry's Son

Newbery Medal winning author Lois Lowry's latest book in the Giver quartet is Son. Gathering Blue (2000) and Messenger (2004) were numbers two and three respectively. Son is the fourth. You might want to read the NYTimes Sunday Book Review article, "The Searcher" on Son.

What is most impressive is the author's life story about her own son, Grey. Read this fine NYTimes Magazine article "The Children's Author Who Actually Listens to Children" to learn more.

Origins of Morality?

If you did not catch the "60 Minutes" segment last Sunday night, you must see the research that has been done with children and the origins of morality. Here is "Born Good? Babies help unlock the origins of morality," go online and check it out. This excellent piece made me think of Ellen Galinsky's book Mind in the Making." Here is a link to her work from a previous post.

Imagine

While I know this is TV, I have never been more moved by a young performer. Here, see what I mean. . .

Professional Development Collaboration

On Veterans Day my school had a professional development day with Metropolitan Montessori School — a collaborative activity where both schools share one speaker, thoughts and practices, a lunch together, AND the cost. 

Guest speaker Dr. Ron Taffel spoke to us on child development, particularly the generational differences that confront parents and educators today. Be sure to visit his website and note the many books he has authored and his premise of children's "second family."

What Just Happened to Me?

"What Just Happened to Me?" is an article I wrote in the Fall 2012 issue of Independent School Online Feature.

The piece contains important information on child abuse from expert Lisa Friel. It is a must-share with teachers and staff.

Post-Sandy Classroom Notes

Those of us who teach for a living and live in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut region, know that beyond the Sandy-caused school cancelations, there is much to think about with our students. 

Here is an excellent piece by Launa Schweizer in the NYTimes Motherlode Blog, "The Frist Day in the Classroom, Post-Sandy," that speaks directly to this.