A Beautiful 9th

The best part of this delightful video is the camera shots of the children. You can see that they are mesmerized by Beethoven's artful work.

Condolences

Music has a powerful way of keeping alive the remembrances of loved ones. The children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School will never be forgotten. Listen to this beautiful song "Condolences," which is a tribute to them.

Upon reading the NYTimes Sunday Review article "The Power of Concentration" by Maria Konnikova, it was no surprise to read this part of it:

“Multitasking is a persistent myth. What we really do is shift our attention rapidly from task to task. Two bad things happen as a result. We don’t devote as much attention to any one thing, and we sacrifice the quality of our attention.”

Also in the article, learn how Sherlock Holmes used meditation and mindfulness in his work. Fascinating.

An Unthinkable Position for Parent and Child

After a friend sent me the link to the article, "I Am Adam Lanza's Mother," I responded to him with an email that said:

Wow! What a powerful piece. So, so sad. What's a parent to do?

So, the next time I am feeling sorry for myself, I will force myself to sit down and read this passionate story; and at the same time, I will also reflect on an all-time favorite book When Bad Things Happen to Good People.

Thanks, for sharing.

Dane

Trying to Look Beyond Today

This song and video by Kristen Andreassen and second graders from Brighton, MA can help.

What Motivates Us?

David McClelland

Dan Pink's book Drive is specific about what motivates us; they are

• Autonomy
• Mastery
• Purpose

David McClelland also did a great deal of research in this area, and he lists three things as well; they are

• Achievement
• Affiliation
• Power

To learn more check out these notes on Pink and McClelland

Want to Feel Good?

If you're having a tough day with your kids, click on this video; I guarantee it will perk you up. "Siyahamba," a South African hymn, was sung by our faculty and staff chorus to our students at a recent all-school assembly.