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.

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.

Lessons in Diversity

This past week, our students, faculty, staff, and parents were treated to separate, thoughtful, and instructive presentations by Derrick Gay, educational consultant (derrickgayconsultant@gmail.com). He was so good. I know we'll be seeing more and more of him in our schools.

He concluded his talk with parents by showing the profound TED Talk by Chimamanda Adichie "The Danger of a Single Story."

Class Bias the Real Enemy Revisited

When my article "Class Bias the Real Enemy" first appeared in the 1999 Winter issue of Independent School magazine, I knew this was a societal problem that would be insurmountable. It is rampant in nearly all cultures. 

In today's NYTimes "Admitted, but Left Out" by Jenny Anderson let's us know that diversity numbers in our "private" schools have improved, but class distinctions for students and families linger. When you look at the main drivers of class—education, wealth, occupation, and salary—you can understand the rancor that engulfs this presidential election.

The Happy Secret to Better Work

If you have never heard of Shawn Achor, you must see this TEDX Talk on positive thinking. He goes from a childhood experience with his little sister to the campus of Harvard.

Century of the Child

You'll want to view The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) interactive website Century of the Child Growing by Design 1900 - 2000 even if you cannot get to the exhibition itself, which runs through November 5. Here is how MoMA describes the exhibition:

"MoMA’s ambitious survey of 20th century design for children is the first large-scale overview of the modernist preoccupation with children and childhood as a paradigm for progressive design thinking. The exhibition will bring together areas underrepresented in design history and often considered separately, including school architecture, clothing, playgrounds, toys and games, children’s hospitals and safety equipment, nurseries, furniture, and books."

Feeling Sorry For Yourself?

In my previous post, I introduced you to the book Wonder. It attracted me because one of my all-time favorite books is Harold Kushner's When Bad Things Happen to Good People.

Recently, a Wall Street Journal front page story, "Study of Rare Disease Helps in Search of Clues on Aging" and the article's related video give Wonder a partner in helping adults navigate the difficult waters of childhood medical issues.

Both books and the article give you an understanding of the bigger picture in life. So, when you are feeling sorry for yourself, start with the article, then go to Kushner's book, and if you need to, read Wonder.

Wonder

Here is a Wonder . . . ful young adult book. I believe it will be a Newbery Medal contender.

The video below tells a lot, but you must read the book to fully appreciate its beautiful messages. Here are two links for you to read as well:

NYTimes Review

NPR Story

Rethinking Sleep

For all of my readers who are caring for little ones and challenged by sleep issues—yours, that is, you must read "Rethinking Sleep" by David K. Randall in today's NYTimes. It gives all of us a whole new outlook on how to sleep.

Golden Governance

My article "Golden Governance," recently published in NAIS's The Savvy Trustee, talks about how a strong relationship between the Board President and CEO/Head of School is critical to building a strong governing body.  Coincidentally, yesterday's NYTimes Magazine cover story "Anatomy of a Campus Coup" revels pieces of how the University of Virginia fell prey to not following golden governance.

Sesame Street's Success

Having enjoyed innumerable episodes of Sesame Street many, many years ago, I often think about its success. Here is "10 Reasons Why Sesame Street Has Been On For So Long" and speaks to why the program has served and survived for so many years.

Who Should Decide What Students Read?

As I write another article on choosing what to read, I came across an Education Week, November 2009 article I wrote "Who Should Decide What Students Read." 

An awesome and onerous task, guiding students in their reading is such a delicate and important responsibility for parents and teachers. Likewise, if we as adults hope to have our students read, we have to be equally as vigilant in our reading habits and choices.

The Empty Pot

The Empty Pot by Demi is a beautiful story that you will want to get and read to your 1st through 5th grade child(ren). Here is a handy reading of the story.

In Celebration of Maria Montessori's Birthday

Google used this graphic on its search webpage on August 31, Dr. Montessori's birthday; and when you clicked on the Montessori materials graphics, you were brought to an information page for Montessori references.

Is Math Phobia in Your Home?

Here is an excellent article and related video from Sue Shellenbarger reporter for the Wall Street Journal. "A Worksheet for Math-Phobic Parents" gives good perspective on math and will help you resist throwing math under the bus when frustration sets in with your child and you.

The Meds-for-ADHD Debate

Whether you read the balanced, August 19, 2012 NYTimes article "Raising the Ritalin Generation" or not, you only have to glance at the article's unfortunate accompanying graphic (displayed at the right) to receive the paper's intended negative impression of one approach to treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

First read the article to take away your own impressions, then click over to Dr. Ned Hallowell's website to get a full and accurate understanding of ADHD, use of medications, and how to best support our children.

Getting Ready for College

"Six Life Tips to Guarantee Survival at College," a thoughtfully practical article crossed my path recently, and if you are thinking about packing up your daughter or son to begin a college career, you may want to read this article by Aileen Pablo.

Boomer Buddy Axiom — Generational Differences

Based on the previous post "Parent, Buddy, or Both?" I received this precious quote from a baby boomer friend who received this message from his mother when he was growing up.

“Remember one thing, as long as you live in my house you follow my rules; there is no democracy, I didn’t campaign to be your mother, and you didn’t vote for me.  We are mom and son by the grace of God, and I have an obligation to perform my role as your mother.  I’m not your pal, or your buddy, our age differences make that relationship impossible.  Whatever I ask you to do is motivated by love . . . You have to trust me, and will understand perfectly when you have a son.  Tough lady . . .”

Parent, Buddy, or Both?

Can parents be both a parent and a buddy to their child?

Read the Sunday NYTimes, "More than a Son, He's My Buddy" by Douglas Quenqua for an interesting perspective.