Social and emotional development
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The Grade of F
Did you ever receive an F on your schoolwork? It meant you failed, utterly. Written in red pen in your teacher’s impatient hand, it was accompanied by the uneasy message See Me on the top of the paper. Perhaps your teacher handed the papers back in order of grades from A to F, with the Continue reading
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Teenage Destiny
Many teacher movies are variations on a formula: difficult kids plus an understanding teacher equals transformed lives. Movies usually make it look far easier than this really is. But in To Sir, With Love, teacher Mark Thackeray, played by Sydney Poitier, resonates with lots of secondary teachers. His students are rude, incorrigible, and the boys Continue reading
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Empathy and Kindness, Pet-Style
A few days ago, our family lost our beloved 17-year-old mini poodle, Muffy. Saddled with a girl’s name, Muffy lived a pretty healthy life. Though he endured infirmities as a senior, we accommodated him by finding snuggly blankets, adjusting his water bowl to a comfortable height, and carrying him in and out. In his younger days, I brought Muffy to Continue reading
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Art and Empathy
Look at this fantastic work, The Sower, by Van Gogh, painted in 1888. Give your eyes time to move and rest on details. As you do this, pay attention to your reactions to what you see. Note the thoughts, emotions and feelings that arise inside you. Are you startled by the richness of the sun Continue reading
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Swings and Learning
One of childhood’s pleasures is endangered. Swings are beginning to disappear from school and public playgrounds, mostly because adults worry about student injuries and lawsuits. As someone who has spent thousands of hours supervising recess, I prefer teaching children how to follow a few simple rules so they can enjoy the benefits of swinging while Continue reading
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