Write Away

April 11, 2016

Inspiration and Perspiration

I’m reminded of inventor Thomas Edison’s words: Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.* For some time, educators have discussed how students need to develop “grit,” that quality of tenacity, stick-to-it-tive-ness, and “perspiration.” The term has a particular edge to it that means to encourage students to work through difficulties–say, in following through with a big Continue reading

Arts, Social and emotional development

creative imagination, grit, inspiration
April 9, 2016

Haydn for Happiness

Introduce a little classical music that washes your children with happiness. One piece from Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Surprise Symphony” (No. 94 in G) may sound familiar to you and your children, which makes listening to it even more fun. Part of the happiness comes from Haydn’s surprise sounds written in this piece. Some of it is that Continue reading

Music, Speaking and listening

classical music, happiness, Haydn
April 8, 2016

Geography for Kids

One April, my class of adult learners discussed the work of cognitive psychologist Jean Piaget. When I mentioned he was Swiss, the students’ blank looks jolted me. I pulled down a wall map. “Who can show us where Switzerland is?” There were no takers, until one of the younger members of the class offered to identify Continue reading

Teaching and Learning
April 7, 2016

Folk Wisdom

Part of enjoying your kids’ childhood is talking and making friends with their parents at school, games, or parties. You’re all in the same stage of parenting, so it’s a fun network to be in. Your kids belong and are happy, parents connect, and it doesn’t take long to realize there are many shared beliefs Continue reading

Teaching and Learning, Teaching Science

Folk wisdom, parent groups, teach thinking
April 6, 2016

Smart Phone Etiquette for Parents

You and your partner are out for dinner, waiting for the nachos to arrive. At the next table sits a family with small children who are noisy and acting up. Their parents busy themselves with their smart phones–emails, texts, Facebook, and so on. At first you relate, sympathize, understand. You’ve been there, too. Must be a different Continue reading

Social and emotional development, Speaking and listening

cell phone, kids’ manners, smart phone etiquette

Inspiration and Perspiration

Haydn for Happiness

Geography for Kids

Folk Wisdom

Smart Phone Etiquette for Parents