Whole Child Development
I had my favorite gardening help recently….all my boys! We got two dozen seed cups started to transplant to our garden in a few weeks. I love doing this activity with them, not just for the extra “help” (said help also insisted on labeling our Zinnias as Venus Fly Traps), but also for the opportunity for them to learn a bit about science and a bit about patience all at once. Plus, I can’t deny my boys an opportunity to bury their fingers in mud!
I was captivated by this chapter from the introductory paragraphs. As Ellen Galinsky writes about comparing two contrasting images — that of an ever-curious infant, and that of an apathetic middle to high schooler — I thought of my own experiences with these contrasting groups. Her pointed questions on page 298 are similar to those I’ve asked myself, “What happens to extinguish that passion? What happens to dull their eyes?”
It’s been a while, but I am back with another installment of Pinterest Preview – a peak at what happens when the pins come to play at our house!
My fingers have been quite busy lately, making contributions to some other fantastic sources out there in the blogosphere. I wanted to make sure to include you in that audience, so I thought I’d share some links and excerpts here as well.
, I began to make a new connection. As Skill 3 addressed communication as the foundation for real language and literacy development, and Skill 4 focused on making connections as the essence of math sense, following suit, Skill 5 showed critical thinking as the root of real scientific understanding. I have really enjoyed seeing how these larger essential skills have woven in the “academic” skills, not ignoring their importance, but highlighting them with the proper perspective within a larger framework of true knowledge and understanding. Here are some of my favorite takeaways from this chapter:
Have I mentioned how much I love this book? Have I mentioned that I love how it simultaneously opens my eyes to fascinating, new information, but also reconfirms some of my most closely held philosophies and beliefs? Well, now I have.
I’m getting ready to launch a new project next week and I’m really excited to tell you all about it! While I wrap up the loose ends, enjoy this repost from May of 2010.
I recently sat in a training meeting where we were discussing the role of risk in childhood. It’s kept me thinking ever since. Where do we draw the line between healthy risk and serious danger?
If you’re like me, you’ve discovered (and quickly become addicted to) this wonderful, mysterious new thing called Pinterest. I often find myself pinning things, wondering how they’ll work out in my home with real kids, real quirks, and no real professional photographer. So I thought I’d give that to you. From time to time, I’ll share some of the Pinterest projects we’ve tried out, along with my own tweaks and tips. (Follow the links to the actual pins and sites for full directions.)
I’m reposting a favorite of Scott’s (of Brick by Brick). Thanks for the reminder, Scott. (And while we’re on the subject of favorites, check out my latest favorite from his blog, No “Art” But Plenty of Creativity.)
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