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Asking for Attention
“WATCH THIS!” CHILDREN YELL as they perform a cartwheel, ride fast on a bike, or build a tall tower with blocks. Often the request isn’t...
End-of-the-Day Reunion
Parents can feel discouraged when their children greet them at the end of the day with a whine rather than a hug. In our imaginations,...
Meaningful Chores
When my friend was upset as a child, her Native American grandmother would suggest she work at her weaving. My friend was always...
“Remedies” for Spring Fever
If your child's personality seems to change at this time of year, try not to worry. In spring, a child’s fancy turns to pushing limits...
Dispelling Some Sleep Myths
Our recent time change provides a good reason to think about sleep and some of the lore surrounding nocturnal happenings. We all know...
“I’m Bored”
Children’s statements of boredom often sound like a “right”: “I’m bored; I shouldn’t have to do this homework.” “I’m so bored, I don’t...
Connecting with the World Around Us
“Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you.” – Lyrics from the song “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield “Do you make...
Door to Compassion
We can’t say good-bye to this year’s Founders Day celebration without highlighting the central role of compassion at our school. Last...
“How Life’s Work Gets Done”
“What seems to be the problem, Mr. Clark?” This is the question posed by older students when they encounter our facilities coordinator,...
Self-Portraits: Exploring Identity Through Art
How do children perceive themselves? One of the ways we can find out is through their self-portraits. Depicting oneself in art starts in...
One Step at a Time
I never learned to blow bubble gum and pop it. In order to set this up as a short-term goal for me (it’s never too late), my...
Teaching Patience
Hearing children repeat requests over and over can make adults feel dizzy—especially when saying “Please wait a moment” intensifies the...
Be Calm: Stop, Breathe.
When my dad yelled "Calm down!" he didn't mean "Find a quiet place within yourself' or “Let’s just stop and breathe together.” "Calm...
“Emotionally Nutritious” Words
I was impressed and amused by a class journal entry written by one of our third graders pointing out that her dog had demonstrated one of...
Navigating Change
“I forgot that my kindergartner’s daycare was in a different classroom. I felt her getting uncomfortable as we walked down the hall, and...
New Year’s Resolutions as a Family Affair
“You may delay, but time will not.” —Benjamin Franklin When the glitter of the holidays subsides, children often feel a letdown. However,...
Music’s Joyous Potential
“Music produces a kind of pleasure that human nature cannot do without.” — Confucius Abraham Joshua Heschel, the famous Polish rabbi...
Kiss My Brain
Instead of groaning when she realizes she made a mistake in her computation on a math problem, a seven-year-old says, “Kiss my brain,”...
“How Was School Today?”
As a child, the question “How was school today?” irritated me. How could I describe a medley of experiences–a great game on the...
Caring for the World Around Us
“We must give the child an environment that he can utilize by himself. Free the child’s potential and it will transform the world.” Maria...
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