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Getting Enough Sleep
As we adjust to the time change and the loss of the luxury of evening light, it’s a helpful time to think about sleep and the long-term...
Building a Compassionate Community
“The most accurate measure of community is the compassionate actions of its members.” — Coretta Scott King There have been several...
A New Vision of Friendship
The term “my new best friend” popped into our culture in 2003 as the title of a British comedy series. (Didn’t we always use this...
The Power of the Pause
The ability to pause provides us with many benefits in life. Creating a space between our thought and action allows us to filter what we...
Obstacles to Clear Communication
I was astonished recently when a teacher called across the classroom to tell me a two-year-old who was having adjustment issues had...
Ensuring Your Child’s Safety On Playdates
Parents often ask me questions about sending their children on playdates. Understandably, they wonder about allowing their children to go...
Dealing With Fears Compassionately
“I can’t get it out of my mind.” I was surprised by how grotesque a statue in a neighbor’s yard is until I realized it’s an early glimpse...
Rules Make Life Predictable
“What do you think the rules of golf are?” I asked my preschool class, years ago, before a visiting parent showed them golf clubs and...
A Magical Walk Through Campus
“Did you have any adventures outside at school today?” This is a question children are more apt to more respond to readily than the...
Starting the Day With Love
Becky Kennedy, author of Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, reminds us that arguing with our children only means...
Little Acts of Bravery
Children notice adults being brave and persevering. After Room 5 teacher Ann Pinkas had foot surgery, she had to stay home for weeks, and...
Managing the Challenge of Change
Two watchwords, awareness and empathy, can help us manage the huge transition involved in starting a new school year together. Most of us...
Recognizing Acts of Kindness
A photo of a lineman on a pole with paper angel wings attached to his shoulders stood out for me on an Instagram page dedicated to...
Supporting Children During Transitions
New beginnings call on us to build strength and a positive view about what life will bring. Yet transitions involve uncertainty and can...
Children Making a Difference
When third-grader Noor felt inspired to start a school club devoted to cleaning up trash on the playground, the adults in her life fully...
Honoring Relationships At Times of Transition
“We’ll always have our memories, even when this year is through, you’ve become a special part of me, and our class is now a part of you....
A Giant Reset
How did adults help you learn to work through frustrations as a child? My parents praised me when I did well. “You got a hundred...
“I’m Here for You”
Last week a representative from Community Care Licensing arrived at school for their annual unannounced visit, which hasn’t occurred in...
Giving Children a Voice
How do we help children learn to feel safe speaking their truth, even in front of others who may feel differently? Developing a strong...
Connecting Through Humor
“A wonderful thing about laughter is that it destroys any kind of system for dividing people.” — John Cleese, actor, comedian A few...
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