Learning
The Bigger Picture
From the desk of Carol C… When you look into your children’s future what do you see? Successful individuals? What does that mean? Chances are, you are not just thinking about your child’s past educational record. More than likely you’re also imagining them as self fulfilled individuals with positive relationships with others. You are…
Read MoreGreat Expectations
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . I watched a master teacher at work on the soccer field the other day. As a great debate ensued over the fairness of game rules, she quietly walked over to mediate. She asked the children to explain what was going on and quickly realized that not…
Read MoreCreating Milestones
From the desk of Carol C… Most “impossible” goals can be met simply by breaking them down into bite size chunks, writing them down, believing them, and then going full speed ahead as if they were routine. Don Lancaster I want to be healthier, but it seems I can’t to do anything about it. …
Read MoreTales From Tennis: The Court is the Classroom
From the desk of Alice… I didn’t start playing tennis until I was an adult. I picked it up gradually with a few friends who were patient enough to allow me to “just hit” and not keep score. Over a few years, I was able to keep score and actually win. I thought it was…
Read MoreSelf-Doubt – An Enemy of Learning
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . I recently read an article discussing how the brain gives priority to our emotions and I have seen first-hand how children’s emotions affect their perception of school. Emotion affects a child’s self-confidence and self-confidence affects whether a child learns to read, write, and problem solve. Learning…
Read MoreAuthentic Learning Lasts
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . When I think back on the educational experiences that inspired me as a child I can say with certainty that not one single worksheet pops into mind. The concepts that have stayed with me and boosted my self-confidence as a learner focused more on process than…
Read MorePigeonholing Children
From the desk of Carol… I’m a reader all the time and a mathematician when necessitated. So it was clear to me when my great-niece, Madyson, reached the toddler stage she was going to be a reader. After all, she loved to look at and listen to books. She couldn’t seem to get enough of…
Read MoreInspiring Confidence in Math
From the desk of Carol… Sometimes it’s easier to find ways to build on children’s reading skills. You know you can have your little one read to grandma, grandpa, best friend, and mail carrier. You can have them read the cereal box, street signs, and fast food menus. These kinds of activities strengthen our…
Read MoreLearning Outside of School
From the desk of Carol C… Learning opportunities outside of “the schoolhouse” arise all of the time. Some may seem obvious while others are more subtle. Once you begin to see these teachable moments, you can easily take advantage of them. Be a Chef- Involving children in helping to make something good to eat is…
Read MoreMy Child Can Read a Level
From the desk of Carol C… My child is reading above grade level. My child is reading at level J. My child is struggling with reading. How could all of these statements be said about the same child? Do they not contradict each other? The answers depend on the definition of the word “reading” you…
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