Supporting Enthusaistic Learning

I never tire of the great story told on "Caine's Arcade."  Much of the attention goes to Caine, the bright, creative, and wonderfully genuine young man at the center of this story.  The more I watch this the more I appreciate Nirvan who was willing to support and highlight Caine's unique project.  I think we sometimes have predetermined ideas of what learning or creativity looks like instead of seeking it's authentic demonstration through natural play and exploration.  We can do a lot more by discovering and supporting this natural growth than trying to mold it into our own ideas of what children should be doing.  That's not to say teachers and parents can't provide inspiration and ideas but if a child takes that support in a new direction the best thing to do us provide support and recognition, just like Nirvan did here. 

Games for Learning

I couldn't agree with this more. We do this often at home and I have some classroom favorites too. 

http://m.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/07/how-family-game-night-makes-kids-into-better-students/374525/

Does America Have the World's Best Colleges?

The link below is a response and continued discussion of an article that appreared in the NYT last week.  It raises an interesting question about the value of America's colleges compared to other countries around the world.  The article provides some compelling evidence to consider that the US colleges may not be as strong as many think.  Even if the top US schools dominate the list of top universities in the world the overall system may have some under reported challenges.

It's an interesting debate and I haven't read or studied enough to make an definitive decision of my own.  However, as I have traveled the world and met with many students there is a clear preference and desire to study in the US.  I went into more than one classroom in China where the only thing on the walls was a copy of the room schedule and a copy of the US News and World Report top 50 US universities.  This is unsettling in it's own way but it does provide some anecdotal evidence that there is certainly something going for US colleges that are making them the most desirable option for the majority of top international students.

American Colleges Standing in the World Part II (Part I is linked in the article)

"Don't Make Your Children the Exception to Every Rule"

Sometimes in an effort to focus only on "happiness" parents find themselves protecting, defending or otherwise stepping in for our kids when what they really need to learn is conscientiousness.  This article makes some great points along this general idea :"Children who are industrious, orderly and have good self-control are more likely than their careless or undisciplined peers to grow into happy adults."  Letting kids make mistakes, take responsibility, resolve their own problems, etc... can be greatly beneficial even if sometimes difficult to watch.  I remember realizing as a teen that I needed to get my act together because my desires for bad behavior or choices wouldn't change as an adult, I would just have increasing responsibility for them.  I'm grateful my parents let me learn these lessons

"Don't Make Your Children the Exception to Every Rule"

Saying Sorry

I enjoyed this great advice on teaching kids to apologize.  We have worked hard to do this with our own children, especially ensuring that a response of "I accept your apology" was given.  One of the biggest challenges are offenses done not on purpose.  Kids (and many adults) need to recognize that even if an offense or injury wasn't on purpose it still needs to be apologized for if you are the source.

This article takes it to the next level though having children (and again, many adults could use this) think through the process and it's purpose, not just go through the motions.

http://www.cuppacocoa.com/a-better-way-to-say-sorry/

Under Construction

After a very long break from this blog I've decided to take it up again.  The intent is to use this for a place to gather my thoughts from time to time.  I'll also post articles or other resources that I want to write a bit about, especially so I can remember and access them more easily later on.  I'll also use this to place a bit more information about myself professionally so I can direct anyone interested this way (for better or for worse).

I'll leave all previous posts up without changes, even though a quick browse makes me want to fix their mistakes or make other changes.  I suspect posts will be shorter on commentary and more links and other information.  I almost just went with tumblr for that reason but figured that I already have this up and running so I'll try that first.

Anyway, since my last post I moved back to Utah, started a job where I was able to travel the world visiting schools and racked up 380,000 frequent flyer miles in 18 months, then moved to India where I now am Head of a small international school.  Some of our travels and fun in India can be followed at we5nomads.