Doing some research the other day I reviewed some statistics on the literacy rate in the United States. The national literacy test is given every ten years, with the last results from 2014. These 2014 statistics are what I quote in my reading webinar. Since the late 70’s I have been involved with adult and […]
Category Archive:
Teaching and learning principles
How To Support Self-Regulation
Back in the early 1990’s the long term findings of the 1960’s Walter Mischel “marshmallow study” were released. When I read the findings of the Mischel study it became evident to me that something simple as having children wait for a minute or two for snack might help them develop better self-control and all the benefits […]
Survey Results from our Kids Talk Community
In mid-May I sent a two question survey out to our Kids Talk Community to help me understand the many challenges with children that parents, teachers and school administrators find themselves right now. As of June 6, I’ve received 205 responses that reflect about 5% of Kids Talk subscribers. Here’s what you told me: Your […]
How Learning Takes Place
In this Kids Talk Series, Exponential Education, we consider how learning takes place. Does our current educational system meet the reality of how our children actually learn? Read the Exponential Education Series to help spark discussion within your family and community. Kids Talk Exponential Education Series Towards The New Education Every Brain Is Unique Learning […]
The Thanksgiving Reader
I’m thankful to be thankful! The miracle that is our world, our lives and our stories asks to be shared. Seth Godin shared a downloadable booklet, The Thanksgiving Reader, to contribute to our thankfulness for friends and family this holiday season. Download it, print it out, and share these wonderful thoughts and stories. Add your […]
Bored?
As I’ve been cleaning up files on my computer I came across a refrigerator reminder about what to do when you are bored. My mother used to tell us when we came to her saying, I’m bored: Go sweep the porch. It was amazing how quickly we found something much more fun to do. That […]
Is observation important with online learning?
Since opening my observation webinar this week, I have received several questions on how is it possible to observe children in this online learning environment. One question: Is observation still relevant in these times of online / distance learning? Observation of children is more important than ever because we are in unknown territory. We don’t […]
What Are Sensitive Periods?
Before the age of six, human beings are in a unique period of learning and development. At this time in our lives, certain information is absorbed by our personalities without conscious effort. Young children learn to walk, talk and do hundreds of things without formal instruction or being aware of learning. Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), […]
The Art Of Observation
One of the key principles of Montessori philosophy is observing the child involved in a self-selected activity, which Dr. Montessori referred to as “work.” To observe, we should make sure that the children we are observing have something interesting and meaningful to do. Plus, we need to target specific behaviors. Montessori teachers are trained to […]
Read The Children’s Literacy Series
Here are ten articles from my Children’s Literacy Series to help you understand the process of how children learn to read. Most reading difficulties might be avoided if we as parents and teachers knew the importance of the right kind of preparation for reading we could offer to our young children. If you have a […]