General Archives
Apricot Muffins to Share
The first time I brought apricot muffins into the staff room to share, a few people found them surprising. I hadn’t realized that apricot was an unusual muffin ingredient – I’d been making them for years. The next time there was an occasion to bake, I was asked to make them again. I eventually shared…
Read MoreProgress Reports: Computer Output or The Chronicles of Growing Up
The school report card, or “progress report” is such an old ritual of family life that it’s something we rarely take a moment to think about. Typically, the report arrives in our homes on a predictable schedule, presents a snapshot of what has been happening in the classroom and generates a flash of satisfaction, pride,…
Read MoreGoogle, Grocery Store Math and Math Culture
In today’s world of smart phones and Google, almost any math problem can be looked up and instantly solved with a calculator or the internet.. “Knowing” is becoming less important than problem solving and understanding. Experts tell us that too many kids in school are doing little more than, “applying procedures to problems they really…
Read MoreSummer Learning Loss: year-round school or year-round learning?
Are your kids counting down yet? As the spring weeks slip by, the emerging green grass, warm sun, and bright blue sky prompt most children to start thinking about that happy moment in June when the final school bell will ring, ushering in that magical privilege of childhood: summer vacation. Summer is almost here! It’s…
Read MoreGrit – An Indicator of Success: A little failure goes a long way
In recent years, there has been a great deal of discussion about developing “grit” in youth. Grit, a non-cognitive trait identified by Angela Duckworth, is about persevering and achieving success even when faced with adversity and failure. In Paul Tough’s book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character, he describes grit…
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