Mid-Summer marks the time when parents often share concerns about their children’s losing ground academically. Without summer school or regular skill drills, they fear the dreaded “summer slide.” Knowing the relevant data can help put worries to rest. Peter Gray, Ph.D., professor at Boston College, and author of Free to Learn reviewed the … Read More
Helping Parents with Meaningful Change
When Jonathan Haidt’s, The Anxious Generation appeared, I had mixed thoughts and strong feelings. So intense was my reaction I half-jokingly told my friends that I needed therapy to unpack it all. Not so much his message. To me, it makes sense that what kids spend most of their time … Read More
To a Raucous Spring
Walking fast to the post office, I automatically adjust as I approach the cherry trees with their pregnant pink blossoms. Their fresh, dewy vibrancy demands “slow down, notice me.” My pace now becomes one of a pilgrim paying homage to the sacred. I make sure I return this way. Spring … Read More
Lessons from the Basketball Court
I love March Madness! Or now I should say first week of April Madness, as we are into the “Elite 8” coming up Monday and Tuesday, with next weekend culminating this year’s NCAA tournament. I am following the women this time, mostly because of Caitlin Clark. I have been so … Read More
Questionnaire: One Powerful Poem
I came across Questionnaire by Wendell Berry the other day and it shook me to my core. Berry, known for his outspoken, prophetic voice, brilliantly and boldly sends a message here. I felt compelled to share it with you, dear readers, because the poem gave me great pause to re-consider … Read More
Ash Wednesday
It was Ash Wednesday. I was 8 years old. In our local church that seemed as majestic then as any cathedral, I waited my turn to kneel before the white-robed priest. My heart beat loudly. I didn’t want these ashes on my forehead. I hated their smell. I remembered from … Read More
Book Review
I hope you consider yourself a creative person. Because you are! We are all generative beings, only satisfied and truly happy when we create something—whether an engaging lesson plan, a hearty meal from seemingly skimpy left-overs (the popularity of Chopped attests to how thrilling this can be) or an enjoyable day despite … Read More
Mining the Depths
You left on a 12. A mathematician, you referred to 12 as a completion. With this numerical flourish you finalized your human form. Even at your end, giving me something to think about. 12 months in a year prompted you to prompt me to make our PCI program 12 months—just … Read More
Summer Update
Hello Dear Subscribers, I really appreciate your patience and staying with me. I haven’t posted since January 23–a short poem about our human potential and our dreams seeking us. I had plans to discuss my thoughts on robots and AI as soon as ChaptGPT arrived on the scene November 30, … Read More
Dear Vast Human…
When we gaze the stars, awed by their place in the vastness, let’s remember the multitudes within us. We, too, hold a significant place in this vastness. May a chance encounter with a stranger who just happened to help unlock a current conundrum, remind us that non-local knowledge resides within … Read More