ISFP
Interesting Stuff for Parents!

Nothing  you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering,  averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is  never wasted.
~Garrison  Keillor 

Helping Children Learn About Empathy

What's the Best Thing That Happened to You Today?

I try to made a point to ask the kids  before they leave this simple question, "What's the best thing that has happened to you today?"  Often they talk about a lesson we did, but I'm hoping for this to evolve into more interpersonal types of responses where children are sharing something positive someone said or did with them.  During our class meetings, this type of response should develop as we talk about gratitude and recognize others who have done something to make our day go well.   I hope you enjoy this talk as much as I did!

             Play, Passion, Purpose

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Tony Wagner speak at the Teaching and Learning Conference in Washington, D.C.  He's an entertaining speaker and what he said really made sense.  The curriculum we began implementing five years ago, and that is being revised and updated now, really speaks to what Mr. Wagner is talking about in this Ted Talk. You might want to check out Tony's latest book, Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change The World, published by Simon & Schuster in 2012. It was my airport book a few trips ago, and two people came over and talked to me about it while I was waiting for my flight.  Another reason those print books are important!  People can see what you are reading! ​

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.


I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.

                     ~Diane Loomans,
      from "If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again"