Relationship problem? Tried Everything? What to Do?

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Rick

If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a minute. –Mark Twain

When your relationship is less than wonderful, and you have run through your usual repertoire, here’s the plan: 1. Don’t react; Act. 2) Listen actively. 3) Do something surprising. 4. Change the context. It works with 3-month-olds, and it works with adults. Here’s my son Peter showing us how it’s done.

Actually, don’t wait till you’ve tried everything. Do it right up front, like this: Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Development, Children, Collaboration, Conflict and Issues, Creativity, Education, Fun, Genius, parenting, Relationships, SEL, Self-Actualization | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

What are the Key Ingredients for a Child’s Success?

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Rick

Five-year-old Sokha, a Cambodian orphan adopted by a white couple, came into our kindergarten. He immediately showed himself to be a happy, gregarious, curious boy.

But Sokha engaged with others in ways they were not used to.  Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Development, Challenge, Character, Children, Coaching, Conflict and Issues, Culture, Disorders, Diversity, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment, Genius, Leadership, Learning, Learning community, Parent-Teacher Partnerships, perseverance, Relationships, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, School Culture, School Reform, SEL, Self-Actualization, Social Responsibility, Standards, Teaching, Thoughtfulness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Another Problem with Most SEL

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Rick

Another problem with SEL(“Social-Emotional-Learning”) programs is that they treat children as if they are social-emotional novices. Continue reading →

Posted in Collaborate. Create. Contribute., Collaboration, Conflict and Issues, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Genius, parenting, Relationships, School Culture, School Reform, SEL, Self-Actualization | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Why Many SEL Programs Fail

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Rick

“Although ‘Social-Emotional-Learning may be intended to empower students, many elementary students in these programs learn to equate leadership with obedience.” Continue reading →

Posted in Achievement, Authority, Brain Development, Calling, Challenge, Character, Children, Collaborate. Create. Contribute., Collaboration, Conflict and Issues, Creativity, Culture, decision-making, Discipline, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Empathy, Empowerment, Excellence, Failure, Genius, Gifted, Happiness, Inspiration, Integrity, Leadership, Learning, Learning community, parenting, perseverance, Play, Relationships, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, School Culture, School Reform, SEL, Self-Actualization, Self-determination, Social Responsibility, Success, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Social-Emotional-Cognitive Learning

Posted on January 26, 2019 by Rick

SEL (“Social-Emotional Learning”) has become popular, but we must go deeper. Education occurs only when social-emotional and cognitive learning occur at the same time. Academics must occur in the context of SEC learning.  Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Development, Children, Collaborate. Create. Contribute., Collaboration, Conflict and Issues, Creativity, Culture, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment, Executive Function, Genius, Happiness, Leadership, Learning, Relationships, School Reform, Self-Actualization, Self-determination, Standards, Success, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment