You may not write worth beans, or rice for that matter, but you are a storyteller. While your tale is shaded differently from all others, there is a constant, as unwavering as the sun, moon and stars. It is that simple truth that you hold life in your hands. For each man pens his own…
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When we consider education, it is best to know something of the word’s history. By knowing it derives from Latin, meaning to bring out; to draw forth we better understand the method of teaching offered by Greek philosopher Socrates1. He believed true knowledge resides within each of us and with proper teaching we can realize…
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When you were a child, were you ever in the embarrassing position of having another person make fun of you in front of your friends? Were you ever the butt of a joke? Did you ever suffer the agony of knowing kids were laughing at you? I sincerely hope not. Such dark memories were, however,…
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Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought. — Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, author of The Scientist Speculates In our high tech society the ability to research is vital to success. Yet many schools never teach it and even when they do, they usually overlook the simplest and most primary undercut:…
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Students must be given an opportunity to explore their own passions — for passion and desire are vital components of education. And students should always be encouraged to tap into their own ingenuity. This is the way to awaken or keep alive that love of learning that resides deep within us.
What value do students get from doing homework? According to Kathy Seal, co-author of Motivated Minds: Raising Children to Love Learning, most homework does not advance the education of elementary school children. On the contrary, stuffing a great deal of information into their heads makes it harder to retain the data and can even damage…
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His little hand squeezes mine As we venture into the darkness To gaze up at the sliver of a moon And try to count a zillion stars Feeling gone “forever” reappears Awe and wonder for that night When first I counted heavenly Stars with my own dear father By Carlynn McCormick Home education(1) can have…
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Believe it or not, using one pronoun over another can actually improve a parent-child relationship. Using I over you is one such example. When Mom tells Joey, “I like it better when your bed is made in the morning,” he knows she is talking about herself. But if Mom says, “You didn’t make your bed…
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As a kid, there were times I loathed school. I gave all kinds of explanations for not liking it: “The teacher’s mean.” “The test is stupid.” “The school bus smells.” But I had no idea my complaints were simply symptoms of an educational blunder that has gone on for centuries. Why do kids hate school?…
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Play the Writing Game! I know quite a number of budding authors who sweep me away with their creative ideas and imaginings — individuals filled with passion about the books they are writing. I am often surprised, however, to learn nothing or very little is actually put down on paper. Years pass, stories dim and…
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