Rule #3 Every brain is wired differently. This I remember from my college days studying biology. If you play the violin, practice meditation, or speak many language, your brain will be different from others. I use to always associated the saying ‘use it or lose it.’ with brain development. Our brains are very pliable when we are young and that in some way we educate our selves out of various talents. I know that the brain has a tremendous growth…
My children will be starting school in a few weeks. They are both heading to new schools my son off to middle school and my daughter off to high school. They will not be attending their home district schools but will be attending public charters. I am very fortunate that my children had excellent options. Their home district is one of the best in the state and the charter schools are also excellent. I would be pleased if they attended…
Continuing logging my thoughts on Brain Rules I move on to Chapter 2: Survival, the brain evolved too. In the first chapter: exercise, it was noted that in our human past we were constantly on the move. We exercised and this movement was key to our brains development it also meant we were good at thinking on our feet. Exercise leads to better brain function. This second chapter continues looking at our ancient past and how we, and our brain…
I have begun reading Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School, by John Medina. I have made it to chapter 8 but thought I should start writing down my thoughts on the various chapters. I am also participating in a Brain Rules discussion group that originated on Plurk. Brain Rules is a book that looks at 12 Rules, areas that scientist study about the brain. The book takes a look at what research says…
I was driving from the Cape to NJ today and had an interesting conversation while at a McDonald’s along 95. Not sure how it got started, we were exchanging pleasantries and such and it turned to what we did (he is a retired accountant, I am an educator) and it then turned to education. And did he have an opinion of education! “The purpose of education is to produce workers.” I suggested that it is an outcome of education but…
I returned from NECC to face a household of guests. It is similar to leaving a movie 1/2 way through and being dropped in the middle of another one. I am a little dazed and confused. I attended a variety of sessions some great, some not so great. I wish they came with a label such as introduction or advanced. The best part of NECC for me was meeting and talking to people. I meet some of my network face-2-face…
Jen Wagner has tagged me in the This I believe meme started by Barry Bachenheimer I have been mulling this over a few days. Hoping to come up with something witty and inspiring. What do I believe about education? My answer has changed over the years. As I have matured as an educator, became a parent, varied my experiences and shared with other educators I find I am not the same teacher I was 20 plus years ago (thank God)….