leaving the classroom

leaving the classroom

“the kids are all right… except when they’re not.” Last week, I packed up 17 years’ worth of lessons, photographs, posters, thank-you notes, gifts, and other memorabilia from my classroom. I loaded up my car with a few banker’s...
What Do You Believe?

What Do You Believe?

My not-quite-a-manifesto… I believe… “We are all star stuff.”  Nearly 14 billion years ago, the cosmos and all the matter of the universe burst forth, and you and I and the entire world are radiant pieces of that initial spark of creation. We all possess...
Why We Need Mindfulness in Schools

Why We Need Mindfulness in Schools

I am so excited to see all the research coming out lately on the benefits of teaching mindfulness in schools! A sampling: The University of British Columbia released the results of a randomized controlled study of fourth- and fifth-graders who participated in a...
5 New Books to Read Now {and TWO Giveaways!}

5 New Books to Read Now {and TWO Giveaways!}

I have an unhealthy totally natural obsession with addiction to interest in books. My nightstand right now has no fewer than 8 books that I am in various stages of reading. My Kindle library overfloweth. If you’re like me, always looking for a good read, or...
10 Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids

10 Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids

We know mindfulness is good for us. Mindfulness allows us to be present in our parenting, choosing the skillful response instead of succumbing to our visceral reactions. Mindfulness is also good for our kids. There is an emerging body of research that indicates that...