Tag: Children

Building the Future: Tinkering and Playful Learning

The following is an excerpt from an article in The Journal by Mike McGalliard and Anne Wintroub. It’s too good not to share. I encourage educators and parents to read and consider the ideas and recommendations presented in the full article.

“Educators and business leaders have more in common than it may seem. Teachers want to prepare students for a successful future. Technology companies…have a vested interest in developing a workforce with the STEM skills needed to grow the company and advance the industry. How can they work together to achieve these goals? Play may [be] the answer.

“We’ve assumed that focusing on STEM skills, like robotics or coding, are important, but the reality is that STEM skills are enhanced and more relevant when combined with traditional, hands-on creative activities. This combination is proving to be the best way to prepare today’s children to be the makers and builders of tomorrow. That is why technology companies are partnering with educators to bring back good, old fashion play.

“In fact many experts argue that the most important 21st century skills aren’t related to specific technologies or subject matter, but to creativity; skills like imagination, problem-finding and problem-solving, teamwork, optimism, patience and the ability to experiment and take risks. These are skills acquired when kids tinker. ” — The Journal

Sources: Image 1, Image 2

Fostering a Child’s Inner Voice

Children's Inner Voice

I love this quote. Parents and teachers need to be cognizant of the impact their words can have on children. Peggy O’Mara takes this a bit further and reminds us that the WAY we speak our words to children also impacts them. Their self-talk is influenced by the way the adults in their lives speak to them.

I’ll try to keep that in mind the next time the TV remote is missing.

This poster is the first work that I’ve created using Canva. I’ve been tinkering with Canva for about two weeks and I’m surprised by how much I like it. It’s useful and pretty easy (there are a few user-interface improvements that I hope happen soon, but I still like it.). I’ve not cared for previous cloud-based graphic design tools, but Canva may have changed my mind. I’ve even gone ahead and setup my public profile. I look forward to connecting with you there.

Internet Safety Seminar in Memphis

I received an email with the following information about an opportunity in Memphis. It is open to the public.

Young people today are smarter than ever about many things; but when it comes to technology safety, they can be frighteningly naive. How can parents protect their children’s safety and privacy? What should parents know about cyberbullying, sexting, Facebook, Twitter, and texting?

On Monday night, August 27, at 6:30, Harding Academy invites you to hear our special guest, Deb Ireland, Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. Ms. Ireland works with the Department of Justice initiative called Project Safe Childhood, which aims to combat technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. She will share information that every parent must know.

This seminar is free and open to the community. Invite your friends and join us at the Harding Cherry Road campus, 1100 Cherry Road, across the street from the Dixon Gallery and Garden. Enter the building through temporary main entrance at the end of the main drive.

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