An Award Honoring the Teacher
April 24, 2013
The Minerva Prize, aptly named for the Roman Goddess of wisdom is long overdue and illuminates just how significant excellent teachers are in the life of a child. “Only Connect”, an imperative for making ties toward understanding and compassion is at the heart of education. By rewarding superior teachers for their excellence and inspirational qualities the Minerva Prize calls attention to the imperative for teachers to connect with their students. The passport to making connections is the passion a teacher has for their subject matter and for their students. Passion like the common cold is easily caught.
When it comes to educating children, teachers and parents, a child’s first teacher, must work together. Parents have the responsibility and opportunity to make sure teachers receive bright and motivated children, ready to be impassioned learners.
The Minerva Prize calls attention to teachers who are innovative, passionate and dedicated. Excellent teachers and parents make for excellent students. It is as simple as that. I eagerly look forward to hearing about the new university the Minerva Project expects to open in fall 2015. With seven sites around the world, intending to draw “the world’s brightest and most motivated students,” with a tuition half that of today’s elite private schools, this is exciting news that could impact the world of higher education which is in much need of being shaken up to better adapt to today’s world. I would bang down the door to enroll!
April is Poetry Month—Here is a poem to share with someone who thinks they don’t like poetry.
April 2, 2013
Do we really need to ask ourselves why too many people, young and old, don’t like poetry? Poetry has been treated poorly with the constant demand to analyze and examine. Why not treat a poem as it wishes to be treated—as a gift which delights the senses. Enjoy the way the words sound, the way […]
The most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school is the extent to which that student’s family is able to become involved in their children’s education at school.
March 11, 2013
Working in different school communities around the US allows me to see the benefits of schools giving parents a clear directive of what their involvement means by stating clear objectives with well-defined expectations. Objective: ~ Teach parents HOW to Conversationally Read with their children ~ Make sure parents understand how Conversational Reading will help their […]
Best parenting practices to help children acquire high level literacy skills
March 7, 2013
Reading aloud develops a child’s brain. Read to your newborn; even babies benefit from being read to. Make reading aloud part of your family routine. Read to your child at least once a day. Minimize the distractions of all technological devices. Let the child choose the books. Help children find the books they want to […]
Parents need guidance. Schools need good parents.
February 19, 2013
It is important that parents know how much the growth and development of their child’s brain is dependent on the right stimulation. Talking develops a child’s use and understanding of language, which is the basis of reading. I think schools would benefit by putting time and resources into Parent Education. Enlist parents in the cause […]
