Yoga, if taught correctly, can capture the essence of what it means to educate the Whole-Brain Child. I have been blogging about what Daniel J. Siegel refers to as EsSeNCe; four components of … [Read more...]
Towards a Mindful Classroom: Part 4.5, Knowing About Knowing
“Knowing about knowing” sounds very philosophical, well it is, and it’s an integral part of being a fully developed human being. Brainstorm explains, that according to current science, “The overall … [Read more...]
Towards a Mindful Classroom: Part 4, Creative Expression
Dr. Daniel J. Siegel’s book Brainstorm is good for parents, adolescents, and teachers. His book is fairly easy to read and he even provides a handy acronym to help us remember the essence of this … [Read more...]
Towards a Mindful Classroom: Part 3.5, Emotional Spark Revisited
"Name It To Tame It and Say You’re Sorry" In my last blog, I discussed the author of Brainstorm’s views on emotional spark. You see, adolescents really do experience things differently, on a brain … [Read more...]
Towards a Mindful Classroom: Understanding The Adolescent Brain, Part 3
What is a youth? Impetuous fire. What is a maid? Ice and desire. Of course these lines are from the great bard, and his classic youthful tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. As I continue to educate myself … [Read more...]
Towards a Mindful Classroom: Understanding The Adolescent Brain, Part 2
Brainstorm, The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain, is a lesson plan that you don’t have to read chronologically. Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., author, father, and psychiatrist explains that after … [Read more...]
Towards a Mindful Classroom: Understanding The Adolescent Brain
To be mindful, to be present, to not judge our students, is all a part of our jobs as educators. Shouldn’t a student find sanctuary in the classroom and not shame? Over the years I have been driven to … [Read more...]
Student Interest
“Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. We will learn … [Read more...]
An Educator’s Experiments in Mindfulness
It has been a highly successful school year. We achieved record test scores and demand for enrollment remains robust. The energy and excitement around our school has been palpable. I am extremely … [Read more...]