To counteract "Nature-Deficit Disorder," a new release from Barefoot Books, Outdoor Opposites, plays with words for opposites while portraying children enjoying the natural world. Macy Koch has written a nice description of the book (for ages 3-7) here. It is good to see a book that reminds children and parents how much fun playing outside […]
May 12 2015
New Story for Young Children Supports Nature as Natural
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May 06 2015
What if Students Designed Their Own Education?
Over the years since I graduated from a public high school (long before the Common Core), students have become burdened with an ever-increasing workload in “academic” courses. There are fewer hours left to pursue one’s own interests, if those interests do not happen to fit what the classes require. In mathematics, which I tutor at […]
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Apr 28 2015
Upcoming May Faire in Calpella
Join me at the Waldorf School of Mendocino County‘s May Faire on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in Calpella. Celebrate Spring! I won’t be doing any science (well, maybe just a little), but I will have Barefoot Books and small Folkmanis puppets on display for browsing or purchase, and a percentage of sales will be donated […]
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Apr 22 2015
Osmo: Software Meets Hands-On Play
As a Montessori teacher and computer super-user (I even write programs), I worry about young children spending too much time immersed in computers instead of interacting in what used to be normal ways in physical and social realms. Osmo® is different. It actually encourages real-world physical manipulation and in-person social interaction. When I saw their […]
Apr 15 2015
Recommended Books are Back
I put up a “Recommended Books” page again, this time with my own brief descriptions for many of the books. Check it out.
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Apr 05 2015
Saved from Standardized Testing? How?
While testing has its place, the standardized testing imposed upon public schools has many problems. The tests were designed to give an overall picture of how groups of students compared to other groups in other times and places. They were not designed to assess an individual’s mastery of taught subject matter (especially since there is […]
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Apr 01 2015
My Barefoot Books Site
I joined Barefoot Books because of the high quality of their stories and art, their commitment to using sustainable printing practices, and the quality of the papers and binding they use. I have set up Barefoot Books Kids as my ambassador site for posting book reviews, telling about local Barefoot Books events (Sonoma, Mendocino and […]
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Mar 30 2015
What is Healthy Eating for Children?
Is the “normal” U.S. diet harming your family? Since it is now estimated that one-third of people in the U.S. will end up with diabetes by the end of their lives, here is some good news: Type 2 diabetes is reversible! Roy Taylor, MD, a researcher at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, discussed the […]
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Mar 04 2015
Schooling and Interest
When students study what interests them, their work develops a natural, invigorating flow. They engage creatively with their topic, ask their own questions and pursue answers to their own satisfaction. They remember what matters. When someone else chooses their work, students may not find much of personal relevance. The learning becomes a chore, the students’ […]
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Mar 01 2015
Conference on Alternative and Child-Centered Education
The Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO) is the best resource I know for learning about alternatives in education. Their conference in Portland, Oregon, which I attended a few years ago, was fantastic. I heartily recommend this year’s conference, which will be near New York City from May 20 to 24, 2015. Presentations will include a […]
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