In the United States, 34 million children have had at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) — ranging from abuse or neglect to parental incarceration or addiction. Children living in poverty are more likely to have multiple ACEs, compounding the effects of economic insecurity. In addition, the current opioid epidemic is devastating families and overwhelming the foster care […]
In every classroom, teachers try to engage students who have a variety of temperaments: extroverts, introverts and ambiverts. They work with children who crave sensory stimulation and with those who are highly sensitive to noise and visual distraction. While one temperament is not better than any other, introverted students are often “overlooked, […]
Originally published on MindShift. Popularity is a loaded word. For many adults, it evokes powerful memories of jockeying for position in high school cafeterias and hallways. These memories are salient for a reason, said Mitch Prinstein, a professor of psychology and author of “Popular: The Power of Likability in a […]
Originally published on MindShift From an early age, children are sensitive to social cues from adults, peers, media and their surrounding environment. A closer look at adults’ nonverbal signals — including their tone of voice, facial expression and body language — found that children can “catch bias” simply by observing adult actions, […]
In early September, my first grader sat on her bed thumbing through a picture book that was way above her reading level. “I’m reading this book all by myself, mommy! I’m reading the pictures. My teacher says that’s one way to read a book.” In the first week […]
On August 21, 2017, the United States will witness a solar eclipse. Parts of fourteen states will experience a total solar eclipse, but people in every region can observe at least a partial eclipse of the sun. We talked to Dr. Amy Mainzer, a NASA astronomer who is […]
As parents and caregivers, we don’t need special training in science or engineering to help our child develop inquiry skills. Young kids love to experiment, explore, and figure out how the world works – and that is the heart of thinking like a scientist! The Ruff Ruffman Show […]
Let’s start with a little self-reflection, as parents: When you are learning a new skill, what’s your first reaction? Are you excited? Nervous? Do you want to walk away or dive in? What happens when you try to solve a problem, but the first attempt fails? Is your […]
One reason I love Sesame Street – and why it continues to delight audiences 48-years after its debut — is this: On Sesame Street, there is room for everyone. Humans, animals, and monsters of different ages, colors, backgrounds, and personalities live together in harmony. Characters don’t always get along. […]
As parents, every week brings new reminders that our kids are still learning how to manage big feelings and social dynamics: public tantrums, private meltdowns, bedtime struggles, mealtime battles, separation anxiety, school fears, sibling rivalry and friendship dramas. We’ve all been there, managing the moment and then searching […]
