I have a hard time calling my job “work” – that’s how much I love it! It hasn’t always been that way. I had a long and “successful” career and, after leaving that, several “good jobs” all fine but none that I would describe as a joyful experience. Then about three years ago I stumbled across an amazing alternative … Read More
Alfie Kohn and the Empowerment of Children
As a parent and educator, one of my heroes is Alfie Kohn. If you don’t know him you should check him out. He will challenge you to reflect on the things you think are important for a child. He will also challenge you to reflect on how adults, however well-meaning, control children. One thing he likes to deconstruct (and that’s … Read More
Trusting Children
Kids have much more ability than many of us give them credit for. They have an incredible ability to learn and adapt if we trust them and give them the space to do so.
It’s Complicated
The BLC and PLC staff recently met for our monthly book club and discussed It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens by danah boyd. Through hundreds of interviews conducted with teens and their families around the United States, boyd is able to dynamically explore teenagers’ use of and experiences with social media. Her primary objective is to figure out what … Read More
The Mythologist
In March, PLC hosted a talk by professional mythologist, Richard Schwab. Not only was I delighted to learn that there actually are professional mythologists, I found much of what Richard had to say to be profoundly connected to the work that we do with young people. Some of my favorites: Taking control. He spoke about the lack of initiation rites for … Read More