We have an amazingly complex brain, capable of everything from monitoring breathing to creating poetry. Here are nine scientific insights that we need to keep in mind as we try to help every child meet his or her potential. The brain is a social organ.… Continue Reading Thinking is Hard!—February, 2020
Author: Steve Holland
Getting Kids to Focus and Engage—December, 2019
I was pondering today some of the things I experienced as a kid that seem to be missing for many of our children today. I grew up in a big city, but even there I had plenty of places to explore and play. Do you… Continue Reading Getting Kids to Focus and Engage—December, 2019
Grateful for the Opportunity to Teach and to Learn—November, 2019
As Thanksgiving approaches, it seems appropriate to consider our blessings and the many reasons we have to be grateful. One of things I am most grateful for is the opportunity I have enjoyed of being involved with young people for most of my life. Regardless… Continue Reading Grateful for the Opportunity to Teach and to Learn—November, 2019
It’s a Curious World—October, 2019
It just makes sense that the more curious a student is, the better he or she is likely to perform in school. However, the benefits of curiosity are not limited to school; our world is ever changing, as are the skills workers need to have… Continue Reading It’s a Curious World—October, 2019
Being Successful in Life and Being Successful in School—September, 2019
The 30,000-foot view of the purpose of education is to help people be “successful.” Success is one of those words that we all use without specifically defining its meaning. For simplicity’s sake and for the sake of this article, I am defining success as the… Continue Reading Being Successful in Life and Being Successful in School—September, 2019
Looking with Better Eyes—May, 2019
As an educator, I am charged with ensuring our students 1) know what they need to know to be ready for their next stage of life and 2) have developed habits and attitudes that will help them be successful members of our society. Everything our… Continue Reading Looking with Better Eyes—May, 2019
Harbor Career and Technology Center—April, 2019
South Bend & Raymond School Districts, Port of Willapa Harbor, Collaborating on Career & Technical Education Partnership At their regular March school board meetings, South Bend School District and Raymond School District approved the implementation of a joint CTE (Career & Technical Education) partnership between… Continue Reading Harbor Career and Technology Center—April, 2019
Why School?—March, 2019
According to Wikipedia, “A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory.” Why? I am not trying to be… Continue Reading Why School?—March, 2019
Kids and Stress—February, 2019
Kids and Stress A recent WebMD survey found that 72% of children have negative behaviors that are linked to stress. 62% have physical symptoms that indicate stress (headaches, stomachaches, etc.). Additionally, one indicator of extreme stress, suicide, has been going up the past few years.… Continue Reading Kids and Stress—February, 2019
Civics and Civility in Our Time—January, 2019
All societies, whether they are towns, cities or nations, must have a foundation of agreed-upon norms if they wish to function. Often, these customs are informal. As an interesting experiment, the next time you get on an elevator, try turning to face the others on… Continue Reading Civics and Civility in Our Time—January, 2019