Want to Foster Creativity in Your Child? Watch This 2-Minute Video!

   I had to share this video. It is a great video for teachers, but also works for parents too. It is a very simple experiment or task to show how a simple change in wording and design can make a child really use their imagination and creativity. As I think about how I parent this summer and teach next fall, I plan to keep this video in mind.

Great Video on Power of Belief and Positive Mindset

   This video shows you the science and studies behind having a positive and hard working mindset as opposed to just being good at something. Fascinating stuff and makes me think of the words I say to my own kids and my own students and how much power they truly have. I hope in 2013 I can empower students and my own kids to continue to get better instead of becoming fixed in their current mindset.

Find Your Greatness (video)

Sure this is an advertisement running during the Olympics, but it is a great ad with a great message. And as we get ready to start the school year, I think I want to try to keep this message in my mind and in the mind of  our many staff and students who walk through our doors: Find Your Greatness

New Study Shows Middle School Teachers Could be Key in Helping Students Avoid Alcohol

    This information might be just as good for our middle school staff as it is for our parents. I found it pretty interesting and uplifting anyway. A new study just released shows that if students feel emotionally connected or supported with middle school teachers, the length of time until they take their first drink is extended. This means 6th, 7th, and 8th graders start drinking later in life if they feel they have a middle school teacher they can talk to or go to if they need help. There is more information in this article showing that kids who have a higher separation anxiety from their parents also wait longer before trying their first drink. Click and read the article to read about the study and information more.

Partnership for a Drug-Free America article click here