How many times have you heard it—or said it, “Practice. Work hard. Just keep trying. All you have to do is work harder. Then you’ll succeed.” But in a recent Washington Post blog post, Alfie Kohn discusses a new meta-analysis that calls into question that traditional wisdom that links practice time and success. A meta-analysis … Continue reading
I enjoy doing projects with kids. I especially enjoy doing projects with kids I love. And so, when I write “Family Fun” suggestions each month, they are full of activities and projects for families to do together. But the truth is, I never expect families to do most of them—I offer a selection so that … Continue reading
I spend too much time sitting. Sound familiar? Between teaching online classes, blogging, and keeping in touch with family and friends, I spend a lot of time at the computer. I know that isn’t good for my health, but now I learn it may not be good for my creativity either. A recent set of … Continue reading
When I was young (albeit in the Dark Ages) the marks of a customized bicycle were playing cards that flapped between the spokes to make a satisfying racket, and perhaps an extra-large horn. No longer. How would you like to design a bike that glows in the dark? Thanks to Make, you can do it—just … Continue reading
How many times do we watch the news and feel helpless, surrounded by problems too enormous to understand, to say nothing of solve? Imagine then, being young, and feeling the same way. But it doesn’t have to be like that. One option is Choose2Matter. Choose2Matter started in 2011 with Angela Maiers’ TED deMoines talk focused … Continue reading
“You did a good job.” “You did an incredibly job!” Which of these statements is most helpful to children? It depends. Recent research by Eddie Brummelman and colleagues (including my amazing friend Brad Bushman) suggests that inflated praise can backfire in the children who may receive it most. What’s inflated praise? The differences between non-inflated … Continue reading
One of the most powerful ideas in psychology today is the idea of mindset. Carol Dweck, in particular, has studied the ways in which our beliefs about our capacity affect what we do. If we have a fixed mindset—about any number of human attributes–we believe our capabilities are etched in stone. If we are smart, … Continue reading
It’s almost time for International Dot Day, September 15-ish. Anyone who celebrates the creativity of Peter Reynold’s The Dot will love International Dot Day (and if you haven’t read it yet, you really must). The Dot Day website relates International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, began when teacher Terry Shay … Continue reading
Having a more creative school year is not about beautiful bulletin boards or teachers shouting from the desktops–though those don’t hurt. More importantly, it is about becoming a classroom in which students are encouraged to be their most creative selves, while learning content that matters. It is serious work, but it can be a lot … Continue reading
Can it really be time for back-to-school? In Michigan, the store displays of pens and notebooks seem to appear just as the summer temperatures soar, confusing my sense of season altogether. Still, one of the great benefits of the academic calendar is that it gives us two “New Years” each year, two opportunities to resolve … Continue reading
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