Tom Weisner is an emeritus professor of anthropology and psychiatry at UCLA. He studies and teaches about culture and human development; families and children at risk; and evidence-informed policies to improve the lives of children and families. He has done research in Kenya on the effects on children and parents of rural-urban migration; in Delhi, India on families and children with autism; supports for working poor families in Wisconsin; families with children with disabilities in Los Angeles; hippie and countercultural families and children in California; sibling caretaking and education in Hawaii; non-parental and sibling caretaking around the world; and gratitude and school achievement among Latino adolescents and families in Los Angeles. He has served on the Board of the NGO ChildFund International. He went to Reed College (BA) and Harvard (PhD). He is married to Susan Meade Weisner, and has two sons and four beautiful grandchildren.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

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In this perspective-expanding and enjoyable talk, Dan Finkel invites us to approach learning and teaching math with courage, curiosity, and a sense of play.

Dan Finkel wants everyone to have fun with math. After completing his Ph.D. in algebraic geometry at the University of Washington, he decided that teaching math was the most important contribution he could make to the world. He has devoted much of his life to understanding and teaching the motivation, history, aesthetics, and deep structure of mathematics.

Dan is the Founder and Director of Operations of Math for Love, a Seattle-based organization devoted to transforming how math is taught and learned. A teacher of teachers and students, Dan works with schools, develops curriculum, leads teacher workshops, and gives talks on mathematics and education throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Dan is one of the creators of Prime Climb, the beautiful, colorful, mathematical board game. He contributes regularly to the New York Times Numberplay blog and hosts Seattle’s Julia Robinson Math Festival annually. In his spare time he performs improv comedy in Seattle.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

By loading kids with high expectations and micromanaging their lives at every turn, parents aren’t actually helping. At least, that’s how Julie Lythcott-Haims sees it. With passion and wry humor, the former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford makes the case for parents to stop defining their children’s success via grades and test scores. Instead, she says, they should focus on providing the oldest idea of all: unconditional love.

Whether you’re just launching your adult life or finally giving yourself permission to question assumptions about adulthood, learn practical strategies to build a future that fits you from Julie Lythcott-Haims. Enroll in her TED Course “How to become be your best adult self” today: https://tedtalks.social/3OmpymZ

What happens when we include our children in the conversations they have a stake in?

Once a psychotherapist, now a coach and consultant, Kris uses her intuitive insight, diagnostic skills and business savvy to help her clients discover their Natural Genius Factor and use it to excel in business and create harmonious family relationships. She’s helped hundreds of women and men learn to calm their little voices in their heads and follow their intuition to create powerful results personally and professionally. She is the author of “Life Well Spoken: Free Your Inner Voice & Prosper,” and the creator of “Align Your Design at Home & Work.”

Are you ok? Despite being a common question, it can be difficult to answer. Expressing feelings is something most people struggle with, but learning to verbalise themis the key to regulating your emotions. Dr Jacqui Barfoot is an alum of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Science at The University of Queensland, an experienced Occupational Therapist, and Postdoctoral Clinical Researcher. She is passionate about creating a shift in early childhood intervention where parents are at the centre of therapy, supporting lifelong and rich relationships with their children. Jacqui has developed an innovative and practical training package for early childhood practitioners to feel confident incorporating a relationship-focused approach in their therapy as a foundation for all other areas of child development. She is also involved in several clinical research projects that focus on supporting parents who have a child with a disability. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

Ella Lee’s talk is about the benefits of reading and the impact reading can have on your life. Ella Lee is a ninth-grade student from Mountain Brook, Alabama. She loves to play piano, dance, read and spend time with her friends and family.

Montessori education has long been celebrated for its holistic approach to child development, emphasizing hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and a deep connection to the natural world. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore the enriching intersection of Montessori education, creative arts, and nature study. We’ll delve into how these elements synergize to foster well-rounded growth and ignite the spark of lifelong learning in young minds.

Montessori Philosophy: A Foundation for Exploration

Dr. Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy centers around the belief that children are natural learners, driven by an innate curiosity and desire to explore their surroundings. The Montessori approach creates an environment that encourages children to learn at their own pace, promoting independence, creativity, and self-motivation.

Creative Arts: Unleashing Self-Expression

Art as a Means of Expression

The Montessori classroom provides children with an array of artistic tools and materials, from paint and clay to colored pencils and collage materials. This unrestricted access to art supplies fosters self-expression and allows children to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a visual form.

Freedom within Structure

Montessori education maintains a delicate balance between structure and freedom. Art activities are designed to be open-ended, allowing children to explore their creativity while adhering to certain guidelines. This balance nurtures the development of critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep appreciation for aesthetics.

Nature Study: Cultivating a Connection with the Natural World

Learning from Nature

Montessori education places a strong emphasis on connecting children with nature. Nature study involves observing, exploring, and interacting with the environment. Through hands-on experiences, children learn about the life cycles of plants and animals, seasons, and the interdependence of living things.

Fostering Environmental Stewardship

Engaging with nature from an early age cultivates a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the planet. Montessori students develop a deep respect for the natural world, learning to care for plants, animals, and ecosystems. This awareness instills a lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Integration: Where Creative Arts and Nature Converge

Nature-Inspired Art

The natural world serves as an abundant source of inspiration for artistic endeavors. Children can create leaf rubbings, paint landscapes, or craft sculptures using materials found outdoors. This integration not only enhances their artistic skills but also deepens their connection to the environment.

Creative Expression through Nature

Nature study can also spark creativity beyond traditional art forms. Children might write nature-inspired poems, compose songs about their outdoor experiences, or even engage in theatrical performances set against the backdrop of a natural setting.

Benefits and Long-Term Impact

Holistic Development

The synergy between Montessori education, creative arts, and nature study nurtures holistic development. Children cultivate cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills, fostering a well-rounded growth trajectory.

Lifelong Learning

By encouraging curiosity, self-motivation, and exploration, Montessori education lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Creative arts and nature study become not only tools for education but also vehicles for continuous personal enrichment.

Montessori education, with its emphasis on hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and respect for the natural world, provides a fertile ground for nurturing creativity and fostering a deep connection to both artistic expression and the environment. By integrating creative arts and nature study, we empower children to become compassionate, creative, and environmentally conscious individuals who are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Mrs. Catherine C., RECE, CM