Monthly Archives: August 2015

The JOY in learning; there is joy at Seven Hills!

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

My favorite line from this post on KQED: Finland leads the world in its scores on international tests, and the country has become an educational model for many in the U.S. Rantala and Määttä’s paper is a welcome reminder that academic excellence can … Continue reading →

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Leadership: Nature or Nurture?

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

The beauty of independent schools is that with smaller classes, individual attention and lots of hands on experiential experiences, even our youngest students can practice leadership. Equally important is followership: that is to say, understanding the difference between taking the … Continue reading →

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A great blog post from a new discovery: The Alamo City Mom’s Blog in San Antonio!

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

It is rare to see such a keen understanding of the life of teachers. This mom in San Antonio has done a lovely tribute to the art and profession of teaching. So much more than a job, a vocation! And … Continue reading →

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Emotional Intelligence and Social Emotional Learning

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

In schools where we are placing increasing value on social-emotional learning, here are two great reminders of the connections between learning, leading and being emotionally healthy! The Goleman piece also draws the connection between emotional intelligence and leadership as well. … Continue reading →

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Early Childhood Literacy? How about from birth?

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

My own memories of books as a young child revolve around visits to the local public library and the concept of choosing a book. When I was a little older, I remember my grandfather reaching high up on his shelf … Continue reading →

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Great opening day advice; thanks Jon Eckert!

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This is a great reminder of why we do what we do. This Op Ed from August 2013 is timely. At Seven Hills School, Jon Eckert would be very happy indeed with his children’s experience! backward design? check make them … Continue reading →

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Great TIME column on parenting teens…

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This column in TIME magazine is always one where I find useful, relevant, humorous information. I have commented on this writer before. She is fantastic! Since I myself am the parent of two twenty somethings and a teen, I, too, … Continue reading →

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Advice for Parents re: Happiness

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

What I like about this TED Talk by Jennifer Senior is that she reminds us that Happiness is not a permanent or natural state. Her work is connected in some ways to things I have heard Dr. Rick Weissbourd say … Continue reading →

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How ought we to live our lives?

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Great read in the Education Section of the New York Times last Sunday. I had the privilege of listening to Professor Light at Harvard last fall. He is funny and insightful!  Richard Light These are simple, easy to follow exercises. … Continue reading →

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Interesting book: How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Thanks to Rhys Miller for this great book suggestion. From the review by Heather Havrilesky:  In this anxious age, the future will always trump the present. But even if “How to Raise an Adult” gets thrown onto a growing pile … Continue reading →

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