Author Archives: Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Unknown's avatar

About Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

an educator in Independent Schools for over 38 years

How movement of body helps movement of mind.

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Sound body, sound mind is not a new concept, but it is one we seem to need some reminders about. Here it is again, made all the more interesting by the new brain scan technology… children need to move around … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Standing desks and ball chairs and movement, oh my!

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

As Tuxedo Park School builds out our Strategic Priority regarding differentiated instruction, we are heartened by all the great data coming out regarding what facilitates classroom learning and what works for children. And, this is for all students, not just … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Meta Cognitive Strategies, School, Parenting

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This articulates so much of what we say to parents and what we live as parents during the tunnel of adolescence. We need all the help we can get as we navigate this very tricky time in their, and, by … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Welcome to the Great Teaching at Tuxedo Park School!

Posted on September 6, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I could not have said it better myself! A great start to a terrific year and all the makings of a fantastic experience for our students. This is what good teaching looks like AND it is what we do at … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

And we are off…

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

The important work (and play) of school starts again. We had some great opening speakers at our in-service week for teachers. My favorite quote of the week is from Rick Ellis: Let us not ask How smart is this child? … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

What a 4 year old really needs to know (as well as what to focus on for parents!)

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

what a four year old needs to know by alicia-bayer This is a great piece on four year olds, and should be a calming influence on parents as well. Thanks, Mr. K., for the suggestion!

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, education, parenting in 2014 | Leave a comment

New York Times: Teaching is not a business.

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This opinion piece in the August 16 New York Times strikes the right cord about the value of good teaching! Tuxedo Park School prides itself on the excellent caliber of our teachers and the close relationships between students and teachers … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, education | Leave a comment

Letting Middle Schoolers Take Risks

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

    This is a terrific piece on children entering early adolescence and how to help them take risks safely to develop their skills for school and for life. Thanks, Mrs. Frimet, for the link! http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2014/08/20/want-to-keep-your-new-middle-schooler-out-of-trouble-then-let-them-take-risks/

Posted in 21st Century Skills, childhood development, education, parenting in 2014 | Leave a comment

Don’t dismiss the humanities… Op Ed by Nicholas Kristoff

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

For those of us who have chosen a career in education, this piece harkens back to what we are most likely to think of as our bread and butter; yes the world and our workplace is a more hospitable host … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, childhood development, education | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Youth Athletics: specializing too young?

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I grew up in a household where all four of my brothers played sports from the youngest possible ages: Pop Warner Football, Little League, Parish Basketball. But each season, a new sport emerged. The idea of specializing in just one … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, childhood development, education | Tagged , , | Leave a comment