Category Archives: academic excellence in elementary schools

New York Times Op-Ed by Tony Schwartz on distraction and attention

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I had the opportunity to learn first-hand from Tony Schwartz, who spoke at a Head’s Conference in New York a few years ago., I have been intrigued by The Energy Project ever since. Enjoy! New York Times Op-Ed by Tony Schwartz … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, NY Times, parenting in 2015, technology | Tagged parenting, technology, The Energy Project, Tony Schwartz | Leave a comment

The New York Times: Reading

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

“Kids who read more get better at reading, and because they are better at reading, it’s easier and more pleasurable so they read still more,” he said. “And kids who read well don’t just do better in English class — … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, new york times, NY Times, parenting in 2015, Seven Hills School Walnut Creek | Tagged education, literacy, NY Times, parenting, seven hills school walnut creek | Leave a comment

The Atlantic: parental pressure…

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I am forever pushing back against the demonization of parents. Many of us are doing the best we can, or at least the best we think we should be doing. There are some sobering facts here, and again, I am … Continue reading →

Posted in academic excellence in elementary schools, body image, childhood development, education, fear, grit, leadership in children, The Atlantic Monthly | Tagged Atalantic Monthly, character education, childhood development, education, parenting, seven hills school walnut creek | Leave a comment

Wanda Holland Greene on Hamlin’s new “no Rescue” Policy

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

Wanda Holland Greene is a colleague in San Francisco. I admire the goal of this post and the fact that Hamlin, under Wanda’s leadership, has created a new, badly needed conversation in the world of parenting. I have said in … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, Uncategorized, Wanda Holland Greene | Tagged education, independent School ideas, parenting, Seven Hills School, seven hills school walnut creek | Leave a comment

The paradox of conferences and what we try to accomplish sometimes…

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This piece by former colleagues Kyle Redford puts the issues of parenting, conferencing, and students who struggle in perspective. I appreciate her viewpoint and the reminders about shame… The Privacy Dilemna

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, adult development, childhood development, education | Tagged 21st Century Education, parenting, Seven Hills School, Yale Center for Dyslexia | Leave a comment

young children and language

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I love the concept behind this. Everything is language. All language counts. Brains are malleable. Having very young children in a language-rich environment can have a profoundly positive impact. Love live early childhood literacy. Great lessons and ideas about the … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development | Tagged 21st century, 21st Century Education, 21st Century Skills, brain development, child development, childhood development | Leave a comment

New York Times on children and food and school lunches…

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Not surprisingly, American kids, whether pressed for time or just grossed out, leave much of their meals untouched; particularly neglected are the fruits and vegetables, which they are now forced to put on their trays before they can exit the … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, body image, childhood development | Tagged farm to table, food, school lunch | Leave a comment

Carol Dweck and the Evolution of Mindset

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

I think I can, I think I can. Inch by inch and row by row, we’re gonna make this garden grow… Ever since I first heard Carol Dweck speak to a room full of admission directors in 2007, I have … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development | Tagged Carol Dweck, mindset, Seven Hills School | Leave a comment

stress and high school students…

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Thinking about what we think we want for our children, and why, is important as we look at the quality of the high school experience for our students. At Seven Hills, our students apply to and attend a myriad … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, children and sleep | Tagged CA, education, parenting, seven hills school walnut creek | Leave a comment

raising boys who read

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Raising Boys who read! This is a great resource on books for boys. The secret to raising boys who read, I submit, is pretty simple—keep electronic media, especially video games and recreational Internet, under control (that is to say, almost … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development | Tagged boys and reading, literacy | Leave a comment