Category Archives: childhood development

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 →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, adult development, childhood development | Tagged 21st century, Alma City Mom's Blog, education, teachers, the teaching life | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, education | Tagged children's books, early childhood lietracy, education, NY Times | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, childhood development, education, parenting 2013 | Tagged childhood development, education, Education Week, Seven Hills School | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, adult development, childhood development, Uncategorized | Tagged happiness, jennifer senior, parenting | Leave a comment

Working Mother Guilt?

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

There has been a lot of attention to this (relatively) new Harvard study on the impact of working mothers on their children, and specifically on their daughters. There is also a respite, at least for now, from the worry about whether … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, adult development, childhood development, education | Tagged Harvard, parenting, working mothers | Leave a comment

Anna Deveare Smith interview on KQED

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

I had never heard the term documentary theatre before, but this show is definitely that. Having just seen it the other night, I was blown away by this one woman (and one musician) show. Both performers were excellent, but it … Continue reading →

Posted in academic excellence in elementary schools, adult development, childhood development, documentary theatre, education, reform, theatre | Tagged anna deveare smith, berkeley rep, documentary theatre, school to prison pipeline | Leave a comment

As we gear up for a new school year, I find this post is helpful to me, as an educator AND as a parent…

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

There is no denying, in the world of a 24 hour news cycle and social media opinions everywhere, that the ability to doubt one’s own parenting skills is never ending. I love this piece in the Motherlode blog because it … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, adult development, childhood development | Tagged education, KJ DELL'ANTONIA, motherlode, NYTimes, parenting | Leave a comment

Technology and Screens and Children, oh my!

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

Since it was published a week ago in the New York Times Well Blog, this article has generated a lot of debate. As with so many things re: parenting, we each have to decide for ourselves what we can and … Continue reading →

Posted in childhood development, NY Times, parenting in 2015, technology | Tagged education, parenting | Leave a comment

The power of mindfulness keeps coming back around…

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

This idea that the best education connects to all parts of us is real. The healthy integration of mind, body and spirit are essential to growing good human beings. http://www.wsj.com/articles/schools-rethink-health-class-incorporate-mindfulness-training-1431306596

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