Category Archives: ECE Early Childhood Education

On David Brooks’ Op-Ed Dateline October 20, 2023, Tanzania, Africa

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I am here in Africa for only the second time in my life, the second time in 12 months, as it turns out, preparing for a personal challenge to climb Africa’s tallest mountain. It is sunrise. I am listening to … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, David Brooks, NY Times, early childhood education, ECE Early Childhood Education, education, empathy, global skills, mental health, mindfulness, new york times, NY Times, parenting, Seven Hills School Walnut Creek, the science of emotion | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on On David Brooks’ Op-Ed Dateline October 20, 2023, Tanzania, Africa

Reading with a child can lead to new understanding… for both of you.

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This is a great reminder of how parents can change the conversation and endorse reading… Reading it aloud has done something to us. Teddy and I take turns, alternating pages. I listen to his voice and he listens to mine. … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, early childhood education, ECE Early Childhood Education, education, literacy, mental health | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reading with a child can lead to new understanding… for both of you.

Safely reopening for the sake of the students (and their families!)

Posted on July 11, 2020 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

The editorial below, like so many articles and items popping up in all of our newsfeeds, makes the case for the fact that children need to be in schools. At Seven Hills, we are preparing for a safe reopening for … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, early childhood education, ECE Early Childhood Education, education, global education, global skills, mental health, mindfulness, new york times, NY Times, parenting | Tagged , | Comments Off on Safely reopening for the sake of the students (and their families!)

What we know about children and the outdoors…

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

The beauty of school in Northern California is our ability to be outside every day, all year round… The Benefits of Learning OUTSIDE

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, ECE Early Childhood Education, education, global skills, mental health, mindfulness, Seven Hills School Walnut Creek | Tagged | Comments Off on What we know about children and the outdoors…

EDUTOPIA: What happens when we rush children through childhood…

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Some great reminders about the role of wonder in childhood and resisting the “adultification” of childhood. This is something our early childhood educators in Rainbow and RedBarn know so well! EDUTOPIA: Let’s Not Rush Children through Childhood  

Posted in 21st Century Skills, childhood development, early childhood education, ECE Early Childhood Education, education, leadership, leadership in children, parenting, Seven Hills School, Seven Hills School Walnut Creek | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on EDUTOPIA: What happens when we rush children through childhood…

NY Times Parenting tips at home for schoolwork…

Posted on August 23, 2019 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Some easily implementable ideas here. And similar to what I am hearing teachers discuss in faculty meetings about what works best in school, it’s also true at home: Remember that consistency is key.   Happy Opening!

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, adolescent development, childhood development, ECE Early Childhood Education, education, global skills, new york times, NY Times, parenting, parenting middle school aged children, resilience, Seven Hills School Walnut Creek, social emotional learning | Tagged , | Comments Off on NY Times Parenting tips at home for schoolwork…

The importance of free play for executive function in our youngest learners…

Posted on October 15, 2017 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

At Seven Hills, we are preserving the importance of early childhood education. Our Reggio Inspired program is an amazing opportunity for children to develop so many skills they need for their elementary years and beyond. These two links underscore some … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, ECE Early Childhood Education, education, global skills | Tagged , | Comments Off on The importance of free play for executive function in our youngest learners…