Brain Development »»
Posted on May 27, 2009
Even amidst the Wall Street meltdown a loss of 100 billion catches our attention. Yet we all have experienced such a loss and in one respect are better off. At birth the brain matter of a newborn is comprised of roughly 200 billion neurons. By adulthood that number has been reduced by roughly half! Yet, contrary to the way you may feel on some days, adults really are more intelligent than their children. Obviously, the myriad reasons for this growth of intelligence are more complex than the Headliner can address; however, the simple answer is that brain function is not strictly dependent on the numbers of cells or on the overall size of the brain. Brain function is determined by the interconnecting branching network between available neurons. It is more accurate to say that intelligence is related to the “plasticity” of the brain rather than to its volume.
About now your own brain is wondering, “Why should I care?” The answer in two words is summer vacation. The story of prenatal development, neonatal development, and of childhood is the story of brain development. Nutrition in the most complete sense is essential for proper brain development. Regions of the brain that are stimulated intellectually receive hormonal and nutrient baths that encourage branching and connections with neighboring neurons. Such connections appear to permit the cross-referencing and analogical reasoning we associate with intelligence. Finally, nightly periods of 10 hours of sleep are essential. Research now indicates that it is during non-REM sleep when the majority of our “intelligence branching” occurs. The reverse is also true. Non-stimulated areas are literally destroyed, and therefore, forever unavailable for utilization.
Educationally this is earthshaking news. The temptation during summer vacation is to “leave the classroom behind.” Such a tactic would be counterproductive to cognitive development. Puzzles, role-playing, reading and creative writing are wonderful summer activities that literally lay a foundation for a lifetime of further development. Use summer activities to encourage broad, relational, interconnected, higher-order thought. Remember too that when you insist upon sound nutritional habits and sleep patterns at home it is one more way that you are participating in the educational process. Have a restful, safe and educational summer!!
Summer Vacation »»
Posted on May 20, 2009
With the prospect of summer vacation so close at hand, the discussion among the students now is focused on how they intend to spend the months of June and July. With the start of vacation this coming week the summer expanse appears endless … yet in just a few months the common theme will be, “where did the time go?” Obviously, this is a common lament for us all. School graduation is a right-of-passage that provides an opportunity to pause and to reflect on where the time went.
There is a standard teaching technique employed when instructors attempt to help students realize that decision-making requires an ethical-moral component and not merely situational thought. An oral dilemma is stated which reveals only small bits of information, just small slices of time, prior to calling for a decision. With no reason to suspect that further information (the future) will be dissimilar to that which has already been revealed, students respond quickly, never suspecting that their chosen action plan should have been broadened by more complex thought. Eventually the class becomes adept at probing the hidden realms of the dialog before making choices as they learn to better balance their decision making.
Time management too requires careful thought. Each day, and of course the summer vacation is no exception, provides a block of time for carving. If we are to avoid the feeling so often expressed today, “I didn’t have time,” we need to plan ahead for each day. Many have expressed this with the thought that we should live as if it is today is both our first day and our last day. I would encourage a slightly different technique. Approach your choices by asking, if you knew now, what you will know when the time is gone, how would you choose to spend this day? I hope you will find refreshment in each moment of the summer ahead!
Gretzky »»
Posted on May 13, 2009
Several years ago, researchers Karl Fisch, Scott McLoed and Jeff Bronman assembled a now famous set of observations in the form of a video that characterizes the future in unsettling ways. (A more recent remix of their video can be found on You Tube under the title, Did You Know 3.0?) For example, their prediction that, the top 10 in-demand-jobs for 2010 were not even invented in 2004 spawns the generalization that educators are currently preparing students for jobs that do not yet exist, which will employ technologies that have not yet been invented, in order to solve problems that we don’t even know are problems yet. Before we get too excited, I’m not sure this is new to education. However, there is an important principle to be found here. Life is not glacially changing. Today, we feel that we just joined Luke Skywalker as he jumped to “hyper-drive” and are now lost in a distant galaxy without time to chart our ever-changing location. Take a deep breath. Top quality education is about skill development and the thinking process. An excellent education instills the self confidence to proactively anticipate a very different future and to hold the expectation that we will be successful in it.
There is commonly quoted statement attributed to “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky. Most report that upon his retirement Wayne Gretzky, holder of numerous hockey records, was asked the secret of his success. Gretzky is credited with a response akin to “I was never the most powerful player, never the fastest skater nor the biggest hitter. I made it a habit to skate to where the puck would be and not where the puck was!” Apparently, if truth be told, this was a frequent bit of advice given by Wayne’s father, Walter, while Wayne was growing up. Wayne’s self-assessment of his abilities is not an honest description of the magic stick handling and passing that marked his remarkable career. However, Gretzky too is talking about anticipating the future.
In Florida the odds are better that you have watched young children play soccer rather than ice hockey, and if so you have seen the entire team moving as a pack after the ball. The obvious lesson is that we never quite catch moving targets by following behind them. We are better served by anticipating the ball’s (or puck’s) movement and meeting it when it arrives. Anticipating the future does not merely serve athletes well. It will be an essential skill for future success in any discipline. Colleges are expanding course offerings in “anticipating the future,” and leaders in technology, medicine, education and business (to name just a few) all feel the pressure to know where their respective fields are headed. This is precisely why Microsoft reportedly spends $2.5 billion annually for research and development.
If Karl Fisch and friends are correct, it took 38 years for radio to reach a market audience of 50 million individuals, TV required 13 years, the Internet needed 4 years, the I-Pod 3 years and now Facebook just 2 years. “Hyper-drive” indeed! My guess is that no one taught you to use a radio and that you have picked up the Internet and I-Pod all by yourself. Why? You are educated, self confident, well adjusted and motivated. Learning THOSE skills will be essential for your children too as they anticipate the future and arrive at just the right time to meet it. You might call it the Gretzky Principle!
Persistence »»
Posted on May 12, 2009
The inventions of Thomas Edison are legend. Electrical vote counter. Universal stock ticker. Light bulb. Phonograph. Motion picture camera. History records that even his home’s front gate had a creative and hidden purpose. When someone once finally complained that surely the great inventor could solve the problem of a front gate that took great effort to open, he revealed that with each visitor’s passing the gate was pumping water to his rooftop reservoir!
In addition to his obvious creativity, a hallmark of Edison’s work was his persistence. His notes frequently documented the ways something wouldn’t work as the stepping stones he followed to success. Edison reportedly unsuccessfully tried his nickel-iron-alkaline battery 50,000 times before getting it to work in 1900. How would history have changed if after 49,999 trials Edison threw in the towel? Could we have blamed him if he quit in frustration?
There can be little doubt that Edison was a unique individual. However, something must have nurtured his never-give-up attitude. I have a suggestion that may seem a bit too obvious. Every discovery did not take 50,000 trials. Just as for each of us, some things came easily to Edison. Edison learned to feed on those easier successes so that he had ample reserves when his work became tedious.
No, things don’t always come easily, neither are they always a struggle. Life will bring numerous examples of each variety. You may not realize that Edison also invented water-activated glue for attaching paper to paper. The U.S. Postal Service thanks him with every lick-able stamp they sell. That little invention simply required keen observation during a problem Edison was having cleaning his hands after working with glue. I would suggest that Edison gained such encouragement from the successes that came easily, that he was persuaded in difficult cases to believe that “the next trial” would bring success. It is not unusual for students to become frustrated when material becomes more difficult and then to begin a pattern of negative self-talk. A positive countering technique to use as you encourage your children is to remind them of other (often unrelated) times when success came more easily. Encourage them to transfer those memories to this new situation.
Persistence »»
Posted on May 12, 2009
The inventions of Thomas Edison are legend. Electrical vote counter. Universal stock ticker. Light bulb. Phonograph. Motion picture camera. History records that even his home’s front gate had a creative and hidden purpose. When someone once finally complained that surely the great inventor could solve the problem of a front gate that took great effort to open, he revealed that with each visitor’s passing the gate was pumping water to his rooftop reservoir!
In addition to his obvious creativity, a hallmark of Edison’s work was his persistence. His notes frequently documented the ways something wouldn’t work as the stepping stones he followed to success. Edison reportedly unsuccessfully tried his nickel-iron-alkaline battery 50,000 times before getting it to work in 1900. How would history have changed if after 49,999 trials Edison threw in the towel? Could we have blamed him if he quit in frustration?
There can be little doubt that Edison was a unique individual. However, something must have nurtured his never-give-up attitude. I have a suggestion that may seem a bit too obvious. Every discovery did not take 50,000 trials. Just as for each of us, some things came easily to Edison. Edison learned to feed on those easier successes so that he had ample reserves when his work became tedious.
No, things don’t always come easily, neither are they always a struggle. Life will bring numerous examples of each variety. You may not realize that Edison also invented water-activated glue for attaching paper to paper. The U.S. Postal Service thanks him with every lick-able stamp they sell. That little invention simply required keen observation during a problem Edison was having cleaning his hands after working with glue. I would suggest that Edison gained such encouragement from the successes that came easily, that he was persuaded in difficult cases to believe that “the next trial” would bring success. It is not unusual for students to become frustrated when material becomes more difficult and then to begin a pattern of negative self-talk. A positive countering technique to use as you encourage your children is to remind them of other (often unrelated) times when success came more easily. Encourage them to transfer those memories to this new situation.
Awfulizing »»
Posted on Apr 29, 2009
I was at a gathering recently when the discussion turned to how common it is for new ideas, events, speeches and situations to be uniformly greeted with negative, fearful and skeptical responses. One individual quoted a friend who has coined a word to describe this habit; she calls it “awfulizing.” Awfulizing is not new; however, its frequency is. It occurs to me that the Scriptural response to awfulizing is often, “be not afraid.” Our culture would benefit from such a counterbalance.
As a boy, when my behavior fell short of the expectations of my parents, the correction was followed with, “no ifs, ands or buts.” I was reminded of that advice while reading an old essay by Robin Silverman. Ms. Silverman described a card (now yellowing at the frayed edges) in the corner of her desk blotter. On that card, Rachel’s mother had long ago written four sentences of praise and love that offered poignant reminders of just how proud she and Rachel’s father were of the life of their daughter. The card has travelled with her into adulthood.
Ms. Silverman wrote that her mother’s timeless message included no “buts.” She continues to use the card as a reminder to avoid inserting “buts” as she communicates with her own family. Rachel finds examples daily of just how easy it is to slip, “our whole family was together for Christmas, but Kyle skipped out early to play his new computer game.” The hockey team won, but Mike should have made that last goal.” “Amy’s the homecoming queen, but now she wants $200 to buy a new dress and shoes.” “But, but, but.”
The issue is not to abandon your parental expectations; however, if we are to avoid the habit of “awfulizing” we must find ways to positively express those expectations. Clearly, we are drawn toward communication filled with “ifs, ands or buts.” “IF I had better equipment I could be as good a player as…,” “it was too hot AND the bees were out AND it looked like rain AND …,” “yes, I did it, BUT so did Johnny.” As parents and teachers we are called to positively model effective communication and behavior. Imagine the legacy of supportive, nurturing thoughts traveling with children right into their adult years. No “awfulizing” and no “ifs, ands or buts” are ways to start the journey.
Dots »»
Posted on Apr 20, 2009
In the 1950’s our “big-screen” was a black and white TV that measured a whopping 10” diagonally. High definition was not a desired trait because no one wanted to see the “static snow” any more clearly than it already appeared. The “big” portion of the set was the fine furniture cabinet necessary to house the numerous tubes. By the time we joined the color television revolution in the 1960’s, we practiced drop and cover civil defense drills at school. The hidden menace in those days was radiation and not black mold behind vinyl wall coverings. Even the man from Conklin Television who delivered our new color set shared an ominous warning about staying back three feet to avoid dangerous radiation. Of course, to any self-respecting boy with a scientifically curious mind, such a warning only made the new TV a more attractive one-eyed Siren, luring me to within an inch of the screen. The discovery that the beautiful images seen there were really composed of numerous groups of three colorful dots was fascinating.
I was thinking about those dots recently as we prepare for the close of another academic year. Our students are the “dots” in the mosaic we call RPDS. The students are obviously at all stages of physical, cognitive and spiritual development. They come from various backgrounds, cultures and religious traditions. The close of a school year becomes an opportunity to celebrate the achievements born of that diversity. Make it a point to experience Field Day, the Volunteer Recognition Chapel, Honors Chapel, Flying Chapel and/or 6th Grade graduation. Take a minute to reflect on the achievements of our alumni and the honors they are receiving post RPDS. Finally, celebrate your role in supporting your children and this educational environment designed to diligently nurture them.
We are justifiably proud of our RPDS students at all stages, as well as of our graduates and alumni. Thank you for the special roles you play in ensuring RPDS continues to be a vital link in the education of Jacksonville children!
Challenges »»
Posted on Apr 15, 2009
Mersida Porcic has the God-given gift of hospitality. She uses her gift and a love for food preparation to support a variety of ministries from the church kitchen. This week, Mersida officially became a United States citizen. Each time we taste her meals we celebrate both Mersida’s physical and spiritual journey. As a Bosnian refuge she has experienced many trials and challenges, which culminated in emigration to the U.S. and assimilation into a new culture and new traditions. Her story has much to teach about perseverance, hope and strong self esteem.
By understanding that life is a mixture of both positive and negative events, students learn that all accomplishments do not come easily or without hard work. In fact, the more we separate our children from life’s essential struggles, the greater risk we run that they will become increasingly self-indulged. On the other hand, I have always found that when properly challenged and guided, young people prove to be tremendously resourceful, diligent and disciplined.
We must take care that our students receive appropriate challenges, that they experience successes and failures, and that they learn the value of a struggle – all within a supportive environment. We need not invent the challenges; hurdles exist daily. One of the hardest parental jobs is not being lured into protecting our children from experiencing failure. Teaching children how to live through life’s challenges and providing them with the tools they need for productive struggle will be more beneficial long-term than overprotecting in the short-term. Such lessons are part of everyday life at RPDS across our curriculum. Aristotle remarked, “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
Consider the reflection of an anonymous dad. A lesson in “heart” is my little, 10 year-old daughter, Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and who wears a brace all the time. She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in “field day"-- that’s where they have lots of races and other competitive events. Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down--but before I could get a word out, she said, “Daddy, I won two of the races!” I couldn’t believe it! And then Sarah said, “I had an advantage.” Ahh. I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start… some kind of physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said, “Daddy, I didn’t get a head start… my advantage was I had to try harder!”
Congratulations Mersida! We celebrate your story of hope, perseverance and success. As we do, let us recommit to intentionally teaching the skills necessary for perseverance and achieving potential.
Challenges »»
Posted on Apr 15, 2009
Mersida Porcic has the God-given gift of hospitality. She uses her gift and a love for food preparation to support a variety of ministries from the church kitchen. This week, Mersida officially became a United States citizen. Each time we taste her meals we celebrate both Mersida’s physical and spiritual journey. As a Bosnian refuge she has experienced many trials and challenges, which culminated in emigration to the U.S. and assimilation into a new culture and new traditions. Her story has much to teach about perseverance, hope and strong self esteem.
By understanding that life is a mixture of both positive and negative events, students learn that all accomplishments do not come easily or without hard work. In fact, the more we separate our children from life’s essential struggles, the greater risk we run that they will become increasingly self-indulged. On the other hand, I have always found that when properly challenged and guided, young people prove to be tremendously resourceful, diligent and disciplined.
We must take care that our students receive appropriate challenges, that they experience successes and failures, and that they learn the value of a struggle – all within a supportive environment. We need not invent the challenges; hurdles exist daily. One of the hardest parental jobs is not being lured into protecting our children from experiencing failure. Teaching children how to live through life’s challenges and providing them with the tools they need for productive struggle will be more beneficial long-term than overprotecting in the short-term. Such lessons are part of everyday life at RPDS across our curriculum. Aristotle remarked, “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
Consider the reflection of an anonymous dad. A lesson in “heart” is my little, 10 year-old daughter, Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and who wears a brace all the time. She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in “field day"-- that’s where they have lots of races and other competitive events. Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down--but before I could get a word out, she said, “Daddy, I won two of the races!” I couldn’t believe it! And then Sarah said, “I had an advantage.” Ahh. I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start… some kind of physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said, “Daddy, I didn’t get a head start… my advantage was I had to try harder!”
Congratulations Mersida! We celebrate your story of hope, perseverance and success. As we do, let us recommit to intentionally teaching the skills necessary for perseverance and achieving potential.
The Song of the Bird »»
Posted on Apr 08, 2009
In his collection of stories The Song of the Bird, Fr. Anthony de Mello retells the story of a confused golden eagle.
A man found an eaglet’s egg and put it in the nest of a backyard hen. The eaglet hatched with the brood of chicks and grew up with them.
All his life the eagle did what the backyard chickens did, thinking he was a backyard chicken. He scratched the earth for worms and insects. He clucked and cackled. And he would thrash his wings and fly a few feet into the air.
Years passed and the eagle grew very old. One day he saw a magnificent bird far above him in the cloudless sky. It glided in graceful majesty among the powerful wind currents, with scarcely a beat of its strong golden wings.
The old eagle looked up in awe. “Who’s that?” he asked.
“That’s the eagle, king of the birds,” said his neighbor. “He belongs to the sky. We belong to the earth – we’re chickens.”
So the eagle lived and died a chicken, for that’s what he thought he was.
How true this rings in our world today. So often we are content to live in the shadow of another, trying to fit a mold crafted by others, without stretching to reach our full destiny. Much of the discussion about success is clouded by financial success or popularity instead of living into one’s potential for physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual maturation. As she prepares for the coming year, Ms. Reeder is piloting some guidance lessons we are calling “Heart Smart.” These lessons encourage strong character development and are supported by corresponding lessons in Ms. Baldwin’s spiritual formation classes.
It is our hope that RPDS students will know that characteristics such as perseverance, honesty, communication, reverence and trustworthiness are attributes that foster true success. They are also wonderful antidotes when we are tempted to be successful “chickens” rather than to fear becoming an unsuccessful “eagle.” Dare to soar!
