By: Nancy Blanning It is fascinating when we begin to listen to what we say in common figures of speech. Many of these phrases have reference to physical sensing. We reference sight when we say, “Oh, I see!” We mean we understand something, which invokes a different kind of seeing that does not involve our physical eyes. We can sense ... Read More ►
By Jasmine Rose “The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.”— Ijeoma Oluo Growing up white in North America, having any awareness of race and racism is ... Read More ►
by Liz Beaven, EdD Most schools have launched a new school year in a start like no other with the majority of classes being offered virtually or in hybrid format. How do we approach Fall 2020 with its continuous requirement to develop and adopt plans, change adopted plans, then repeat as circumstances shift? How do we align our belief in ... Read More ►
Reflections on the Current World Crisis - Inner Development for World Development An interview with Lisa Romero by Sarah Hearn We would hope that out of this shift, all of us are taking the responsibility to move what we can towards a healthier, connected society, where all peoples are considered and regarded, and our financial system and our healthcare systems ... Read More ►
by Nancy Blanning Children were born to ask questions. It is a human imperative that they explore this new world by fingers, eyes, and mouth as infants and toddlers and then use the mouth as the great explorer to ask about everything. Though the seemingly endless “Why?” questions become tiring, they seem easy when the “Is it true?” query comes. ... Read More ►
The topic of vaccination elicits passionate responses. Why do we need to vaccinate earlier and earlier today? Georg Soldner in conversation with Wolfgang Held. Wolfgang Held: Why is the debate on the topic of vaccination so intense? Georg Soldner: The topic of vaccination has been polarized ever since there have been vaccinations. As early as 1860, there were statements from ... Read More ►
The term “Emergency Pedagogy” is one that has emerged over the past fifteen years to coincide with the dramatic increase in natural disasters, such as the Philippines befallen by earthquakes in 2018 and the cyclone in Mozambique as recently as April 2019. What evolved through a Waldorf educational approach provided healing for many children. How it all began Stuttgart 2006 ... Read More ►
By Nancy Blanning There are moments of wonder which leave us astonished in joy as we witness a young child coming into beinghood. With each new step, she progresses further in coming into connection with this new physical and social world. Satisfying the infant’s hunger and snuggling establish a physical connection with the mother. The first smile reaches out as ... Read More ►
By Nancy Blanning Healthy children grow most easily in the surroundings of a healthy family. And healthy parents are necessary for the overall health of the family unit. As has been stated many times on these pages, parenting is probably one of the most significant roles one can fulfill in life. At the same time, it can be one of ... Read More ►
By Nancy Blanning We did not know that we were creating; we were just doing. Materials were simple and the activity was satisfying. It is said that play is a child’s work. It is important for us to observe and respect children’s play process. My memories from childhood often recall my mother saying “Go play.” To ... Read More ►
