We at GCP have been thinking a lot about the impact of technology on child rearing. Tablets, phones and computer screens can enhance children's development, increase their school readiness, and introduce them to ideas and places to which they might not otherwise have any access. But they also can be distracting, overwhelming, and can interfere with or even impair [...]
How many of us have told our sons to "study smarter, not harder?" Sounds good, but how do you actually do that? In the recently published book, "How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where and Why It Happens", New York Times science reporter Benedict Carey looks at the science of learning to try to answer this question. [...]
Even though Election Day has come and gone, we can continue to have conversations with our sons about the importance of voting. Today's Thoughtful Thursday is the poem "Vote of Die", written by Margaret Block, a civil rights activist and member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. In this poem she champions some of the unsung heroes of the civil [...]
GCP has a new look! The new and improved site is designed to give you greater and easier access to all of our articles. Take a few minutes and browse around. We are still tweaking it here and there, but wanted to launch it as soon as we could. What do you think? Stay tuned for new features and [...]
GCP recently had another live event: A conversation with GCP mom Kathryn Chenault. Kathryn, an attorney who stepped away from her professional life to devote time and effort to raising her two sons (who are now wonderful young men in their 20′s), graciously hosted us at her glorious home. Beautiful surroundings, great weather, and wonderful advice from a boy mom [...]
With Halloween upon us, today's Thoughtful Thursday poems are appropriately unsettling and haunting. They are written by well known African American poets, Jean Toomer (1894-1967) and Claude McKay (1889-1948). Enjoy. Reapers Black reapers with the sound of steel on stones Are sharpening scythes. I see them place the hones In their hip-pockets as a thing that’s done, And start [...]
Ever wonder how teachers manage to keep classrooms of students engaged and motivated? Lynda Way, owner of the Pacific Preschool® & Kindergarten in California, offers "Teacher's Tips" for motivating children which she suggests parents can use at home. These tips, found here, are summarized below, and we've added our comments as well. 1. Give Positive Feedback: Look for opportunities [...]
As school begins, for many parents so begins the process of looking for schools for our sons for next year. Whether you are enrolling your son in school for the first time, or looking to change schools, now is the time to get focused. In today's post we will feature tidbits about admissions for each level of your son's [...]