The best educational strategy will deliver academic skills and build character at the same time. In this issue, we explore these layers.

In school settings, the word “integration” perhaps calls to mind the desegregation of American schools during the civil rights movement or departments of interdisciplinary studies at universities.

Each of us hopes that the work we do and the life we live is of value: not only for the present but also for the future. We hope that the efforts we put forth to help our families, our communities, and our broader society will in some way endure, and will not simply dissolve in the shifting sands of time.

We live in an age of distracted living. Superficial descriptions and buzzwords send us sailing in crazy directions. Eat this. Don’t eat that. Exercise for half an hour. Never sit down.

For some parents, enrolling their children in Jewish Day School education is a clear choice. Family tradition, strong adherence to Judaism as a religion, attachment to the land of Israel or the Hebrew language are all reasons that some families would only choose a Jewish Day School education for their children.

“It was child’s play!” The phrase implies an activity accomplished with ease and enjoyment, a goal achieved without stress. Digging a deep hole at the beach is fun, even if it requires work and perseverance.”

Recently in a store selling “educational” books, games and software for children, a child of five or six years attracted my attention. He was completely absorbed in a computer activity.

Education and neuroscience help students reach their potential while having fun in the classroom.

One day last June two very excited children proudly entered my office. They were carrying a plate of salad, but this was no ordinary offering of lunch for the Principal. This was the annual culmination of a math unit on measurement.

In his book, SMART SCHOOLS: Better Thinking and Learning for Every Child, David Perkins writes that smart schools are informed, energetic and thoughtful.

A school that promotes excellence in education must understand the needs of the child in the 21st century.

To manage or to micromanage, that is the question! As our children grow year to year we want to make sure they develop all the skills they need to be successful and content. Some parents prepare the road for their children. Some prepare their children for the road…

During the 1970’s when I was immersed in teacher training, the “self-esteem” movement was in vogue. We read voraciously on the subject and learned that praising children was the thing to do. When little Johnny coloured enthusiastically, we hugged him and cheered….