Finding Joy in the The Pythagorean Theorem

Read this article  on Daily Kos from Mar. 18 2012 Read this article on the Idaho Press Tribune website from Mar. 22, 2012 Read this article on Yahoo! from March 26, 2012 Pythagorean Theorem may be the best-known equation in mathematics. Its origins reach back to the beginnings of civilization, and today every student continues…

Pocatello School Demonstrates Keys for Better Reading and Writing

This is a repost of an article I wrote in 2006 that appeared in the Idaho State Journal. I was recently inspired by a day of substitute teaching at the Pocatello Community Charter School. That morning in the parking lot, I ran into Marjanna Hulet, one of the school’s founders, as I made my way…

Young Journalist’s Book: How to Write and Produce Your Own Newspaper

CBS anchor Scott Pelley said at a speech at Quinnipiac University that journalists “are getting big stories wrong, over and over again,” as quoted by a commenter on The Idaho State Journal politics blog. Young Journalist’s Book: How to Write and Produce Your Own Newspaper, is a great place to help children begin learn the…

Teaching Young Adults About Communism

Communism: A History (Modern Library Chronicles) is strategically short. Not a word is wasted in its mere 194 pages. Teachers and parents can engage young people with this text becauseit is very enjoyable and easy to read, yet dense with insight.

A Bad Case Of Stripes: An inspiring Children’s Book with a Positive Message

Although it’s never too late, the importance of getting kids to develop a love for reading early on often correlates with a love for learning, a passion for lifelong reading, and so many other positive traits that ultimately lead to the empowerment needed for success, writes Julie Handler. A bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon is high on this list.

Children’s Books that Build Character

A column called A bicycle for a little girl had me thinking about its connections to children’s literature, reading and learning. “Aren’t you the little girl who is always in here looking at bikes?” Emily nodded. “Is this going to be your bike?” Again she nodded. He smiled and turned to me, “You know, the…

The Cybermen are Back in Doctor Who: “Nightmare in Silver!”

In Doctor Who, Season 7 Part 2, Ep. 7  “Nightmare in Silver, ” Hedgewick’s World of Wonders was once the greatest theme park in the galaxy, but it’s now the dilapidated home to a shabby showman, a chess playing dwarf and a dysfunctional army platoon. When the Doctor, Clara, Artie and Angie arrive, the last thing…