Family event calendar
AUGUST Rumble Fish Sat., Aug. 8, 7:30pm. This stage version of S.E. Hinton’s (author or The Outsiders) classic novel explores the themes of gang culture and the search for identity. It tells the story of two brothers, brought up in social deprivation by their alcoholic father. Directed by Mark Buckholz. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s…
Everyday experiences become learning tools
Jennifer Waters has devoted her life to helping children and families. A children’s author and sole proprietor of Novel Tea Publishing, she writes books designed to help children build both practical knowledge and confidence through everyday experiences. For example, she recently published a book designed around making the kitchen a safe learning environment for children.…
Thinking is part of the learning journey
Earlier this month, the Illinois State Board of Education released guidance on artificial intelligence for Illinois schools. The guidelines are needlessly complicated, repetitive and lacking substance. In a bit of self-parody, ISBE readily admitted to using AI to construct the 409-page word salad. The phrase, “teaching and learning are shaped by human relationships and by…
Does back to school equal back to tech?
Back-to-school shopping lists traditionally have included fresh pencils, new notebooks and colored folders. However, recently parents have noticed tech accessories such as headphones and chargers showing up on their school supply lists. As a necessity during the pandemic, many schools moved away from textbooks, worksheets and workbooks and toward using “1:1” devices such as laptops…
Learning about leadership
Honesty. Integrity. Humility. Perseverance. Empathy. Nineteen middle school students from across Illinois spent June 21-26 in Springfield immersed in Abraham Lincoln’s five pillars of leadership as part of the LEAD: Spirit of Lincoln Youth Leadership Academy. Learning from Lincoln scholars and reenactors, mentors and each other – and through visits to historic Lincoln sites –…
