Comments for Brain leaks and musings

Comment on Problem-solving With Kids by Franziska

Franziska — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:56:57 +0000

I enjoy your writing style really enjoy this web site.

Comment on Check Out The Kids! by Jane Daniels

Jane Daniels — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:34:11 +0000

The teachers in Guilford are deeply appreciative of your efforts in getting the PCES and PCSS students some of the positive recognition that they deserve. Thank you Walter!

Comment on They Are All Winners! by Jane Daniels

Jane Daniels — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:33:42 +0000

We enjoy having you come to our school and we enjoy participating in these events! Thank YOU Walter! Jane

Comment on Pre-publication Announcement by Webmaster’s Report – February 2013 » Maine State Grange

Webmaster’s Report – February 2013 » Maine State Grange — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:56:37 +0000

[...] on a somewhat personal level, I recently announced the upcoming publication of my book, “Small People; Big Brains–a collection of stories about simplicity, exploration and wonder.” The release is intended to take place in April, reflecting a profound example of poor [...]

Comment on Giving Up Teaching… by Walter Boomsma

Walter Boomsma — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:10:48 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Caroline. I’ve not spent time in a Montessori school… that probably should go on my list! I would say, however, public schools seem to have moved a good distance in this direction. You’re also right–it works in many venues. I had an incident with a young girl the other day who reported she was having “serious issues” with a classmate. We worked on a short list of options for ways to address it and she selected the one that made the most sense to her. (And it wasn’t an option that transferred the problem to an adult. LOL) I should probably note that I don’t believe that I’m relieved or responsibilty and to that end, part of the plan was she would report reguarly. There’s a lot to like about it–it empowers the kids and it’s easier for the adult!

Comment on Giving Up Teaching… by Caroline Brost

Caroline Brost — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:43:37 +0000

Walter, Have you ever had a chance to visit a Montessori school? A well-run Montessori classroom is a great example of that other, “guide on the side,” type of classroom management. I find that neat things happen when I’m in “Montessori mode” even in other classroom situations–turning questions back to the group to let them wrestle with them rather than just answering them myself, for example. As you say, students are more likely to remember what they’ve figured out for themselves. It is our job to give them the tools and encouragement to do so.

Comment on Making Change and Not Making Changes by Linda

Linda — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 15:01:52 +0000

So true. I know when we went it was a humbling experience and I so enjoyed the quieter calmer side of life. Your post was very interesting thanks for sharing.

Comment on Back to School Rules by The Best of 2012 | Brain leaks and musings

The Best of 2012 | Brain leaks and musings — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:12:30 +0000

[...] we have more sanity in a whirlpool of change! Personally, I hope most who read this also read Back to School Rules… there were only [...]

Comment on Won’t You Guide…? by Quick Tip — Snowflakes for Newtown! » Maine State Grange

Quick Tip — Snowflakes for Newtown! » Maine State Grange — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 13:08:47 +0000

[...] Bonus suggestion: Some first graders might have an idea for making this project even more fun… discover how one class created a “flash mob” involving Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer! [...]

Comment on Won’t You Guide…? by Walter Boomsma

Walter Boomsma — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 12:08:27 +0000

Thanks, Bob… I made several pledges to myself when I started–one being that I won’t forget I’m teaching children, not subjects. Although as a “writer,” I’m sorry I didn’t think to call the Rudolph Story a “flash mob!” There’s something even funnier about thinking of six year olds as a flash mob!