Posts by Marja Brandon
True Confessions of a Dyslexic…
A dyslexic head of school?? Surprised? You shouldn’t be, but most folks are. The perception of dyslexia in society is one of people crippled by the inability to spell, read, or write. In fact, ask someone what dyslexia is, and they might say something like “switching ‘d’ for ‘b’.” While this perception may have some…
Read MoreHow to Teach Problem-Solving (to a Kinder or a Teen or Anyone in Between!)
As parents and teachers, we hate to see our kids struggle with problems. So when they come to us for help, our natural reaction is to do just that–help them find solutions to their problems. Too often, however, we give into our helpful nature (and desire not to see those we care about suffer in…
Read More6 Strategies for Managing Back-To-School Anxiety
You know it’s August when the “Back-to-School” sale commercials flood your screens. Some kids cannot wait: time back with friends, teams, activities, excitement, and much-needed structure. Others, however, are more anxious: a new place, a new grade, COVID protocols, concerns about school safety. Whether your child has started school or is getting ready to return,…
Read MoreBack to School Anxiety…the good, the bad, and what a parent can do
Losing sleep before school starts? This may describe both you and your kids. You may be counting off the things you still have left to do, the items you still have to get organized or purchased, the tutors lined up, the rides, the after-school programs, oh, yes—the rides back from those, the lunches, the forms,…
Read MoreResilience gets personal…
My best friend’s daughter killed herself last spring. Our families had grown up together. We were on vacation with her parents when it happened and got the news together. And no, we didn’t see it coming. I know we can’t stop kids from killing themselves, but I feel compelled to try, no doubt like every…
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