“What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

The federal No Child Left Behind law of 2002 rates schools based on how students perform on state standardized tests, and if too many children score poorly, the school is judged as failing. But how much is really the school s fault? A new study by the Educational Testing Service which develops and administers more… Read more »

Bulletin Board Idea A bunch of Golden Keys are mine To make each day with gladness shine. Good Morning that’s the golden key That unlocks every day for me. When evening comes, Good Night I say And close the door of each glad day. When friends give anything to me I use my little thank… Read more »

“When I was fourteen my father was so ignorant, I could scarcely stand to have him around; but when I turned twenty-one, I was amazed at how much he has learned in seven years.” – Mark Twain

Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no. – Abraham Joshua Heschel 1907-1972

On Monday we emailed jokes. On Tuesday we did not. On Monday we thought that we were secure. On Tuesday we learned better. On Monday we were talking about heroes as being athletes. On Tuesday we relearned who our heroes are. On Monday we were irritated that our rebate checks had not arrived. On Tuesday… Read more »

In helping kids develop a humble spirit as well as develop confidence in themselves that they can “handle it” one has to walk a narrow line. Recently I spoke with a 10 year old about the subject. He stated there are two different kinds of pride. You can be so sure of yourself and puffed… Read more »

There is a high correlation between motivation and discipline. In searching for the motivators that move kids to action you might want to consider the following Kid Currency. (Things that kids value.) Contrary to what many believe, kid currency is not just stuff but a number of different things that are really valuable to children…. Read more »

Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Never pity yourself. Be a hard master to yourself – and be lenient to everybody else. – Henry Ward Beecher

Cultivating Responsibility means you focus more on choices people make and less on consequences and incentives that happen as a result of their choices. It also means putting your emotions on the back burner and helping kids see that their choices are what determines outcomes. When you rush praise and punishment you take away the… Read more »