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Countryside Day Blog

What is Education?

February 28th, 2017

Or maybe the more important question is what should education be? Historically, the sole purpose of education was to transfer academic content as efficiently as possible, without much regard for the aspects of the student's social, emotional and character development. But I think most of us would agree from our school experiences, that fractions and physics were not actually what made the lasting impact on our lives. It was the other lessons... READ MORE

Millennials: Fact or Fiction

January 10th, 2017

Much has been said about Millennials, their upbringing, and their attitudes and approaches to work and life. Is it the typical, "When I was young..." generational gap? Or is there something more to it? Simon Sinek, author and national presenter, shares his thoughts about the topic. Is there truth to it? How might it be affecting today's parents? How will the changes in parenting affect this upcoming generation? Join Head of School, Wendy Calise, to... READ MORE

How Are We All Supposed to Keep Up?

December 20th, 2016

Thomas Friedman’s latest book, Thank You For Being Late, has given me a lot to think about, and I am only half way through. In this book he examines life in the “age of acceleration” from many different perspectives. This of course has me thinking about what it means for education. Friedman Quotes Eric Teller, the CEO of GoogleX’s R & D lab: “If the technology platform for society can now turn over in five... READ MORE

Myth #5 Good Parents Prevent Failure

November 28th, 2016

The last part to our good parent mythology series ends with these last 4 points about preventing your child's failures: Good parents frequently intervene on behalf of their children Good parents prevent failure Good parents do not allow suffering Good parents never allow their children to get hurt Good parents frequently intervene on behalf of their children This is now known as advocating for your child. Sounds reasonable. But here is what it really looks... READ MORE

Myth #4 Good Parents Ensure their Kids Success

October 23rd, 2016

Continuing our series of good parenting mythology here are 3 more points... Myth #4 Good Parents Ensure their Kids Success Good parents send their children to lots of classes that develop skills that will look great on their resumes The more you do for your children, the better prepared for their future they are Your child's success is your trophy and the only reflection of your own success that really counts Good parents send their... READ MORE

Myth #3: Good Parents are not Disciplinarians

October 14th, 2016

Continuing our series about the tectonic shift in parenting culture, here are seven more statements claimed by the myth that "good parents are not disciplinarians." Parents don’t have to be the adults in the room. If you do it right, your teenagers will be your friends and tell you everything. Consequences are harsh and old-fashioned. Good parents are partners with their children not figures of authority. Children know what’s best for them. Good parents do... READ MORE

Myth #2 Good Parents Experience Nothing But Joy

October 4th, 2016

As we pointed out in the introduction to this series, educators and parents alike have seen troubling developments in parenting and raising a child. One set of lies the parenting mythology provides has to do with the joy, fun and attention parents often give to their children. Parenting is constant joy is a misconception. Our advice: stop looking at Facebook and start looking at families in the grocery store. We'll leave it at that. Myth #2: Good Parents... READ MORE

Five “Good Parent” Myths We All Believe

September 13th, 2016

For years educators have been asking, why are children behaving as they are? Why don’t they want to do anything? Why can’t they complete a task independently? Why do they seem so…impaired? Few people are talking about the parenting mythology with the urgency of a true crisis. Myth #1: A Good Parent is an Entertainer Good parents provide constant fun Good parents do not force their children to entertain themselves Engagement in screen time has no... READ MORE

Myth #1: Good Parents are Entertainers

August 12th, 2016

The changes in the day-to-day living of our lives, automation, technology, and cheap goods and services have had a profound impact on how our children are developing. Add to that the tectonic shift in parenting culture that has convinced us to “do as much as you can for your children, give them every advantage, pave the road for them, and they will succeed.” Continuing our series, here are 3 "good-parent" myths claiming that Good... READ MORE

Give Your Child the Benefits of a Bilingual Classroom

August 10th, 2016

As a parent of a 16-month old, you’re trying to decide which school would be more beneficial to your child. While all your options can be daunting, the choice becomes clear when you learn that our toddler program offers Spanish. Here is why your choice now becomes clear. Dr. Maria Montessori discovered that one of the most sensitive time periods for a child to learn was from birth to three years old. During this time... READ MORE

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