Teaching the Entire Human Puzzle

After reading several books this summer about the brain, mind and consciousness it has become quite clear to me that a human is a puzzle- with about 100 billion pieces! Schools have to teach children in a way that allows the major pieces to come together. For far too long the main focus of schools has been to create analytic thinkers. Both numbers and words have been brought up to a place where every idea, every code is to be viewed, reasoned, and analyzed. This is not inherently wrong, it is just that it limits the focus of learning. In order to reach the entire human puzzle and help students connect and place their pieces, all aspects of learning should be explored. Imagination, the arts, creativity, music, movement and drama all offer ways for students to make connections and fit the pieces together.

Building Self-Esteem

Nathaniel Braden, Ph.D, author of The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, suggests that there are six practices that form the foundation of self-esteem:


1. Living consciously. Practice being open, present and continually seeking knowledge.

2. Self-acceptance. Give yourself the space to be all of who you are … a person with strengths and weaknesses.

3. Self-responsibility. Own your choices and actions. Be aware of how your choices affect those around you.

4. Self-assertiveness. Stand up for yourself and your values.

5. Living purposely. Identify your desires, goals and intentions and take the necessary actions to make them happen.

6. Personal integrity. Honor your word and your truth while respecting the truth of others.