Small Talks, No. 15
June 18, 2021
Welcome to the fifteenth edition of Small Talks. Every Friday, I highlight 6 areas of weekly joys and reflections in early childhood and the whole family. Small Talks leverages my experience at the intersection of education, philanthropy and impact investing. Enjoy!
What I’m celebrating —
Those profound reflections by Edmund Gordon, who just tuned 100, and was instrumental in the creation of Head Start.
“We need to get back to improving and universalizing high-quality developmental experiences for kids, who are raised in stable, well-resourced families.”
This video about an ideal learning environment by Trust of Learning featuring the Lumin Montessori school in Dallas with 2/3 children from low-income backgrounds, driving 95% high school completion, and 89% going to college.
This issue from Romper Magazine celebrating fathers, and this piece in particular The Dads Are (Also) Not All Right.
What I’m listening to —
Balanced EdSurge podcast about the heated debate that has been happening over the admissions process at America's No. 1 high school. Both sides say they are fighting for the American Dream and educational equity in this country.
What I’m reading —
Jordan Shapiro’s new book Father Figure argues that fathers can play a different kind of caretaking role in their children's lives, and they can leverage a different kind of parental identity narrative, fortifying a stronger sense of self. They can be “feminist dads”. Good summary here.
What I’m watching —
Powerful message on changing the narrative on Black fatherhood.
Great video about the role of play in early childhood in any setting by the Harvard Center on the Developing Child.
Coming out today: Fatherhood with Kevin Hart. I know what my family will be watching on Sunday…
What I’m learning and exploring more deeply —
Important new analysis by the Brooking Institute Long Shadows on how poverty is passed on generation to generation - for Black but not white Americans.
Mind-expanding take on allo-parenting, as a less isolating way to raise kids.
Four Strategies for make the US the best place to raise a family by Katie Beckman at the Packard Foundation include (1) Paid Family Leave; (2) Health Insurance; (3) Child Care; (4) Financial Support.
Child Care Pluralism: Supporting Working Families in Their Full Diversity has some interesting recommendations on increasing supply of child care.
In Would you Like Fries With That?, Dan Wuori at the Hunt Institute poses some important questions about compensation for early childhood educators in a competitive labor market.
Scientists from the Start: Babies Are More Thoughtful, More Analytical than You’d Ever Imagine is a great summary of Alison Gopnik’s take on our active littlest learners’ minds.
Quote I am pondering —
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
— Master Oogway’s inspirational speed to Po - Kung Fu Panda
Feedback is a gift. Which part above is your favorite? What did I miss? What do you want more or less of? Other recommendations? Please kindly let me know. Thank to all all of you who are sending me amazing suggestions.
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Have a wonderful week. Please stay safe and care for each other.
Isabelle