Small Talks, No. 21
July 30, 2021
Welcome to the twenty first 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!
Special thanks this week to my daughter for the new logo that captures the essence of this newsletter: multi-generational, family-centered, whimsical, and loving.
What I’m celebrating -
New “Early Learning Survey @ Harvard” report shows the impact of the pandemic. 58% parents reported that their children’s academic development had been negatively impacted, while 61% said the same about their socio-emotional development. 85% parents spent more time together as families, and around half said they have been spending more time outside.
Wal-Mart will pay 100% tuition & books for its 1.5 million associates continuing higher education - an extraordinary $1Billion commitment over the next 5 years.
IPOs of education companies continue to demonstrate investor interest in education. More than $1.5Bn is being raised for education companies going public this month only: DuoLingo, Powerschool and Instructure.
The first skateboarding women athletes celebrated in the Olympics: 13, 13 and 16-year old teen girls on the podium respectively. Silver medalist Rayssa Leal shows her prowesses early on- she was only 7 in this princess video…
What I’m reading -
A classic - In “Children’s Minds” published in 1978, Margaret Donaldson shows that context is key when it comes to the development of language and thought. It highlights how the right support can ensure children are skilled in these areas before they even start school.
What I’m watching -
“Try Harder!” directed by Debbie Lum is “close to home”…a documentary about high school students at Lowell High School in San Francisco and the pressure to succeed. Trailer here.
What I’m learning and exploring more deeply -
What early experiences are likely to result in an Olympic athlete? This meta-analysis shows that focusing early on a single sport is usually not associated with later world-class greatness in that sport.
Important finding: post-Covid, parents don’t want more-of-the-same education. They want something different with more learning inside and outside the classroom.
A big bold idea “The Big Blur” by Jobs for the Future making the case for an entirely new type of institution—neither high school nor college—designed specifically to better meet the needs of young people after 10th grade and help prepare them to succeed in the world of work.
Great new piece by Eliott Haspel about the impact of climate change and when "going outside to play" isn't an option for large stretches of the year.
Excellent spotlight on the need for two-generation friendly campuses with highlight of Los Angeles Valley Community College.
A new survey reveals the extent to which women working from home juggle their jobs and child care simultaneously. During any 15-minute interval in the afternoon, roughly 12% of employed women reported working while also taking care of their children.
Quote I am pondering -
“Education costs money, but then so does ignorance.”
— Claus Moser
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