Small Talks, No. 22

August 6, 2021

Aug 06, 2021

Welcome to the twenty second 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 -

Historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari writes on what the year 2050 has in store for humankind.
"As the pace of change increases, the very meaning of being human is likely to mutate and physical and cognitive structures will melt".
“Many pedagogical experts argue that schools should switch to teaching “the four Cs” – critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. More broadly, schools should downplay technical skills and emphasize general-purpose life skills. Most important of all will be the ability to deal with change, to learn new things and to preserve your mental balance in unfamiliar situations.”

Betsy Corcoran, founder of EdSurge, projects edtech to be “very big and global”. But, will it be impactful and inclusive - e.g., unlocking each and every child’s learning potential?

What I’m listening -

Beautiful interview by OnBeing Krista Tippett with Jen Bailey on intergenerational friendships and benefits: What we inherit and what we send forth

Marketplace podcast summarizes research on benefits of early childhood. “The scientific & economic research has converged: the biggest bang for the public investment buck comes from investing in early childhood programs, especially if they’re targeted at kids living on the lowest incomes.”
In this interview, Abhi Nangia and Matt Barnes explore how learning is breaking loose of the typical modes. Abhi introduces his work at BetterWorld Ed expanding learning through story-telling and video.

What I’m reading -

I am reading about a pre-school experiment in France adapting Maria Montessori’s natural lessons on children in a violent ‘banlieue’ near Paris and achieving 90% literary outcomes, solid maths and SEL outcomes after 2 years. The author Céline Alvarez is elevating foundational child development principles, although the experiment is contested.

What I’m watching -

Chris Bennett’s TED Talk “The solution to accessible childcare is closer to home than we think.” People often think “real” learning starts in kindergarten but, in reality, kids begin learning much earlier. In the crucial developmental years from ages zero through four, parents typically have three choices for childcare: a costly program, a family member or a trusted neighborhood caregiver. Local caregiving is where Chris Bennett sees the most benefit, opportunity and affordability for parents living in childcare deserts, where they’re often forced to choose between their children and careers. He founded Wonderschool, an organization that helps get childcare hubs up and running with state-approved professionals, such as social workers, retired teachers, nurses and passionate educators. Instead of building new, expensive commercial spaces, Bennett explains the benefits of revitalizing home-based childcare programs with certified lesson plans, conducted from the verified homes of people who are dedicated to setting up kids for a successful childhood — right around the corner. (note: Link is not available yet. I will share in a future Small Talks.)

What I’m learning and exploring more deeply -

This piece by Peter Greene “For Early Childhood, Play Is Best” that starts with this provoking quote by William Doyle “we have lost our minds when it comes to early childhood in the US”.
“Building better cities for children: Coordinating within and across city agencies to harness the power of playful learning” highlights how cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Tel Aviv, are scaling playful learning.
Deeply thought provoking interview “If Einstein Had The Internet: An Interview With Balaji Srinivasan”, one of the leading venture capitalists, about technology as determinant of historical cycles in market and government influence. Wish the last answer to the question about relationships had been less about technology and more about offline human connections.

Quote I am pondering -

“Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one’s potential.”
— Bruce Lee

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.

Small Talks