Welcome to the seventy 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 -
The research just keeps coming on the benefits of play-based learning!
A very helpful scaling impact guide for social enterprises from education consulting firm Bellwether Education Partners.
Inspiring website from Pivotal Ventures, Melinda Gates’ philanthropic organization to move care forward, celebrate and support caregivers.
Those pictures of beautiful children made me smile. Credit to Positive About Down Syndrom.
What I’m listening to -
Want to raise creative kids who learn how to think for themselves? Go easy on the rules says Adam Grant. 1 rule in average for more creative households, vs. 6 for less creative ones.
What I’m reading -
How We Learn: The New Science of Education and the Brain is a bit brainy, but also a fascinating read by neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene. The book outlines the psychological, neuronal, synaptic and molecular mechanisms of learning.
What I’m watching -
Carolyn Strom NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development uses a storytelling format to make the science accessible and easy to understand.
What I’m learning more deeply -
The Secret History of Family Separation is one of the longest-ever investigative stories in The Atlantic by Caitlin Dickerson. A critical read on the wrenching and long lasting impact of separating child from their family, and the importance of nurturing early relationships
Excellent and balanced piece on technology and reading. Edtech companies are mapping the *hundreds* of skills and concepts that kids need to master to read and using them to power new programs. Some are skeptical.
Interesting take by Tech Crunch “Edtech isn’t special anymore, and that’s a good thing”. Also this interview of 7 edtech investors.
Thought provoking and inspiring piece by Astro Teller, Google X CEO, Alphabet's moonshot factory.
“Here is the surprising truth: It’s often easier to make something 10 times better than it is to make it 10 percent better. Yes ... really."
A quote I’m pondering -
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
~ Maya Angelou
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 of you who are sending me amazing suggestions.
If you enjoy this newsletter, please help spread the word by sharing with your friends, colleagues, and networks.
If you enjoy this newsletter, please help spread the word by sharing with your friends, colleagues, and networks.
Have a wonderful week. Please stay safe and care for each other.
Isabelle
On your recommendation, I bought How We Learn and look forward to reading it! Thank you so much!