In the outstanding book Teaching Truly: A Curriculum to Indigenize Mainstream Education, Four Arrows (Don Trent Jacobs) and his fellow authors provide a revelatory opportunity for us teachers to get to the heart of what is important in education. Being indigenous, Four Arrows explains in an interview with Derrick Jensen, “relates to a nature-based reality… read more
People of all ages learn through stories, and you can bring lessons about nonviolence into the classroom through the art of storytelling. Consider memorizing a story about nonviolence, either from real life or made up, and try telling it without reading from a book so you engage more with the students in front of you. You… read more
This video defines what restorative justice is, what it looks like in schools, and both students’ and teachers’ perspectives of restorative justice. When the principles or restorative justice are employed in a preventative manner across the school, we call these processes restorative practices. –Submitted by Joseph Gardella, Metta Center Strategic Advisory Council Member.… read more
Nonviolence on the International Education Agenda From January 28-30, 2015, I had the opportunity to participate in UNESCO’s Second Forum on Global Citizenship Education (GCED), which was held in the lead up to the World Education Forum (WEF). At the WEF, the educational goals for the post-2015 development agenda will be established, following the Millennium… read more
While people all over the country at all levels of education and policy attempt to diagnose the ailments and causes of the decline of American education, I can do it in one simple word: distraction. There are so many things competing for our students’ attention these days. When I was in high school, we had… read more
If you are an early childhood educator, you bring music into the classroom on a daily basis. Do not miss the opportunity as you discuss the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1960s African American Freedom Struggle this month to bring songs to share. Find ways of incorporating gestures and… read more
As I make my way to the top of the veritable Everest-sized mountain of grading that marks the end of the semester, I am taking some time to reflect on my year in teaching. Every year, around this time, I do a personal annual review of sorts, taking stock of how the year went. I ask… read more
A Higher Education: The Practice of Peacemaking in Early Childhood-Brief Reflections. By Stephanie Van Hook A friend or spouse turns to you and says something unkind. How do you respond? Do you lash out with hurt and anger? Resentment? Or do you take a breath; perhaps even walk away for a moment, and return later… read more
