Teaching & Parenting For All Kind of Minds By: Earlyn Sharpe M.A. Associate Director of Education for KEC

Statement Many students struggle in school today. In classrooms in your school, these students will feel discouraged, misunderstood, and alone. Not because they can't learn, but because the way they learn doesn't align with the way they are taught. Thousands of teachers will struggle today. Just as they do everyday. In your school these teachers will feel discouraged, inadequate and alone. Not because they can't teach, but because they have not been able to target their teaching strategies to the varied learning profiles of their students. Many parents struggle with their children today. In elementary, high school, college and university, these students will feel discouraged, misunderstood, and alone. Not because they can't learn, but because they believe that they can’t and no one taught them differently.

Objective A model of education centered around learners and learning for ‘’All kinds of Minds’’ The rationale of embracing the science of learning To bridge the gap between school and home for every child Teaching and parenting and that leads to "small wins" strategy to support learning in school practices

The Portrait of a Student

What’s today’s parent to do? Research and gain understanding of children of “All kinds of Minds”. Resist the pull of the past. Teach your child to be an advocate for themselves Create the forecast: Get involved in your child's learning by becoming a parent advocate. Share strategies of what works at home with your child's teacher--- bridge the gap.

The Paper Clip Story

Bringing the Science of Learning into the Classroom The science of using a neurodevelopmental lens Performance data The science behind focusing on strengths and affinities The science behind promoting self-insight The science behind empowering students through alliances

Understanding Learning and Learners Inspire Optimism Discover and develop unique learning profiles Leverage strengths and affinities Empower students Preventing problems at the classroom level Prevent problems at home

Teaching & Parenting Be passionate advocates for and defenders of deep and broad learning for all students. Put learning before testing while promoting assessment for learning. Become more knowledgeable about learning. Commit to improving old basics of literacy and math, while emphasizing the new basics of creativity. Create partnerships with parents and guardians to support their child learning at home and at school. Engage students in discussions and decisions about their own learning. Create the emotional conditions for learning by personalizing learning for every child. Become omnipresent witnesses to learning by (analyzing and discussing) responses to student work.

“Small wins” for “Big Change”

Wrap-Up Bringing about a shift to learner centric system of education Parents and teachers leading with a bifocal lens Research about the mind, brain, neuroscience and learning is expanding Transformation of learning Understanding learning and learners Beliefs about teaching all kinds of mind

Conclusion: Learning for All Kinds of Minds