Happiness

What makes us happy?

Fried Onions, Feather Beds, and Intro to Chinese

posted Apr 15, 2013

Here's a typical day at Brooklyn Free School.

Visual Learning: Out of Character

posted Apr 15, 2013

This Visual Learning activity will get your students thinking about the intersection of handwriting and digital typeface and the fate of cursive writing around the world.

Free to Be Me

by Gia Rae Winsryg-Ulmer

posted Apr 15, 2013

Gia Rae Winsryg-Ulmer knew she found her place to teach when she walked through the doors of Brooklyn Free School three years ago. See how Gia and BFS honor children's rights to be themselves and become the happy, healthy, and independent thinking people they are meant to be. This is Gia's Story.

Research on the Politics of Meditation Points to Deeper Truths

by Richard Schiffman

posted Mar 11, 2013

Psychologists recently conducted a study that found that meditation may make you more liberal, at least in the short-term. Richard Schiffman argues that the politics of true spirituality are more about balance than support for any one side.

Animal Odd Couples

posted Dec 21, 2012

Are animals capable of feeling emotions? PBS Nature shares evidence that humans are not the only ones on the planet who cares, loves, and empathizes. Meet five animal odd couples.

What Climate-Driven Hurricane Sandy Teaches about Cooperation

by Sarah van Gelder

posted Nov 01, 2012

It’s 3 a.m. and the wind’s howling. Do you know your neighbors?

The Power of Introverts

posted Oct 12, 2012

Does society favor extroverts over introverts? In this TEDTalk, social psychologist Susan Cain takes us into an introvert's world, and shares why being quiet and contemplative should be acknowledged and celebrated.

Visual Learning: Gauze for Concern

posted Sep 17, 2012

This Visual Learning activity will get students thinking about the foreclosure crisis in this country and what it might feel like to lose your home.

Spring 2012 College Winner Willis Reed

by Willis Reed

posted Jun 12, 2012

Willis Reed is a student at Edmonds Community College and a member of the King County Explorer Search and Rescue. He read and responded to the YES! Magazine article, "You Are Who You Eat With" by Katherine Gustafson. Read Willis's essay about brotherhood forged around the dinner table.

Spring 2012 Middle School Winner Kate LeBlanc

by Kate LeBlanc

posted Jun 12, 2012

Kate LeBlanc is a seventh grade student at Metro Montessori Middle School in Portland, Oregon. She read and responded to the YES! Magazine article, "You Are Who You Eat With" by Katherine Gustafson. Read Kate's essay about lessons learned at the table.

Spring 2012 Powerful Voice Winner Hanna Walker

by Hanna Walker

posted Jun 12, 2012

Hanna Walker is an eighth grade student at Cowles Montessori in Des Moines, Iowa. She read and responded to the YES! Magazine article, "You Are Who You Eat With" by Katherine Gustafson. Read Hanna's essay about how the dinner table brings together more than just people.

Spring 2012 High School Winner Clara Lincoln

by Clara Lincoln

posted Jun 12, 2012

Clara Lincoln is a high school student at Capital City Charter School in Washington, DC. She read and responded to the YES! Magazine article, "You Are Who You Eat With" by Katherine Gustafson. Read Clara's essay about the benefits of family dinners - no matter what form they take.

Author Response to Spring 2012 Essay Winners

by Katherine Gustafson

posted Jun 12, 2012

Katherine Gustafson, author of YES! Magazine article, "You Are Who You Eat With," responds to the winners of the Spring 2012 writing competition.

Smart Like You

posted Mar 14, 2012

Comedian Dhaya Lakshminarayanan learns the value of a good education, the importance of Seinfeld, and most of all, how to be a good teacher.

Curriculum & Resources: No History is Illegal

posted Jan 30, 2012

On February 1, 2012 Teacher Activist Groups launched a month of solidarity teach-ins in support of Tucson's Mexican American Studies (MAS) program. On the No History is Illegal website they offer a guide that includes sample lesson plans from the MAS curriculum as well as creative ideas and resources for exploring this issue with students.