Big Brain Club

Article: The Concept of Now

Why is that adults can't seem to enjoy the moment, or "the now," as many pop-psychology authors put it...and yet kids can't seem to do anything BUT that? The sad truth is that it's one of the reasons that young people fall prey to the peer pressure around them. To read Dom's article on the subject, "The Concept of Now," just click here.

Reading For Fun: The Harsh Reality

Is it true that homework is responsible for the decline in reading for pleasure? Or is it possible that the problem is too much reality? Read all about it...

Upgrading an F

Apparently hitting bottom will no longer apply in education; now there's a safety net that will stop you halfway to the bottom. It's another in a long line of terrible ideas that come across as compassionate, and yet once again send a ridiculously bad message. Here's what's going on...

Intellectual Peer Pressure

This is the very essence of The Big Brain Club, and occasionally I'll write a new column to address the issue. This particular article is directed at teachers, librarians, and parents, and helps to explain the pressure that kids feel to dumb down.

To read a PDF version of the article, just click here.

Immediate Gratification

We have arrived at a time and place where effort and sacrifice are becoming extinct. Today, it's all about immediate gratification, and that applies to parenting as well as teaching.

I've been sitting on this article for about three weeks, but it's demanding to be published. As always, I'm prepared for a mix of responses. This link will take you to the article.

Guest Columns

I have heard from so many teachers, librarians, and parents who have responded enthusiastically to what The Big Brain Club represents. Remember, your opinions are not only appreciated, but solicited!

The Big Brain Club will always be open to guest columns. If you would like to submit an article, simply follow these guidelines:

1. The topic must center around education, student behavior, classroom activities, parental involvement, etc.
2. Articles/columns may not exceed 500 words.
3. By submitting, you agree to allow the article/column to be posted on this site, and agree to be open to feedback from both the site host as well as other visitors to the site.
4. Include your article/column in your email (no attachments) and email it to me. Please include "Big Brain Club" in the subject line.

So now the ball is in your court. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sleepy Kids

Something odd happens within the brains of your typical teenager (well, besides some of the obvious), and it involves sleep. As a result, some schools have shifted their start times...and not everyone is happy about it.  Here's the story...

A New Year, A New Challenge For The Club

2008 marks the beginning of the sixth year for The Big Brain Club. Thank you very much to everyone who has participated over the years, from teachers, to parents, to students. And sincere thanks to all of the teachers who have incorporated the monthly assignments and writing tips into their classroom activities.

The goal for this year is to spread the word. If you have a vested interest in the education of young people, read on to find out more...

The Creeping Madness

It's happening slowly, but surely. It started with one whine, and has now spread. The latest to succumb? Boulder Valley Schools.  Bravo to their school board; they have now joined the ranks of the spineless and misdirected.  How, you ask?  Prepare to be disgusted...

Parents In Moderation

Some parents invest little or no time in their child's education. Others, it seems, don't know when to stop. How about we all meet in the middle?  Here are some thoughts...