There is no cavalry coming. No miracle solution. No saviors.

In the end, we, the American people - not any of our institutions - have to save our democracy by voting in defense of that democracy this fall.

We are the cavalry. The responsibility is ours.

Living with the permanent, legitimate fear that on any given day your children could slaughtered with a weapon of war isn’t freedom. It’s madness.

This 👇🏻.

Many theories about the rise in teenage mental health issues exist. A recent study takes an entirely new approach. 🤸

Bill Clinton banned assault weapons in 1994; mass shootings dropped by 43%.

George W. Bush and the GOP let the assault weapons ban expire in 2004; mass shootings increased by 245%.

These numbers tell the whole story.

We deserve so much better than Pete Stauber who voted against this investment. Let’s invest in our future by supporting Jen Schultz for Congress MN08 Donate here:

secure.actblue.com/donate/schultz…

Children who have experienced less overindulgence are more likely to exhibit better emotional regulation, problem-solving skills and coping abilities. Diana Opong NPR

Parents, are you overindulging your kid? This 4-question test can help you find out
kqed.org/mindshift/6245…

Rich, open-ended play can help children develop creative problem-solving skills. naeyc.org/resources/pubs…

A robust body of evidence indicates that our brains benefit from spending time in nature hvrd.me/7oXh50PCp1C

An interesting and convincing essay arguing for a link between the decline in independent play and exploration and in child mental health.

drive.google.com/file/d/1lkJQjy…

Just a reminder that on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, Trump had the WH switchboard call a man who just received 200 votes for speaker, Congressman Jim Jordan. They spoke, according to Trump's call log, for 10 minutes.

govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GP…

The leading Republican candidate has been found liable for sexual assault and fraud, his companies found guilty of fraud, and he's charged with 91 OTHER felony counts.
That he is not dismissed politically out of hand says much more about us, than about him.

“I was going over a list of books that are banned in Tennessee [schools] and… the list was really staggering,” says novelist Ann Patchett. “Yet at the same time, we’re not doing anything to keep our children safe from guns… It’s ludicrous and an embarrassment… It’s a crime.”

The Death of Recess: as noted in our book Chapter 6, recess punishment, reduction and cancellation has reached horrific scale in the US. Cruel and counterproductive, parents should demand full restoration.
Julie Jargon Screens and Kids Rae Pica Let Grow Pasi Sahlberg

This is an incredibly important paper examining school readiness as a critical vital sign for childhood and community health—including how the unequal distribution of resources contributes to disparities in both health and academic outcomes in children.

nam.edu/vital-signs-fo…

📣 Calling all early childhood educators in Minnesota! Join the online focus group with Wilder Research, MDE, & DHS to share your experiences and insights. Shape the future of education and receive a $50 VISA gift card! Sign up now bit.ly/ecefocusgroup #earlychildhood #ece

MN Early Ed program administrators, including elementary principals, are invited to attend the following webinar:
The Value of Outdoor-Based Experiences for Optimal Early Care and Education for Children from Birth - 3rd Grade. MESPA Principals zoomgov.com/meeting/regist…

Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain—unless it is done with play, in which case, it takes between 10 and 20 repetitions! ~ Dr. Karyn Purvis

Hearing a school say its job is to 'instill a love of learning' makes me sad.

Kids' love of learning comes pre-installed. They can't WAIT to learn to crawl, walk, speak, play, explore.

To KEEP that love of learning alive, we have to see kids as innately, insatiably curious.

Many children lack access to nature and its many benefits, but there are simple steps early ed settings can take to improve that: hechingerreport.org/early-childhoo… Trust for Learning New America Ed NaturalStartAlliance