• Last updated 10/23/12 by emilyfrischmann

Most parents have never heard of the Heartland Institute, and their name sounds harmless enough.  But that seemingly innocuous name hides a political agenda.   The Heartland Institute is one of a handful of organizations funded by the fossil fuel industry to undermine how climate change science is taught in schools across America.  Most recently, they were in the news because of a public outcry when they put up a billboard comparing anyone who is concerned about climate change to the Unabomber.  Even before that, it had become public that the Heartland Institute... read more

• Last updated 1/7/13 by Cynthia Mosher

Well, school is back in full swing for our family.  Most of the rest of the city started classes last week but we have been in session for three weeks already.  My children attend an independent school which offers full immersion language classes. While most families in our southwestern town are drawn to the Spanish program, our family is there to learn French. My boys have been learning their father’s native tongue since they started at the school 4 years ago. Since my hubby is the family breadwinner he has not been able to teach the kids French himself... read more

• Last updated 8/10/12 by Cynthia Mosher

Mothering Magazine Articles Inspired Education Ways of Learning RESPECT: What Children Get in Democratic Schools Pulling Forward: The Transition to Kindergarten Great Green Schools Thirst for Profit Challenges Natural Parenting Toolbox: Questions to Ask Principals and Teachers Ask the Experts: What's the Difference between Waldorf and Montessori? and here Gentle Hands, Quiet Voices: Secrets of Montessori MDC Discussion Threads Progressive Education: MDC Reading List for Schoolin' Mamas Comparisons Link describing... read more

• Last updated 3/11/13 by mamazee

I got a message from my son’s school the other day. “It’s nothing to worry about,” his teacher was quick to say into the machine. “I just wanted to let you know that your son’s been identified as a kiddo who needs extra help with reading.” Etani, though he loves to be read to and has a prodigious vocabulary, has really been struggling with learning to read. We’re a family of readers. James is reading Kafka’s short stories now; Athena is reading the Warrior series and the Sisters Grimm; Hesperus, who has read the Twilight series three times, plows... read more

• Last updated 4/7/13 by AdinaL

Nathaniel’s last year in preschool was horrible. There’s no other way to say it. He’s in kindergarten now, and I had anxiety over the summer–would this be a horrible year, too? At the same time, I knew worrying wouldn’t help, and that “worry is using your imagination to create things you don’t want,” one of my favorite wise things Ashisha (Mothering’s editor-at-large and resident sage) told me. He loves kindergarten, and seems to have a new peace about not only school, but his place in the world. It wasn’t good for him to be one of the oldest kids in... read more