Hello friends,
Here are some articles I read that I think would be of interest to you and your family.
Principal Creates Barbershop In School To Connect With Students By Cutting Their Hair
One principal in Delaware understands the relationship between grooming, self-confidence, and learning. Mr. Newton set up a barbershop in his school in order to bond with the students and build positive imaging. Having self-confidence enables children and teens to make better decisions and enhances creativity and overall mental health. Self-esteem and academic performance are known to be interrelated factors. And yes…Principal Newton actually cuts hair – cape, scissors and all!
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St. Louis Boy Becomes A Marvel Hero In New Disney+ Documentary Series
More heroes arise from Missouri in 2020, and this one is a 13-year old who is the focus of a documentary on the TV series “Marvel’s Hero Project”. Sydney founded and runs Books n Bros, a book club for boys 7 to 13 years old. What inspired a boy at 10 years old to create Books n Bros group and an accompanying non profit? “It’s not really about the money. I do it to promote African American literacy. Kids, especially kids of color, like to read books that they can relate to,” Sidney says. Sydney always enjoyed reading but after his visit to the largest African American children’s bookstore in the country, EyeSeeMe in Missouri, Sydney realized he loved, and related more to the books at the store, than the books available at the school library. With the desire to join a book group for boys at EyeSeeMe, and none available, he started a discussion group at the store.The group evolved into Skype sessions with members from all over the country.
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Childhood As “Resume Building”: Why Play Needs A Comeback
Are you old enough to remember free play as a child? Playing outside, playing board games and drawing? A Boston College Psychology Professor, among other researchers concluded free play builds positive mental, social and emotional development. Conversely, Professor Gray links too much academic pressure and scheduling of “resume-building” activities to a rise in mental health issues. The article highlights the Global School Play Day initiative started by concerned teachers. The designated day gives students a choice of unstructured activities. The link to the podcast in the article is intended to bring awareness to parents and their kids, and reintroduce free play so our future leaders have more balanced lives.
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In 2019 More Americans Went To The Library Than To The Movies. Yes, Really
According to a recent Gallup Poll, visiting the local library is the most common leisure activity in comparison with other recreational activities that were measured like visiting zoos, theme parks and movies. Libraries are also visited more often by adults in lower-income households and women. February recess has arrived so why not join the fun and take your kids or grandchildren for a visit to a library in your neighborhood!
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Please share your thoughts by replying to this email. I’d love to hear your thoughts about any of these articles.
Alvin Irby
Founder & Chief Reading Inspirer
Barbershop Books
PS
– For book recs, helpful tips, more ed commentary, visit Barbershop Books’ blog!
