Fifteen years after founding Roots of Action, I’m writing my last article here as I ponder the future of AI and human development. Artificial intelligence is giving us new ways to learn, work, and navigate everyday decisions. It also raises questions about how young people will develop a sense of […]
Compass-Inspired
Teachers often see more in a student than a report card can show. They notice the child who asks an unexpected question, repairs a friendship, tries a second strategy, admits a mistake, or finds the courage to ask for help. These moments matter. Yet when educators talk with students and […]
Compass-Inspired
Successful kids get excellent grades, right? They play at least one sport very well. Successful kids do regular community service and, of course, take Advanced Placement courses. They attend the best colleges and attain great-paying jobs. Wait. If you’ve ever envisioned this fairy-tale definition of kids’ success, it’s time to […]
Compass-Inspired
If you are wondering how inspiring quotes for kids can encourage self-reflection, critical thinking, and healthy development, this series of articles is for you! In today’s digital world, adults have discovered an intense interest in quotes and share them widely on social media. Why? Because quotes contain deep seeds of meaning. […]
Compass-Inspired
You may be looking for community service ideas for kids or teens to help them: 1) Meet school or scouting service requirements; 2) Build positive resumes for college; and/or 3) Develop into more empathetic and caring young people. Whatever the reasons, it’s helpful to understand why learning to give back […]
Empathy
Student success is a deceptive term in today’s educational environment. It is also a concept being challenged by parents and teachers who want more focus on whole child development and wellbeing. Teachers who foster student achievement not only understand how to teach curriculum, but they also understand that student success […]
Compass-Inspired
Back-to-school is always a time when parents and teachers revisit what is important for children and how to best support their positive development. This popular list of back-to-school articles has been updated annually for almost 15 years, archived in the 2026-27 school year. Listed by category, you’ll find almost 50 […]
Compass-Inspired
As a child, daydreaming was one of my favorite activities. Or should I say, non-activities? I spent hours alone in my room with random thoughts wandering through my mind. I loved to think about patterns, people, and the mysteries of how things were connected. My parents believed I was doing […]
Creativity
What is emotional intelligence? How can parents and teachers nurture it at home and in the classroom? What methods are working? Emotional intelligence (EI for short) has become a popular term since Daniel Goleman authored his book with the same title in 1995. Several decades of research not only confirms the […]
Sociability
Do you have green spaces within walking, driving, or public transport distance from your home? If you’re looking for positive ways to feel connected as a family, it’s time to get yourselves and your kids outdoors—into green spaces, parks, beaches, forests, backyards, and neighborhoods! The latest research is compelling about […]
Sociability
It’s one of the biggest challenges for parents and mentors: how to talk to teens about college without turning guidance into pressure. You want to help them think about their future, but even gentle suggestions can feel controlling to a teenager eager for independence. Research confirms this isn’t just your […]
Curiosity
How do teens become self-aware in today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world? According to our recent research, developing a strong sense of self-awareness may be one of the most important skills a young person can cultivate. Between the constant hum of social media, academic pressures, and evolving identities, teens are bombarded with […]
Self-Awareness
