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
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
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
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
What if some of the best quotes about curiosity could stimulate children’s thinking about themselves and how they learn? Like a well-written poem or song, an inspiring quote can spark self-reflection and action! Curiosity is the ability to seek and acquire new knowledge, skills, and ways of understanding the world. […]
Curiosity
The impact of media is a growing topic of research. And for good reason. In 1970, the average age at which children watched television was four years old. Today, the average age is four months. The typical child before the age of five is watching 4 ½ hours of television […]
Curiosity
Creative thinking is the ability to consider something in a new way – to view ideas or information through different lenses. Creative thinking involves generating new ideas, approaching problems from different angles, and thinking outside of conventional patterns. Creative ways of thinking can be applied in various fields such as […]
Creativity
Understanding how students achieve goals is critical knowledge for today’s teachers. This involves more than simply imparting information about goal setting. It’s about fostering skills in planning, organizing, decision-making, and problem-solving. These skills are foundational for developing resourcefulness in students, the ability to use available resources to achieve goals and […]
Resourcefulness
Skeptics has been given a bad rap in modern society. Why? Because skepticism is often confused with cynicism. Let’s explore the distinctions and why it’s important to teach children the art of becoming a skeptic. A cynic distrusts most information they see or hear, particularly when it challenges their own […]
Curiosity
Metacognitive strategies, when employed in the classroom and with homework, help students think about their own thinking. This type of self-assessment helps young people gain greater awareness of their life experiences and achieve at higher levels. What is Metacognition? Metacognition is an aspect of introspection and self-awareness that enables individuals […]
Self-Awareness
