Early Childhood Education

01/29/17 • 31 min

Dan and Ed invite Wendy Watson, an early childhood education expert, to share her views and experiences. Wendy dispels any ideas that early – even pre-natal – experiences are not major, critical factors in human development. She presents factual information about the benefits of early childhood education. She explains why brain development before the age of 8 is critical to human success and well being. After age 8 the damage done do to a lack of human interactions may be dealt with, but only as learned responses not natural inherent development. Listen and affirm that what happens to human beings before kindergarten makes a major difference. Wendy also shares information for parents about the myriads of resources available.

Previous Episode

Peter Pierson: Public Support for the Public Good

In this episode, Public Support For The Public Good, Dan and Ed spend time with Peter Pierson, a talented and active citizen who ran in 2016 for a seat in the AZ House representing Legislative District 1, which is a gerrymandered, sprawling district which includes Prescott.

As Ed notes, “Peter lost the election, but won the respect of our communities.” Peter explains the effects of the dynamics of negativity and anti-government rhetoric that defeated the voice of the electorate, not just in AZ, but across the Nation. Peter addresses issues that focus on The Quality of Place, which require public investment for the public good, and only succeed if there is public support for the public good.

Most Americans are not proud of the 2016 election process which resulted in candidates and issues that do not reflect the will of the people. Peter’s clear insights into how to make the system work again, save our public schools, save our community libraries and services, and rebuild what we have lost, are ones you will want to study and share in your community.

Next Episode

Screen Kids with Holli Kenley

In episode 18, Screen Kids, Dan and Ed continue our interviews with Holli Kenley, a lady who is reaching thousands of people of all ages through her books, presentations, school assemblies, and radio talks. Her messages are clear and very helpful. She has been a teacher, marriage counselor, and leader in helping us all understand human needs and human development.

This is the first part of a three-part series addressed directly to parents and teachers which presents information about the damage flat screens (smart phones, iPads, TVs) do to brain development, especially to children in their earliest stages of growth through age 8. Holli is concerned that much of this new information will cause an overreaction and possibly generate guilt and negative responses. She identifies dangers and offers courses of action that will alleviate these problems. This episode is a gentle introduction. The next episodes go deeper into the issues we all need to be aware of.

To connect with Holli in past episodes, access Episode 12 (Sept 19, 2016) Another Way, and Episode 13 (Oct 4, 2016) Cyberbullying And Bullycide. Also relevant is Dan and Ed’s past episode #15. (November 17, 2016.) The Damage Tech Does To Developing Brains.