Some things to think about

Looking for the best in others is a talent that can transform lives.

Check out Validation, a 16-minute fable about the magic of free parking.  Starring TJ Thyne & Vicki Davis. Writer/Director/Composer – Kurt Kuenne. (Note: Two minutes is all it should take to get the main message. It’s not really about free parking after all!)

Bullying – Looking back at those painful years. For all of us who were
NOT COOL enough for school. (2 minutes animated short by Fluttershy)

5 Minute Film Festival: 8 Videos on Kindness, Empathy, and Connection. Link works -Edutopia – “Remember the importance of re-connecting, treating people with kindness and respect, and being generous and compassionate to both loved ones and strangers. If each of us pledged to do more of that, we’d make a better world for all of us to learn and grow in.”

The Power of Resilience Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. (10 minutes) “(A) guiding principle in all of our interactions with children should be to strengthen their ability to be resilient and to meet life challenges with thoughtfulness, confidence, purpose, and empathy.”

Why We Procrastinate by Vik Nithy (10 minutes) Vik has been extremely successful despite being diagnosed with ADHD after finishing his school exams. His passion is for cognitive neuroscience, educational reform and the potential of young people.

A second opinion on learning disorders using EEGs (10 minutes) Developmental disorders in children are typically diagnosed by observing behavior. We were not able to look directly at their brains. Aditi Shankardass explains how a remarkable EEG device has revealed mistaken diagnoses and transformed children’s lives.

Genes to Cognition Fascinating interactive site about the genetic basis of mental illnesses

Changing Education Paradigms In this talk from RSA Animate, Sir Ken Robinson lays out the link between 3 troubling trends: rising drop-out rates, schools’ dwindling stake in the arts, and ADHD. An important, timely talk for parents and teachers. (Ten other TEDtalks recommended by Robinson)

The Power of Addiction and The Addiction of Power Dr. Gabor Maté is known for his knowledge about attention deficit disorder, parenting, and addiction. He maintains that childhood roots of hurt always express themselves. Healing comes from self-acceptance and feeling safe enough to reveal one’s true nature. (19 minutes)

Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability (20 minutes) Let go of shame. Reveal yourself. People who feel Love and belonging believe they are worthy of it.

Child Driven Education – With Sugata Mitra – How do you teach without teachers? Take 1 computer, internet access, 4 or more students, give them a problem and let them go. Amazing results! Children are able to learn complex subjects and computer functions on their own, even across language barriers. (15 minutes) More from Sugata

Confessions of a Depressed Comic – In this emotional talk, 19-year-old Kevin Breel speaks from the heart about his story with depression and how it’s impacted his life. He’s found it vitally important to share your experience, to educate others and fight stigma. Speak up and shatter the silence. Teach acceptance of self. (11 minutes)

Shame and Learning Disabilities 2 to 4-minute videos on the harm caused by different aspects of shame, both public and private. Powerful personal stories and commentary by professionals. (Use arrows to navigate)

23 Touching Videos That Will Warm Your Heart (Link works) by Samita Mishra – A few examples: Joy in the rain, Babies laughing, Commencement speech celebrating average, Meaning of life and universe explained by a nine-year-old and other inspiring videos. (3 to 10 minutes) (https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/23-touching-videos-that-will-warm-your-heart.html)

Symphony of Science: The Quantum World by Melody Sheep. (4 1/2 minutes) “School House Rock” was cool, but these educational, music videos are AWESOME!!! Talk about a great learning “ditty.” See Symphony of Science.com for more creations.

Hearing Hands – Watch as an entire town secretly learns sign language to surprise their neighbor, Muharrem. The heart-warming stunt was arranged by Samsung Turkey as part of an ad campaign for their new video calling center which helps the hearing impaired to communicate more easily. (3 minutes)