by Esther Wilkison | Jun 23, 2019 | Shaping Worldview
There’s this thing called confirmation bias. Britannica online defines it as “the tendency to process…by looking for, or interpreting, information consistent with one’s existing beliefs.” I’m sure the phrase was not original to him, but my dad used to say, “A...
by Esther Wilkison | May 7, 2019 | Learning & Teaching
A friend on facebook asked teachers to share what they really want for Teacher Appreciation Week. I was tempted to write—MUGS! Lots and lots of teacher-themed mugs. You’ll be happy to know, I didn’t act on this impulse. By now, if you’re a teacher in a school...
by Esther Wilkison | May 2, 2019 | Learning & Teaching
When I teach writing, I’m amazed at how often students think the writing process is a big waste of time. If I assign a story, they want to sit down and write a story. Many treat brainstorming and planning like obstacles keeping them from finishing their...
by Esther Wilkison | Apr 25, 2019 | Following God, Shaping Worldview
I love those times when I hear a message or find a passages in Scripture that strengthen my faith. The message of hope and courage takes hold. I start dreaming of all God could do in the situations that are close to my heart. I get crazy excited. I feel the...
by Esther Wilkison | Apr 9, 2019 | Following God, Helping Nonstandard Learners
As kids, ideas get planted deep inside us. As grown-ups, we hopefully get better at evaluating and rejecting ideas that are wrong or don’t apply. Ideas that get stuck in our head when we are children become like furniture in our minds. We don’t often evaluate...
by Esther Wilkison | Apr 8, 2019 | Following God, Helping Nonstandard Learners
I want to be like my neighbor. She is a masterful gardener. This week we plan to make our annual trek to our favorite nursery. Every year I pick out a few new plants. Besides providing inspiration, she tells me when to add plant food and reminds me when I forget to...
