Amid an education landscape of data-backed approaches, thoughtful theories, and tech-savvy innovations -- these stories remind us how elements of learning can sometimes be as simple as being natural, encouraging joy, and holding space for kindness.  --Daniela

To Learn, Don't Overthink

At UPenn, Physicist Danielle Bassett is using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technoology and network science to build detailed models of the networks in our brains. "The biggest impediment to learning is the executive system -- the part of the brain that makes conscious decisions." In short, as this illuminating watercolor article describes, "learning works best when you don't overthink it." Read Full Story »

Life Is Baeutiful

"I don't remember much about what we learned in her class, but my mother once told me that we used to write a lot. And I would bring back what I wrote and she would look at it and see there were so many mistakes. But no red corrections. And always a star. Sometimes even a Good!" A poetic voice reflects on the power of nurturing enthusiasm. Read Full Story »

A 5-Year-Old Kindness Master

While practicing random acts of kindness at a local park with a friend and her 5-year-old, Marie describes a palpable lesson from young children: there's an indefatigable power of holding a simple, residue-free intention to simply be kind. Read Full Story »

'Be The Change' Idea

Be extra encouraging today.