Home » ExchangeEveryDay » Thinking for Ourselves



ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues


<< Previous Issue | View Past Issues | | Next Issue >> ExchangeEveryDay
Thinking for Ourselves
November 15, 2021
We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.
-Maya Angelou

Dear Exchange Community,

Recent comments from an Exchange Press book buyer and an Exchange magazine author have gotten our attention. The author told us she’s feeling a little information overload trying to keep up with new books and articles, and is experiencing a bit of FOMO (“fear of missing out”) if she doesn’t read them all so she can “stay current.” The buyer, who had recently purchased a new Exchange book, commented that she agreed with some of the book’s content, but not all of it, and wanted to implement ideas in a way that was “right for her program.” She is hoping that “is o.k.”

Here are our thoughts on both of these comments:

1. FOMO is real, but it doesn’t have to be. Especially in the past eighteen months or so, information from changing circumstances has been coming at us with the force of the proverbial firehose. It’s simply not possible to process it all well. Let’s don’t even try. Instead, let’s trust that if we all read what interests us, and occasionally try something that pushes us out of our comfort zone, we’ll be just fine.


2. As for giving ourselves permission to occasionally disagree with some of the content of a book or article – well, that’s what the “exchange” in Exchange Press is all about. Our hope is to provide quality information that encourages serious thinking and debate and clarification of individual values. The old quote by Walter Lippmann seems apt here, “Where all think alike, no one thinks very much.”

One of our favorite “encourage careful thought” books is From Teaching to Thinking by Margie Carter and Ann Pelo. The authors write, “Professional learning is focused on bringing teachers, children, families, and administrators together as a research collective – as a community that learns. Professional learning strengthens the identity of an early childhood program: its touchstone considerations are ‘Who are we as a community?’ and ‘How will we live into our vision?’”

Here’s to doing lots of informed thinking for ourselves!

The Exchange Team





Purchase From Teaching to Thinking and get 50% off of Pursuing Bad Guys

Use coupon code LEARN
*Make sure both titles are in your cart!*

From Teaching to Thinking offers a passionate and thought-provoking alternative to standardized, scripted curriculum, giving educators support and encouragement to reimagine the beauty and wonder of what education could be.

Naturally, children are eager for connective relationships, they are curious, they are thinkers. This foundational text is a pedagogical companion for educators that strengthens their own development as thinkers, researchers, innovators, and constructors of knowledge so that they can pass on this way of being to the children in their care.

Offer valid through November 16, 2021, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. May not be combined with any other offer. Not valid on past purchases or bulk purchase discounts.

ExchangeEveryDay

Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.

What is ExchangeEveryDay?

ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.



Comments (2)

Displaying All 2 Comments
Nancy Rosenow · November 15, 2021
United States


Francis, your comment is on the Friday EED. We don’t usually post on Saturday. This post was meant to post Monday but it inadvertently posted Saturday and Monday both! So, if people want to read your comment, they can find it on the Friday comments section! And it’s a comment well worth reading! Thanks.

Francis Wardle · November 15, 2021
Center for the Study of Biracial Children
Denver, Colorado, United States


This was ordinarily posted on Saturday, and I wrote a somewhat detailed response. I went back to the Saturday post, but it does not show my response. Oh well!!!!



Post a Comment

Have an account? to submit your comment.


required

Your e-mail address will not be visible to other website visitors.
required
required
required

Check the box below, to help verify that you are not a bot. Doing so helps prevent automated programs from abusing this form.



Disclaimer: Exchange reserves the right to remove any comments at its discretion or reprint posted comments in other Exchange materials.