Written by Christine MartinThere have been countless studies indicating that the differences in the ways boys and girls learn originate from biological distinctions. At times, such variations can have a great effect on the way education is delivered and received. For this reason, there has been ongoing debate surrounding the benefits of single-sex education. Does an all boys or all girls learning environment better cater to not only the learning needs of children, but also their social-emotional development? About ten years ago, I worked for the first all girls middle school in the Bay Area, California. Julia Morgan School for Girls (JMSG) was in it’s start-up phase with dynamic teachers, eager students, and supportive community. Part of the magic of...

image via pinterest Written by Christine Martin There is no question that education, as it has conventionally been offered, needs to shift with the times. In traditional form, schools often lack addressing the specific learning needs of children. Some kids experience boredom, while others are being left behind. There are a number of reasons for this: limited funding, a push for standardized testing, over crowded classrooms, to name a few.  An alternative to this is the combination of home schooling and online learning. While neither is a brand new concept, parents are finding these options to better suit the needs of their kids.  Meet Andres. A 7th grader in California, his school experience has changed greatly from last year. With...

image via http://www.srcalavera.com What is Day of the Dead? by Christine Martin Skulls. Skeletons. Sweets. It is no wonder that Day of the Dead or “El Dia de los Muertos” can be confused with Halloween. Celebrated afterward, November 1st & 2nd, this Mexican/Mexican-American festivity is inspired by from ancient Aztec rituals. It unites families to pay homage to loved ones who have passed away. Often people congregate in cemeteries, sharing stories and meals. At home, altars are made for the spirits of deceased family members. It is believed that during this time, spirits return, visiting their most beloved places.  Visually, the Day of the Dead is full of light, color, and playfulness. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a part...

We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams. ~Jimmy Carter The metaphor of a mosaic accurately reflects the reality of multicultural/multiracial families in the U.S. and worldwide. While certainly there are similarities shared, it is important to honor the differences that create the unique family identity. At times, this can be tricky. For parents, it may be helpful reading real family portraits of real intercultural families just to gain perspectives and ideas of how to address the lending of cultures in family dynamics. Meet Chloe, a sweet 4 year old living in California. Chloe’s father is from Cameroon. Her mother, Julie, shared some of her thoughts on raising...

This is a piece of artwork that has the power to change the lives of women and children across the world. And you can be the driving force behind that change. For a limited time, 100% of the proceeds of each print sold is dedicated to Future Fortified's current campaign. Each print provides an entire month’s worth of nutrients to 20 children in Kenya. Why are we doing this?Two billion people around the world lack access to the essential nutrients they need to lead healthy lives. It’s proven that good nutrition during the 1,000-day period from pregnancy to a child’s second year of life puts children on the right track to grow up healthier, happier and smarter. We think that's...