The Yellin Center Blog

Manhattan's Resurrection Episcopal Day School (REDS) is a preschool based on the Montessori model that reaches out to children of all faiths. We have come to know their Head of School and the depth of their commitment to creating an environment that celebrates and empowers each individual, cultivates a love of learning and fosters an appreciation for the diversity of life. Now they are about to begin an extraordinary examination of how parents and schools can teach children to be responsible, respectful, global citizens.

Starting with a "kick-off" session by Dr. Paul Yellin, who will speak this coming Tuesday, October 5th at 7:30 pm at REDS (119 East 74th Street, NYC) on "The Myth of the Perfect Brain: Understanding, Nurturing, and Valuing Neurodiversity in the Home," the program will begin by explaining how individuals can come to appreciate their own mix of strengths and challenges and come to appreciate the diversity of minds in their own community and even their own households.

Next, the series takes a look at how technology shapes the way children interact with their environment, in an in depth look at recent research and effective strategies by Dr. Gary Johnson, scheduled for October 20th. The series continues with a presentation by the dynamic Hans Hageman, on November 9th on "Melting Pot, Salad Bowl, or Community?"

Bobby Ghosh, International Editor of Time Magazine, will bring his extraordinary experiences as an award winning foreign correspondent and editor when he speaks on "Islam in America; Islam in North America and America's Interaction with the Islamic World" on Thursday, December 9th.

After a break for the holiday season, the series resumes with a presentation by Clancy Blair, PhD, Professor of Applied Psychology at New York University, who will speak on "Wired for Learning: How Experience Shapes Brain Development and Self-Regulation Abilities Important for Success in School and Life," on Thursday, January 13th, 2011. Dr. Kathy Hirsh Pasek, who is the Director of the Infant Laboratory at Temple University will discuss why play is critical for a child's academic, social and physical well-being in a session titled, "Mandate for Playful Learning" scheduled for Tuesday, February 1, 2011. As yet unscheduled, will be a presentation by Dr. Todd Rose of the Center for Applied Special Technology and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Last, but by no means least, this extraordinary series of speakers will conclude with a presentation on Thursday, April 7th, 2011 by Dr. Eboo Patel, named by U.S. News and World Report as one of America's Best Leaders of 2009, who will speak on "Acts of Faith: Interfaith Leadership in a Time of Global Religious Crisis." In a world too often convinced of the inevitable clash of civilizations, Dr. Patel will examine how strong interfaith leadership can guide communities of faith to work with people of different religious and philisophical backgrounds to serve the common good.

These presentations are open to the public. For more information, contact REDS at 212-535-9666.