Manifesto for a Happier World

We all want to lead a happy life. But in our quest for ‘progress’ we’ve been pursuing priorities that put our happiness at risk – not just for us as individuals, but for society as a whole.

Our collective aim should be a society with the greatest possible human happiness and wellbeing – with policies, institutions and social attitudes that help people to lead flourishing lives. This is the spirit behind a resolutionwhich was adopted last year by all 193 United Nations member states, calling for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth”, and one which promotes “happiness and the well-being of all peoples”.

You may read the rest of this piece, including Mark Williamson’s 12 suggestions for political leaders, institutions, and individuals, at My Manifesto for a Happier World on DailyGood.

New Research Shows Greater Gains for Students in Classic Montessori Programs

New research into preschool children’s development in Montessori environments by Dr. Angeline Lillard of the University of Virginia has shown that children in classic Montessori programs, such as One World’s, show larger gains in executive function, social problem solving, and academic skills.

The Primary Staff would like to share Dr. Lillard’s study, Preschool Children’s Development in Classic Montessori, Supplemented Montessori, and Conventional Programs; they hope that you find it interesting.

Recommended Blog: Name Calling, Insults, and Teasing

Name Calling, Insults, and Teasing: A Guide to Anger, Conflict, and Respect, is a blog published by Dr. Jeff Rubin. Dr. Rubin has taught conflict resolution at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, as well as at other institutions including clinics, correctional facilities, and public schools.

His blog features suggestions for working through conflict and supporting respectful relationships, often using examples from literature, history, and comics to help illustrate his ideas. The Primary faculty hope that you will find some of the ideas presented in this blog helpful.