EDUCATION MATTERS—SANFORD SCHOOL'S PRIVATE SCHOOL BLOG

Learn more about current school issues and trends from Sanford School’s educational experts.  Sanford’s blog is sure to help you navigate your child’s educational journey.

Emily Amendum

Picture of
Emily Amendum is the Head of Middle School at Sanford School, a PreK - 12 private school in Hockessin, Delaware.

Recent Posts

Art Smarts: Visual arts and emotional intelligence

Posted by Emily Amendum on April 15, 2022 at 11:58 AM

When you think about what makes a child “smart” the first things that come to mind are often things like scores on a math quiz, or a grade on a writing assignment in English class. However, it’s important to remember that there are many different ways to be smart, including having high levels of “emotional intelligence,” also referred to as “emotional quotient” or “EQ.” According to Helpguide International, emotional intelligence is the:

“ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.”

These kinds of skills are invaluable, because, as the authors explain, “your IQ [intelligence quotient] can help you get into college, but it’s your EQ [emotional quotient] that will help you manage [your] stress and emotions when facing your final exams.” Developing emotional intelligence early can help students build self-confidence and resilience, as well as lay the foundations for strong interpersonal relationships as children, teens, and adults. 

Read More

Topics: Arts

Makerspaces? What Does the Maker Movement Mean?

Posted by Emily Amendum on February 1, 2017 at 4:44 PM

 “What do you do in a makerspace?

The simple answer is you make things.

  • Things that you are curious about.  
  • Things that spring from your imagination.  
  • Things that inspire you and things that you admire.  
The informal, playful atmosphere allows learning to unfold, rather than conform to a rigid agenda. Making, rather than consuming is the focus. It is craft, engineering, technology and wonder-driven.” ( Thinkers and Tinkers)

Read More

Topics: Education, Academics, STEM