This is the story of a series of writing workshops with four undergraduate final year students, in a non-formal, non-graded, non-curriculum space. Students were introduced to 'writing for wellbeing' (WfW), using expressive writing strategies adapted from poetry/bibliotherapy practice. Initially intended as a research method for their dissertation…

This narrative shares a personal account of how the actions of one person can truly motivate, inspire, and challenge another person to transform. This reflective story outlines the actions of my transformational leader and also indicates how those behaviors align with a transformational leadership model published well after the interaction. I also…

The Northern Triangle of Central America faces many challenges, including violence and crime. Young people are the most common victims as well as perpetrators of violence, especially gang-related violence. That is why Glasswing International is committed to providing children, adolescents, and youth with tools to prevent violence and opportunities…

Optimal talent development can only occur when high ability students are willing to take opportunities for growth in a domain and are able to persist when presented with challenges that accompany performance or production at the highest levels. This paper proposes the use of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development to provide a framework…

Gifted elders (those who are both gifted and senior citizens) are one of the world's greatest untapped and unrecognized resources. Their needs are too-often neglected in today's world. Spending time with a gifted grandparent, or with a retired teacher, coach, or mentor, can be a win-win for all. However, that time can be even more productive if…

Educational aquatic programming offers necessary physical activity opportunities to children with disabilities and the benefits of aquatic activities are more pronounced for children with disabilities than for their able-bodied peers. Similar benefits could potentially be derived from surfing in the ocean. This article describes an adapted surfing…

Learning in formal schools violates several simple principles: that no one can learn on an empty spirit; that true learning requires an absence of fear or authority; that learning is the most natural of human instincts. By making schooling compulsory, we have abandoned trust in our individual and collective experience in favour of experts and…

Adolescence is an important time in human development. Teenagers spend much time questioning their core belief structures and developing the foundations of their identity. For students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), this path of development is difficult in American schools because of strongly held homophobic…

Anxiety is one of the most basic human emotions and occurs in every person at some time, most often when someone is apprehensive about uncertain outcomes of an event or set of circumstances. Anxiety can serve an adaptive function, however, and is also a marker for typical development. In the school setting, anxiety is experienced often by students…

In his work as a family therapist and researcher with children and families in educational and community settings, the author encounters children who are anxious, depressed, lacking in empathy, self-esteem and motivation, and naive in their expectations about their physical and mental abilities. They haven't been properly challenged. These kids…

Australian adult literacy programs feature the use of volunteer tutors, emphasis on personal growth, and fostering of self-esteem. (SK)

In Portage County, Ohio, volunteer master gardeners trained in horticulture therapy worked with at-risk youth aged 11 through 14, developing their self-esteem, confidence, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes. Truancy decreased and grades improved, and increased funding was received to establish an additional youth development position. (SK)

This article provides an overview of courses for hearing-impaired individuals that have been conducted at the Voyaguer Outward Bound School in Minnesota since 1977. Through participation in outdoor challenge activities, skills training, and adventure experiences, hearing-impaired students have shown gains in self-esteem, self-reliance, and…

This book explains how to develop the positive outlook that turns "ordinary" competitors into winners whether they are on the playing field or off. With examples from real life, ways are pointed out to focus one's commitment, overcome obstacles to excellence, and achieve greater overall personal and professional satisfaction. Written by a former…

A 16-week development program for young unemployed adults is described. Discusses objectives (improved thinking patterns, positive self concepts, self-confidence, and good work habits); input areas (basic handskill knowledge, project-based activities, living and social skills, and residential experience); and key words (interest, confidence,…