Blog

Writer Kare Anderson knows we want to use our talents to create something meaningful with our lives. In this week’s TED Talk of the Week, “Be an Opportunity Maker” (http://www.ted.com/talks/kare_anderson_be_an_opportunity_maker?), she explains that our trials can be used to help others. Her challenge of chronic shyness becomes a tool to help others find and use… Read More »

Is your teen like our Seahawks? Full of promise but off to a rocky start? The first quarter of school is ending. Has she found her rhythm? Typically, the start of the year is review and becomes more challenging. NOW is the time to set a steady routine. If your teen is struggling, here are… Read More »

Do you know a teen who wants to build public speaking skills? To be a more effective leader? To be a more persuasive communicator? To make a good first impression in an interview? Toastmasters offers proven strategies and practice to make that happen. Eastside middle and high school teens are invited to use their early… Read More »

We know teens face tremendous pressure by peers and media. How about helping them be influenced by their own unique strengths and personality? The Myers-Briggs personality indicator is a great tool for this. Our students at L & E Academy focus on self-discovery and building on strengths. We want them to make decisions based on… Read More »

It is time to redefine academic rigor from pencil-and-paper drudgery to active learning.  L & E Academy in Kirkland engages students with flipped lessons and project-based learning. The PlayMaker School in Los Angeles (recently featured on PBS’s NewsHour) is innovating through games. When students are creative and empowered to take action, learning comes to life.… Read More »

In a NY Times editorial, Columnist Thomas Friedman asked Google executives, “How’s my kid going to get a job?” and received a non-traditional answer. GPAs, test scores, and college degrees are not top criteria. Learning ability is the top “look-for” at Google. Second, is emergent vs. traditional leadership. Rather than a resume with leadership positions… Read More »

As the school year wraps up, are you frustrated with the grades earned this semester? Do you feel like stress and anxiety took over your family this school year? Is summer school your child’s destination yet again? One of our sophomores at L & E Academy is celebrating that for a change this summer she… Read More »

Our teens have a multitude of talents…many yet to be tapped. Summer time is a great time to explore these talents and interests. While our teens might prefer sleeping until noon and hanging out with friends or technology the rest of the time, consider these three alternatives: Summer Camps: This is the perfect time of… Read More »

Remember the days of 6:00 a.m. wake-up calls by our eager, wide-awake children? Somewhere along the way, those Energizer bunnies have been replaced by lumbering, slumbering bears. Winter solstice is approaching and nature is embracing slowing down, hibernating, and nesting. The upcoming break from early classes and homework pressure could be opportune for addressing your… Read More »

Much leadership curriculum focuses on the attitude of success. Our leadership text, Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, does a great job of using teen examples and lingo to empower our youth. Covey reinforces that an attitude of success is an “inside job.” The expectation is that each student takes a proactive role in… Read More »