We have often heard about this conflict: genetics and biology and their influence over our children vs. whatever environmental and behavioral influences we have to offer. Which is more powerful? There is a third option; it is the power of partnership. When parents and educators working together to help each student reach his or her natural potential, we can indeed be a ‘force of nature.’ We can do this by paying special attention to the children’s natural development and the needs and tendencies that go along with each important stage. For instance, the younger children need movement and a chance to use their hands as well as their minds while they learn. The elementary age children have an enormous capacity for imagination and cognitive challenge and delight in stories and heroes. They are also natural builders and enquirers into all things scientific, and are capable great leaps of reasoning. The adolescents are naturally social and can think abstractly, they are creative and innovative.
Your children’s teachers spend hours of planning time developing experiences that honor the children’s developmental needs while challenging their minds. As parents you generously give your time, talent and resources to supplement the children’s learning, while providing them with the love and security that leads to confidence and growth. This is the partnership that will lead to the success of your own children and of the next generation. | 
