Good old-fashioned printed text outshines screens for cognitive engagement in young readers
In today's digital landscape, the draw of screens is clear, especially among the youngest members of society. But, what does this switch-up mean for children's developing brains? Recent research published in the journal PLOS ONE investigates the neurological ramifications of reading on screens Read More...
The story “pedal”-er: how an ice-cream cart library is changing lives in Karachi
Mohammad Noman bikes carefully and purposefully through the labyrinthine lanes of Karachi's Lyari Town, among the rush and bustle of everyday life. Though his ice cream cart suggests otherwise, he isn't here to sell frozen desserts. Rather, his mission is to share stories. The storyteller in Read More...
Inclusive learning through play: Lego introduces braille bricks for vision-impaired children
Here at The Optimist Daily, we often tout the many wonderful initiatives spearheaded by well-known Danish toymaker Lego. From its commitment to sustainable practices, its efforts to encourage the next generation to raise its voice in the fight against climate change, its dedication to removing Read More...
Count, roll, and win! Why board games are experiencing a well-deserved revival
Board games are making a successful comeback in this age of screens and virtual realities. Nostalgia fans are ecstatic about the opportunity to recreate childhood memories, while pubs are offering game evenings and families are rediscovering the joy of face-to-face interaction. In a world Read More...
Inmates celebrate first degrees earned through Yale and University of New Haven Initiative
Parolee Marcus Harvin's path from incarceration to higher education exemplifies the transformative impact of a game-changing collaboration between the University of New Haven (UNH) and the Yale Prison Education Initiative. Through this partnership, Harvin—who spent six years in prison for Read More...
Two new DC public schools model net zero education
It goes without saying that we should be teaching our children about important environmental matters, especially excessive energy consumption and the need for energy efficiency. But what about the energy that a school itself consumes? While it is a rarely-thought-of area for improvement, new Read More...
Most New Mexico residents can now benefit from free tuition
Facing exorbitant tuition fees, almost all students and families in the United States have no other choice than to borrow money and take on an increasing amount of debt that they can’t pay back. Finding ways to make tuition fees across the country more affordable is essential for those seeking to Read More...
Biden administration launches heat.gov to help us deal with extreme heat
It’s no secret that this summer season has been a scorcher, what with the increasing heatwaves in the US and raging wildfires across Europe. The rising temperatures have been and will continue to cause thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, drought, and crop failures. Extreme heat is an Read More...
These postcards stand up for people with disabilities' rights
It seems it would be simple to respect and protect others' basic human rights, however, there are many situations where a lack of education breaks these vital liberties. This is why postcards covering five rights protected by the Human Rights Act are currently being circulated through England, Read More...
Is putting your kid on time-out a good parenting tactic?
When Amy and Steve Unruh decided to adopt a four-year-old child from the Philippines, they anticipated challenges. They understood it would take time, as well as a great deal of love and care, for their family and its newest member to adjust. But they were committed to helping a child in need. The Read More...