Advertise on podcast: Schoolutions: Teaching Strategies to Strengthen School Culture, Empower Educators, & Inspire Student Growth

Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E23 @schoolutionspodcast conversation with Stacey Shubitz. We discuss the importance of looking beyond just IEP goals and accommodations in special education. Stacey emphasizes considering child development and the need for downtime, joy, and culturally relevant books. Caregivers can use these parenting tips to provide emotional support and foster inclusive education for children with disabilities outside of school hours. Stacey reveals the surprising advice a speech pathologist gave her: "Take care of your marriage," tucked between recommendations for two-word sentences was perhaps the most important guidance she'd receive. She shares what happens when caregivers don't take care of themselves (shorter fuses, emotional overwhelm, everything feeling like a catastrophe) and the permission we all need to hear: it's okay to skip therapy homework sometimes. This isn't about surviving—it's about thriving. About curating joy intentionally. About finding children's books that help siblings develop empathy. About protecting your relationships while advocating for your child. Key Topics Covered: - The 130 hours: structuring life beyond school walls - Permission to take "speech therapy vacations" and why downtime matters - Curating joy vs. relentless therapy schedules - Children's books as windows, mirrors, and doors for disability understanding - Supporting siblings through literature and conversation - Caregiver self-care isn't optional—it's essential - Nurturing couple relationships while parenting children with disabilities - What happens when we don't take care of ourselves - Creating safe spaces for family dialogue about disability - The whole child approach to family life 💫Check out Part One if you missed it on Monday! 🔗 Get Stacey's book: Make the School System Work for Your Child With Disabilities at  (PROMO CODE EMJAN1533 for 15% off (expires 2/21/26) Chapters 0:00 Introduction: The 130 Hours Nobody Talks About 1:00 Beyond IEPs: Life Outside School Walls 2:00 Welcome Back: Part 2 with Stacey Shubitz 3:00 Why Include Life Beyond School? 4:00 Permission to Take Speech Therapy Vacations 5:00 Curating Joy Intentionally 5:30 The Importance of Downtime and Rest 6:00 When Your Child Says "I Can't Practice Today" 7:00 Vision Therapy Without Homework: A Game Changer 8:00 Modeling Healthy Rest Habits 8:30 Connection Through Reading Together 9:00 Children's Books That Nurture Empathy 10:00 Windows, Mirrors, and Doors in Disability Literature 11:00 Books for Siblings: Building Understanding 12:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Family Dialogue 13:00 What Happens When Caregivers Don't Self-Care 14:00 The Marriage Advice That Changed Everything 15:00 Finding Your Anchor: Partners and Support Systems 16:00 Vulnerability, Mentorship, and Gratitude 17:00 Resources and Book Recommendations 18:00 Promo Code for Stacey's Book 18:30 Next Week: Foundational Writing Skills Research 19:00 Closing: You're Doing Better Than You Think Next Week: Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts are joining me to reveal groundbreaking research behind their new book on foundational writing skills. We're unpacking how understanding the brain's role in writing—from handwriting to executive function—can transform how we teach every child to become a confident, capabl When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Discover a powerful perspective shift on educational evaluations that eliminates stigma and empowers families. In this transformative reel clip, Stacey Shubitz shares how one parent reframed the evaluation process as "finding the key to unlock the brain" – a beautiful metaphor that changes everything about how we approach student struggles and student success. If your child is experiencing low engagement, classroom behavior challenges, or attention in class difficulties, this video offers hope and clarity. Educational evaluations aren't about labels – they're about understanding the whole child and creating pathways to thriving students through culturally responsive teaching, inclusive classrooms, and effective teaching strategies. Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, and school counselors seeking to build a pro-kid mindset and strengthen the home-school connection. What You'll Learn: • How to eliminate evaluation stigma for families and students • A powerful way to explain evaluations that empowers children • Why seeking help through evaluation supports student engagement and student motivation • Building equity in education through understanding and support • Strengthening parent communication and family partnerships • Creating inclusive teaching environments that celebrate every learner This approach supports classroom belonging, student participation, and education transformation by shifting from shame to solution-focused support. Whether you're involved in instructional coaching, teacher support, professional development, or parent involvement, this message reinforces that evaluations create easier pathways for learning and living. For: New teachers, mentor teachers, instructional leaders, school leadership teams, and caregivers seeking innovative teaching strategies and caregiver support. Building school culture that prioritizes the whole child, teacher impact, and inspired teaching starts with changing the conversation around support and evaluation. 🚀📚 Watch Part One (https://youtu.be/VP81-Crxvwc) & Part Two (https://youtu.be/xen2OnJjiRM) of our ⁨@schoolutionspodcast S5E23 interview. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction: A Parent's Powerful Perspective 0:15 - The "Key to Unlock the Brain" Metaphor 0:35 - Breaking Down the Evaluation Stigma 0:50 - Evaluation as Help, Not a Label 1:10 - Making School and Home Easier for Children 1:25 - Final Thoughts: Empowering Families Through Understanding 📧 Connect: [email protected]  🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators! https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/ #EducationalEvaluation #StudentSuccess #ProKidMindset #InclusiveEducation #ParentSupport #TeacherSupport #WholeChild #EquityInEducation #ThrivingStudents #SchoolCulture #InstructionalCoaching #FamilyPartnerships #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EmpoweredEducators #EducationTransformation #TeacherImpact #StudentEngagement #InclusiveClassrooms #AntiBiasTeaching #professionaldevelopment #schoolutions #schoolutionsteachingstrategies #schoolutionspodcast #forevergettingbetter When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Part One of my S5E23 @schoolutionspodcast conversation, literacy specialist and parent Stacey Shubitz shares her dual perspective on navigating special education. If you've ever felt lost in IEP meetings or unsure how to advocate for your child, this episode is your roadmap. Stacey, author of Make the School System Work for Your Child With Disabilities, reveals why leading with your child's strengths—not deficits—changes everything. She breaks down the difference between IEPs and 504 plans, shares the exact phrases to use when schools push back on accommodations, and explains why evaluations are actually keys to unlocking easier learning paths for your child. Whether you're a teacher wanting to better support families, a parent feeling overwhelmed by the system, or an administrator seeking to improve parent communication and family partnerships, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can use tomorrow. Key Topics Covered: - Special education vs. general education: understanding the difference - IEPs vs. 504 plans explained clearly - Leading with strengths in the evaluation process - Effective teaching strategies for inclusive classrooms - Parent involvement and home-school connection best practices - Professional development for supporting students with disabilities - Culturally responsive teaching and equity in education - Student engagement and classroom belonging for all learners - Teacher support and instructional coaching insights - Self-care for caregivers navigating the special education system Get in touch with Stacey:   Blog Podcast SubstackInstagram LinkedIn 🔗 Get Stacey's book: PROMO CODE EMJAN1533 for 15% off ***promotion expires February 21, 2026 Some Episode Mentions: ➡️Emily Ladau  ➡️Own Voices Movement  Chapters 0:00 Introduction: Navigating Special Education with Confidence 1:00 Meet Stacey Shubitz: Educator and Parent Perspective 3:00 The Book That Changes Everything 4:00 Learning from Own Voices in Disability 6:00 Two Hats: Educator and Parent 7:00 Special Education vs. General Education Explained 9:00 IEPs vs. 504 Plans: The Difference That Matters 10:00 Reframing Evaluations: Unlocking Your Child's Brain 12:00 Leading with Strengths, Not Deficits 14:00 Navigating Communication Breakdowns 16:00 Your Go-To Resource Guide 17:00 Lightning Round: IEP Meeting Essentials 17:15 When to Request IEP Revisions 17:45 The One Document to Keep on Your Phone 18:15 Phrases for Advocating for Accommodations 18:45 Biggest Myth About Special Education 19:15 Self-Care for Parents: The Power of Meditation 20:00 Coming Up in Part 2: Life Beyond School 🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content. 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

This February, join @schoolutionspodcast as it highlights educators and researchers advancing child support.  🎯 What You'll Learn: • How to navigate IEPs, 504s, and disability services with confidence • The shocking research behind foundational writing skills that transforms student success • A neurodivergent educator's journey supporting thriving students in inclusive classrooms • The alarming trend: NYC pediatricians diagnosing kindergartners with play-deprivation-induced anxiety and depression • A bold 6-point proposal to save early childhood education in public schools Featured Experts: 💫Stacey Shubitz bridges the home-school connection for families navigating special education.  💫Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts share critical research on instructional strategies for foundational writing skills.  💫Dr. Courtney Bishop reveals her path as a neurodivergent mom and educator championing equity in education.  💫Dr. Beverly Falk and Dr. Nancy Cardwell from City College expose an education crisis and present their solution to NYC leadership. Whether you're focused on classroom belonging, student motivation, culturally responsive teaching, or education transformation, these conversations offer effective teaching strategies for the whole child. Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, and school counselors committed to inspired teaching and empowered educators. 🔔 Subscribe for education strategies that prioritize pro-kid mindset, inclusive teaching, and student participation! https://www.youtube.com/@schoolutionspodcast/ CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction: February's Education Revolution 0:15 Stacey Shubitz: Bridging Home & School for IEPs and 504s 0:30 Melanie Meehan & Maggie Beattie Roberts: Foundational Writing Research 0:45 Dr. Courtney Bishop: Neurodivergent Mom & Educator's Journey 1:00 Dr. Beverly Falk & Dr. Nancy Cardwell: NYC's Play Deprivation Crisis 1:30 The 6-Point Proposal to Save Early Childhood Education 1:50 Join the Conversations This February CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE: 👍 Like if you're ready for education transformation 💬 Comment: Which guest are you most excited to hear? 🔔 Subscribe for weekly teaching tips and instructional strategies 📱 Share Wednesday reels with your teaching team Join me in creating thriving students through classroom belonging, student engagement, and inspired teaching. Let's make 2026 a year of teacher impact and school change! #EducationPodcast #SpecialEducation #IEP #StudentEngagement #InclusiveTeaching #EquityInEducation #TeacherCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #SchoolLeadership #ParentInvolvement #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #WholeChild #EarlyChildhoodEducation #PlayBasedLearning #NeurodivergentStudents #TeachingStrategies #EducationReform #TeacherSupport #InstructionalCoaching #FamilyPartnerships #ProKidMindset #EmpoweredEducators #InspiredTeaching #EducationTransformation #ThrivingStudents #ClassroomBelonging #StudentSuccess #SchoolCulture #InstructionalLeadership #HomeSchoolConnection When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E22  @schoolutionspodcast conversation with Katie Keier. This episode builds on the foundation from Part One, exploring Katie's unique classroom strategies. We dive into her innovative teaching techniques, including why she creates classrooms that foster belonging and student engagement through choice, materials, and the honoring of every child's story. Katie shares powerful examples of student participation and student motivation, including kindergartners who became environmental advocates and petitioned their school to go plastic-free. Key Topics: • Teaching with integrity vs. teaching with fidelity • Equity in education and inclusive teaching practices • Student engagement through play-based learning and active learning • Culturally responsive teaching that honors family partnerships • Professional development for teachers navigating scripted curricula • Instructional strategies that support the whole child • Parent communication and home-school connection • Documentation and assessment in inclusive classrooms • Student success through student-centered learning • Teacher coaching and mentor teachers supporting new teachers 💫Check out Part One  Researchers & Educators Mentioned: ➡️Vivian Gussin Paley ➡️Katie Kelly (author of From Empathy to Action) Books & Publications: ➡️Kitchen Dance by Maurie Manning (Katie's go-to picture book for modeling) Pedagogical Approaches & Organizations: ➡️Reggio Emilia Approach ➡️The Hundred Languages in Ministories (Reggio Emilia concept) ➡️Kennedy Center's CETA (Changing Education Through the Arts) Program CHAPTERS 0:00 - Welcome to Part 2  1:00 - Play, Equity, and Access in Writers Playshop  3:00 - Honoring Every Child's Story  5:00 - What to Watch and Listen For  7:00 - Documentation Without Losing Presence  9:00 - Navigating Required Curricula  11:00 - Fidelity vs. Integrity ⭐  13:00 - Celebrating Children's Work  15:00 - Arts Integration and the Hundred Languages  17:00 - Building Beloved Community Through Story  18:00 - Kindergartners as Environmental Advocates  21:00 - Must-Read Picture Book: Kitchen Dance  23:00 - The Bear Story (Katie's Running Journey)  25:00 - Children Are Our Hope  26:00 - Closing Reflections 🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content. 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Next Week: I'm sitting down with Stacey Shubitz to talk about her groundbreaking new book for families navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and disability services. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Are standards enough to inspire real writers? In this powerful reel, Katie Keier shares why teaching writing standards in isolation isn't creating confident, motivated writers in our classrooms. Learn about the "iceberg method" - where standards are just the tip, and meaningful purpose sits beneath the surface. The truth: Kids can learn to spell "cat" and blend sounds, but without an authentic audience, purpose, and opportunities for student participation, they'll never see themselves as real writers. This video explores how classroom structures like Writers Playshop transform low engagement into active learning by giving students meaningful reasons to write and share their work. Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, and parents looking to improve student engagement, student motivation, and student success through effective teaching strategies. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: • Why teaching standards in isolation fails student engagement • The iceberg approach to writing instruction • How purpose and audience inspire students to become writers • Creating classroom belonging through meaningful writing opportunities • Practical instructional strategies for innovative teaching • Building student participation and attention in class Whether you're focused on lesson planning, teacher coaching, instructional leadership, or supporting thriving students with a pro-kid mindset and whole child approach, this video offers education transformation insights you can implement immediately. 💡 Transform your approach to writing instruction and create empowered educators who inspire teaching that drives real student success and teacher impact. 🚀📚 Watch Part One & Part Two of our ⁨@schoolutionspodcast⁩ S5E22 interview. Chapters: 0:00 - The Standards Question 0:15 - The Iceberg Method Explained 0:35 - Teaching Standards in Isolation 0:50 - Why Purpose Matters for Young Writers 1:10 - Creating Meaningful Writing Opportunities When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey. 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to  🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!  #StudentEngagement #TeachingStrategies #WritingInstruction #EffectiveTeaching #StudentMotivation #ClassroomBelonging #ActiveLearning #InstructionalCoaching #TeacherSupport #EducationLeadership #InnovativeTeaching #InclusiveTeaching #ProKidMindset #WholeChild #StudentSuccess #TeacherImpact #EducationTransformation #InspiredTeaching #ThrivingStudents #EmpoweredEducators #LessonPlanning #SchoolLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EquityInEducation #NewTeachers #MentorTeachers #SchoolImprovement #TeachingTips #WritersWorkshop When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Part One of my S5E22  @schoolutionspodcast conversation, Katie Keier shares how her Writers Playshop is changing kindergarten writing through play. Learn about effective teaching strategies and how to create a dynamic classroom environment where children thrive. In this episode, 33-year veteran teacher Katie Keier shares how a five-year-old revolutionized her entire approach to teaching writing. Discover why she refuses to spell words for children, how materials serve as story catalysts, and why black pens matter more than you think. Researchers & Educators: ➡️Katie Wood Ray ➡️Donald Graves ➡️Lucy Calkins ➡️Nancy Atwell ➡️Matt Glover ➡️Loris Malaguzzi ➡️Vivian Gussin Paley ➡️Susan Harris MacKay and teachers at OPAL School ➡️Carl Anderson Books & Publications: ➡️Catching Readers Before They Fall ➡️Catching Readers Blog ➡️Writers Playshop: Joyful Play in Kindergarten Pedagogical Approaches: ➡️Reggio Emilia Approach ➡️The Hundred Languages in Ministories (Reggio Emilia concept) ➡️OPAL School Story Workshops CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to Solutions Teaching Strategies  1:00 - Katie's Background & the Birth of Writer's Play Shop  3:00 - Meet Katie Keier: 33 Years of Teaching Excellence  4:00 - Research Foundations: Standing on Giants' Shoulders  6:00 - From Writers Workshop to Writers Playshop  7:00 - Stories Live Everywhere: First Day of Kindergarten  9:00 - Materials as Story Catalysts: Invitations to Create  11:00 - Structure & Time: How Writer's Play Shop Works Daily  13:00 - The Teacher's Role: Curious Audience & Support  14:00 - Joy & Infinite Possibilities in Kindergarten  15:00 - Why Katie Never Spells Words for Children  17:00 - Ownership & Agency: Children Reading Their Own Work  18:00 - Representational Drawing & Multilingual Learners  19:00 - Lightning Round: Misconceptions About Kindergarten Writers  20:00 - Essential Materials: Black Pens, Blank Books, Loose Parts  21:00 - Meeting Standards Through Meaningful Writing  23:00 - Building Confidence: From Kindergarten to High School  24:00 - Closing & Preview of Part Two 🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content. 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In Part Two of my S5E21 @schoolutionspodcast conversation,  literacy expert Maria Walther focuses on the power of the read aloud. This episode offers more teaching strategies for educators and builds on our Part One conversation. Discover how incorporating read aloud stories and read aloud books can enhance reading instruction and foster a love for storytime in your classroom. What You'll Learn: ✅ The Monday-Friday Sandwich Strategy for integrating picture books with curriculum ✅ How to plan strategic read-alouds (before, during, after reading) ✅ Why real books create bonds that videos cannot replicate ✅ How to select and teach tier-two vocabulary for active learning ✅ Planning 3-5 strategic questions instead of interrupting every page ✅ Reading books across multiple days for deeper student participation and attention in class ✅ Connecting read-aloud to writing workshop and oral language ✅ How caregivers can support education at home through read-aloud 💫Check out Part One (https://youtu.be/q-E19vZ1XCk) if you missed it on Monday Some Resources Mentioned: 📚 The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease 📚 Isabel Beck's work on tier-two vocabulary 📚 Maria Walther's website with book lists and PD protocols Chapters 0:00 - Welcome to Part 2: The Power of Read Aloud 01:00 - Why Read Aloud Is NOT a Luxury 02:00 - Recap of Part 1 & Today's Focus 03:00 - The Monday-Friday Sandwich Strategy 05:00 - Where to Find Picture Books: Library & Resources 06:00 - Grade-Level Planning & Joyful Book Selection PD 07:00 - Strategic Read Aloud Planning: Before, During, After 09:00 - When to Pause: Reading Student Readiness 10:00 - Why Real Books Beat Video Read-Alouds 11:00 - Building Connection Through Read Aloud 12:00 - Selecting Tier-Two Vocabulary Words 13:00 - Connecting Read Aloud to Writing Workshop 14:00 - Reading 3-5 Books Daily: Making Time for What Matters 15:00 - Strategically Savoring: Pre-Planning vs. Pure Joy Reading 16:00 - Leading vs. Facilitating Conversations 17:00 - Maria's Dream: Read Aloud in Every Classroom Daily 18:00 - This Week's Challenge: Try the Strategies 19:00 - Next Week Preview: Writer's Play Shop with Katie Kier 20:00 - Wrap-Up & Resources Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. 🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content. 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!  Next Episode Preview: Kindergarten teacher Katie Kier on Writer's Play Shop - transforming 5-year-olds into confident authors! When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In this reel clip, we discuss the essential components of shared reading and why it needs to be updated. Many classrooms lack traditional materials, impacting effective teaching strategies. Maria Walther also shares reading tips for creating a more engaging and impactful literacy experience for students. Shared reading doesn't have to disappear from your classroom just because big books are hard to find!  Maria Walther even reveals why shared reading is slipping away in classrooms and shares a game-changing solution that uses materials you already have on your shelf. Discover how to transform your existing picture books into powerful shared reading tools, boosting student engagement, student participation, and active learning without spending a dime on new materials. This innovative teaching approach brings fresh life to effective teaching practices and proves that the best instructional strategies often come from reimagining what's already in your classroom. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Why shared reading has been disappearing from classrooms • How to use picture books for shared reading instead of big books • Practical strategies for student motivation and attention in class • Cost-effective solutions for inspiring students through literacy 🚀📚 Watch the full Part One & Part Two of our ⁨@schoolutionspodcast  S5E21 interview. 0:00 - Why Shared Reading Needs Shaking Up 0:08 - The Real Problem with Shared Reading 0:18 - Big Books Are Disappearing from Classrooms 0:28 - Shared Reading Started Slipping Away 0:38 - The Picture Book Solution 0:48 - Using Read Aloud Books for Shared Reading 0:58 - It's the Materials, Not the Method 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to  👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!  #SharedReading #TeachingTips #LiteracyInstruction #ElementaryTeachers #EducationStrategies #StudentEngagement #ClassroomStrategies #ProfessionalDevelopment #InstructionalCoaching #TeacherLife When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In Part One of my S5E21 @schoolutionspodcast conversation, Maria Walther breaks down the critical difference between read aloud and shared reading, and shares why those short, focused bursts of instruction are the bridge your students need between teacher-led learning and independence. We discuss how to make this work alongside published curriculum, effective teaching, instructional strategies, and lesson planning that honors what kids need. Key Topics Discussed in Part One:  ✅ The difference between read aloud and shared reading  ✅ Why brevity matters for student engagement, active learning, and attention in class  ✅ How to connect phonics instruction to authentic reading experiences  ✅ Planning short burst shared reading sessions that boost student participation  ✅ Using picture books you already have for innovative teaching and inclusive teaching  ✅ Supporting student motivation and inspiring students through focused literacy instruction Some resources mentioned: 📚 Shake Up Shared Reading by Maria Walther 📚 Choice Words by Peter JohnstonOther Books by Maria:  📚 The Ramped-Up Read Aloud📚 More Ramped-Up Read Alouds📚 A Year for the Books 📚 The Literacy Workshop Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to Maria Walther 01:00 - The Problem: Shared Reading is Disappearing 02:00 - Episode Structure & What's Coming 03:00 - Meet Maria Walther: Literacy Expert 04:00 - Essential Research: Peter Johnston's "Choice Words" 05:00 - Why Shake Up Shared Reading? 06:30 - Read Aloud vs. Shared Reading: Key Differences 08:00 - Connecting Phonics to Shared Reading 09:00 - The Power of Short Bursts 10:00 - Planning a Shared Reading Session 12:00 - Text Accessibility & Student Support 13:00 - Lightning Round Begins 13:30 - Advice for First-Year Teachers 14:00 - Biggest Misconception About Shared Reading 14:15 - Most Important Literacy Skill: Inferring 14:45 - What Surprises About First Graders 15:00 - Go-To Questions During Read Aloud 16:00 - This Week's Challenge 17:00 - Wrap-Up & Preview of Part 2 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl 🔗 Part Two drops this week - 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!  When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Part Two of my S5E20 @schoolutionspodcast conversation with Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh, learn about effective digital media and edu tech tools that give students creative agency, fostering interactive learning. In this episode, you'll discover: 🎯 Why traditional curriculum fails and how storytelling bridges the gap 📱 Digital storytelling tools: Canva and Adobe Spark 🎤 The guest speaker strategy that actually resonates with students 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How a 10th-grade interview assignment preserved family legacy ✨ The difference between "supporting" and "RAISING" classrooms 🚀 One actionable next step to start Monday morning Michelle shares how a simple 10th-grade assignment—interviewing an elder family member—became an irreplaceable treasure when her grandfather passed two years later. This is storytelling as legacy, connection, and curriculum combined. 💫Check out Part One & Digital Tools Mentioned: • Canva for Education  • Adobe Spark • Microsoft Clip   Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction: From Why to How—Taking Action with Storytelling 1:00 - Welcome Back to Part Two with Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh 1:46 - Reminder: Listen to Part One First! 2:00 - Bridge Building Solutions: Why Incorporate Storytelling into Curriculum? 2:22 - Storytelling Makes Teaching Human, Simply Put 2:48 - Traditional Curriculum Misses the Mark: The Gaps 3:09 - Storytelling Democratizes Education 4:00 - Seeing Ourselves as Whole Human Beings, Not Victims 4:26 - Digital Storytelling Tools: Capturing and Creating Stories 5:00 - The Power of Canva: Student Agency in Storytelling 5:31 - Removing Barriers: Not Every Student Wants to Raise Their Hand 6:00 - Adobe Spark and Free Educator Accounts 6:42 - Collaborative Memoir Writing: NCTE Session Inspiration 7:00 - Funds of Knowledge: Interviewing Family Members 7:42 - The 10th Grade Assignment That Changed Everything 8:00 - Meet Michelle's Grandfather: The Father Figure Who Made It All Possible 9:00 - Recording the Interview: A Moment of Intuition 9:42 - Discovering Family History: Seeing Grandpa as a Teenager 10:00 - 2 Years Later: Grandfather Passes Away 10:42 - Creating the Funeral Slideshow: Videos Become Legacy 11:00 - Stories Passed Down to Great-Niece's Twins 11:42 - Guest Speakers: Beyond the Perfect Resume 12:00 - Kids Need Real Human Stories, Not Just Credentials 12:42 - The HBCU Guest Speaker Example: Pastor and First Lady 13:00 - Models Who Look Like Them: 90% Black or Caribbean Descent 13:42 - "How Did You Get From Here to There?" The Stories That Matter 14:00 - Mentorship Through Lived Experience 14:42 - Balance: Expertise AND Human Touch 15:00 - Michelle's Quote: "Stories Resonate, Connect, and Cultivate Community" 15:42 - One Next Step for Monday: Start Small 16:00 - Stories as Entry Points to Learning 16:42 - Video Clips, Podcasts, Student Grandparent Stories 17:00 - Storytelling Is NOT an Add-On—It's the Foundation 17:42 - Connection to Learning, to Each Other, to Content, to Teachers 18:00 - "We're Raising the People. We're Raising the Humanity." 18:22 - Closing: Emotional Engagement 18:42 - Olivia's Reflection: Try One Story-Based Entry Point 19:00 - Preview: Next Week with Maria Walther on Read Alouds 19:42 - Credits and Thank You 20:00 - How to Connect and Share This Episode When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Start Monday With One Story | Transform Student Engagement Through Storytelling 📚✨ One simple shift can revolutionize classroom belonging and student motivation. Start with ONE story. ONE perspective. ONE moment. Stories aren't just content—they're entry points that help students see themselves, stay engaged, and go deeper into learning. When we incorporate stories, we raise the humanity in our classrooms. Perfect for teachers, new teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, teacher mentors, homeschoolers, parents, and school counselors seeking effective teaching strategies for student engagement, active learning, and inclusive classrooms. 💬 How do you use storytelling in your classroom? Share below! CHAPTERS: 0:00 - One Next Step for Monday 0:05 - Start With One Story 0:15 - Stories as Entry Points 0:25 - Building Engagement Through Narrative 0:35 - Raising Humanity in Classrooms 🚀📚 Watch the full Part One (https://youtu.be/665GvsiS6pU) & Part Two (https://youtu.be/5D7cqLpwzLw) of our ⁨ @schoolutionspodcast S5E20 interview. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey. 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to  👍LIKE this video if it helped you, 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!  #StudentEngagement #ClassroomBelonging #TeachingStrategies #StudentMotivation #ActiveLearning #InspiringStudents #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #InclusiveTeaching #EffectiveTeaching #TeachingTips #InnovativeTeaching #EquityInEducation #ProKidMindset #WholeChild #NewTeachers #TeacherCoaching #EmpoweredEducators #EducationTransformation #TeacherMentors #InstructionalLeaders #Homeschoolers #ParentInvolvement #FamilyPartnerships #SchoolCulture #StudentParticipation #AttentionInClass #ThrivingStudents #InstructionalStrategies #LessonPlanning #TeacherImpact When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

In Part One of my S5E20  @schoolutionspodcast conversation, Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh shares how inclusive teaching can profoundly impact the student experience and foster a sense of belonging for all students, emphasizing that education for all hinges on deeply connected learning. She discusses how a Spanish teacher's innovative language learning approach helped her overcome feelings of invisibility in the classroom. In this part one deeply personal conversation, Michelle reveals: ✨ Why 54% of students feel culturally unseen in classrooms ✨ How invisibility shows up as "silence in the curriculum" ✨ The difference between learning for compliance vs. connection ✨ Gloria Ladson-Billings's culturally responsive pedagogy framework ✨ Why humanizing ourselves as teachers unlocks classroom belonging Stay tuned for Part Two (on Friday), where Michelle offers digital storytelling tools. Some resources mentioned: ➡️Storytelling Can Bridge Cultural Gaps 🎤How Cultural Representation Improves Education ➡️ Gloria Ladson-Billings  ➡️ StoryCorps ➡️ Smithsonian Learning Resources ➡️ Zinn Education Project ➡️ PBS LearningMedia Chapters:  0:00 Introduction: What Does Invisibility in the Classroom Look Like? 1:00 Meet Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh: A Year in the Making 1:46 Today's Focus: Storytelling Can Bridge Cultural Gaps 2:13The Research Foundation: Gloria Ladson-Billings & Culturally Responsive Pedagogy 2:53 Taking Us Back: 9 Years Old, Newly Arrived from Jamaica 3:14 Education as Priority: Coming to America for Better Opportunities 4:00 The Adult Lens: Looking Back as an Educator and Researcher 4:44 Invisibility Wasn't Loud—It Was Silence in the Curriculum 5:31 Learning for Compliance, Not Connection 6:04 Succeeding Without Being Fully Seen 6:42 The Shock: When Friends Met Her Indian Family 7:00 The Statistics: 54% Students of Color, 82% White Teachers 7:24 The Representation Gap in Education Today 8:00 Enter Ms. Fernandez: Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grade Spanish Teacher 8:51 Education Beyond Performance and Perfection 9:17 Prioritizing Connection Over Transaction 9:42 The Learning That Stuck: Songs, Café con Leche, and Las Tiendas 10:34 Standing Up Out of Respect: A Cultural Moment 11:42 Permission to Be Different While Honoring Culture 12:17 Reflecting on Teaching Refugees in California 13:00 The Equal Playing Field: Learning Spanish Together 13:42 Lightning Round Begins! 14:00 Top Resource for Storytelling: Start with Listening 15:00 Storytelling Requirement: Beyond Textbooks and into Lives 16:00 "When You Share Your Story, You Become Human" 16:42 What Would Ms. Fernandez Say? A Look of Pride 17:00 Wrapping Part I: The Spanish Spelling Bee Memory 17:33 Preview of Part II: Getting Practical with Digital Tools 18:00 Closing: Your Homework—Share When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Part Two of my S5E19 @schoolutionspodcast conversation with Rusty Keeler tackles the "how" of implementing adventurous play—storage solutions, liability myths, phantom policies, and the 13-year success story of Ithaca Children's Garden's Anarchy Zone. 🎯 What You'll Learn: • Storage and organization strategies for loose parts play (yes, even for Type A educators!) • How to address liability concerns with administrators and insurance companies • The truth about licensing requirements vs. internalized fears • Real implementation examples from the Anarchy Zone • Why the "boring adult stuff" is actually sacred advocacy work • How to prolong play instead of preventing it 🔑 Key Takeaways: The biggest barrier to adventurous play isn't insurance or regulations—it's phantom policies we've internalized as unchangeable truth. Rusty reveals how to have productive conversations with decision-makers, address real concerns while letting go of unfounded fears, and create messy corners or anarchy zones that transform outdoor learning. Some resources mentioned: • Ithaca Children's Garden • Adventure play networks (OPAL, Reimagining Recess Project) • Guide to 100 Outdoor Loose Parts Chapters: 0:00 - Welcome to Part 2 1:00 - The Phantom Policy Problem 3:00 - Why Loose Parts Transform Play 6:00 - The Cloak of Invisibility Approach 8:00 - Organization Strategies for Type A Educators 10:00 - The Messy Corner Solution 12:00 - Teacher Role: Observation & Validation 13:00 - Addressing Liability Concerns 15:00 - The Licensing Scapegoat 17:00 - Doing the Boring Stuff for Kids 18:00 - The Anarchy Zone Story 21:00 - Meeting with Insurance (Spoiler: They Said Yes!) 23:00 - Leading with Hearts, Using Our Voices 25:00 - Final Reflections: Sacred Advocacy Work 26:00 - Resources & Next Week's Preview 27:00 - Call to Action Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired, and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey. 💌 Take Action: Pick up the phone or send that email to one decision-maker about implementing adventurous play. Then email me at [email protected] to share how it went! 🎧 New episodes every Monday & Friday with bite-sized Wednesday reel bonus content. 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!  #AdventurousPlay #LoosePartsPlay #OutdoorLearning #RiskyPlay #StudentEngagement #TeachingStrategies #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport #SchoolLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #InclusiveEducation #WholeChild #EquityInEducation #InstructionalCoaching #ActiveLearning #NaturalPlaygrounds #AnarchyZone #IthacaChildrensGarden #RustyKeeler #PlayBasedLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ElementaryEducation #EducationReform #EmpoweredEducators #StudentSuccess #ReimaginRecess #PlayMatters #ChildhoodUnplugged #OutdoorPlay #Schoolutions #SchoolutionsPodcast #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies #ForeverGettingBetter When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Discover the power of loose parts in creating engaging, natural play spaces that boost creativity, student engagement, and active learning! In this reel clip with Rusty Keeler, we explore how simple, low-cost materials can transform any outdoor environment—whether it's a school playground, backyard, or homeschool setting—into a space where children thrive. Learn why traditional playground equipment like monkey bars isn't enough, and how natural elements like rolling hills, sand, water, mud, trees, gardens, and loose materials empower students to take control of their environment. This approach supports the whole child, promotes student participation, inspires creativity, and creates opportunities for collaborative problem-solving. Perfect for teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, and anyone interested in innovative teaching, culturally responsive teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms where every child can succeed. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why loose parts are essential for natural play spaces ✅ How to design outdoor environments that inspire students without breaking the bank ✅ The connection between natural play, student motivation, and student success ✅ Practical teaching tips for incorporating nature into your educational setting ✅ How loose parts support equity in education and the pro-kid mindset Whether you're focused on lesson planning, instructional strategies, school improvement, or creating stronger home-school connections, this video offers education strategies that support empowered educators and thriving students. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction: The Importance of Loose Parts 0:15 - Designing Natural Play Spaces vs Traditional Playgrounds 0:35 - What Makes a Natural Play Environment 0:50 - The Power of Loose Parts in Any Yard 1:05 - How Loose Parts Boost Creativity & Collaboration 1:20 - Student Engagement Through Environmental Control 1:35 - Making Natural Play Accessible & Affordable 1:50 - Final Thoughts: Transform Your Space Today 🚀📚 Watch Part One (https://youtu.be/hwx1X65Og7M) & Part Two (https://youtu.be/u3z8T-q-SHg) of our ⁨ @schoolutionspodcast S5E19 interview. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey. 📧 Connect: [email protected] 🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl Don't forget to 🔔SUBSCRIBE for more teaching tips, and 💬SHARE with fellow educators!  #LoosePartsPlay #NaturalPlaySpaces #StudentEngagement #ActiveLearning #InnovativeTeaching #InclusiveClassrooms #WholeChild #ProKidMindset #EmpoweredEducators #EducationStrategies #OutdoorLearning #PlayBasedLearning #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #EquityInEducation #TeacherCoaching #ThrivingStudents #NaturalPlayground #OutdoorClassroom #ChildLedLearning #EducationTransformation #InstructionalStrategies #ProfessionalDevelopment #SchoolLeadership #ParentInvolvement #HomeschoolEducation #EffectiveTeaching #InspiringStudents #EducationForAll #NaturePlay #CreativePlay #Schoolutions #SchoolutionsPodcast #SchoolutionsTeachingStrategies #ForeverGettingBetter When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.