Elementary Schooled: Recent Episodes
Melanie Whipple
The purpose of Elementary Schooled is to answer any academic, behavior, safety or social issue an elementary school aged child might be facing in today's world.
We are all being "schooled," but we come together as parents, educators and professionals, for deeper learning and understanding to help our children navigate through increasing pressures and stresses in our modern world.
The bell has RUNG! So... get seated, and join Elementary Schooled for today's interview.
What happens when we have to make that important call to help a child who might be in harm's way? How do we know if we SHOULD call? What is the process like now as opposed to what it was like a few years ago? How can we really help a family struggling?
These answers and more are eloquently answered by DCFS Asst. Director for the state of Utah, Charri Brummer.
RESOURCES:
https://dcfs.utah.gov/
https://dcfs.utah.gov/services/child-protective-services/
As a public elementary school teacher, I love public school! However, there are other choices to consider when your student might need a different learning environment to have their needs met.
Caitlin Lee, from EdChoice, walks us through basic school choice programs that are available in every state.
She specifically answers questions regarding school vouchers, tax-credit scholarships and education savings accounts, including the "Utah Meets All Scholarship" program.
RESOURCES:
https://edchoice.morningconsultintelligence.com/reports/national-report.pdf
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/2176553b75a44f93ad3e767ecd7c2f0a
https://ufascholarship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UFA_FamilyHandbook-4-1.pdf
We are in hot pursuit of our students' biggest bully....SOCIAL MEDIA!
Aimee Winder Newton, Senior Advisor to Governor Cox and the Director of the Office of Families for the State of Utah...gives us important insights to how social media is affecting our students and what we can do about it!
RESOURCES:
https://socialharms.utah.gov/
Did you see the Superbowl ads about the NFL Character Playbook Program? What a program! This program is about character building--students learn specific skills for building relationships, conflict resolution, accepting yourself and others, how to set boundaries with a bully, and other important skills.
In this interview, Khalia Murray from EverFi also introruduces us to several FREE programs for K-12 students. These programs can be used in both home settings and classroom settings and there is "no catch" as Khalia explains. These programs teach specific tools for building life skills including the most recently added courses of "Vaping: Know the Truth" and "Prescription Drug Safety." Check out these awesome resources below:
RESOURCES:
NFL Character Playbook
https://characterplaybook.com/about/
EverFi
https://everfi.com/courses/k-12/character-playbook-healthy-relationships/
Have you ever heard that "excessive praise creates pain" in our kids? What is the antidote for our kids' anxiety and depression? Dr. Charles Fay and Dr, Daniel Amen give the research behind these concepts, and other simple solutions in their new book, RAISING MENTALLY STRONG KIDS.
In this interview, Dr. Charles Fay walks us through 3 simple, important steps to help instill problem-solving, confidence and resilience in our youth.
RESOURCES:
https://www.audible.com/pd/Raising-Mentally-Strong-Kids-Audiobook/B0CWM658K2?source_code=GO1MB12109072190YI&ds_rl=1261256&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAaw6iJxM6J61bav69ypnfqD8xMgFr8kaQqtpvPjOqhJqGoHYDWc2mxoC4HUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Mentally-Strong-Kids-Neuroscience/dp/1496484797
https://www.loveandlogic.com/collections/classes-and-conferences?tw_source=google&tw_adid=689243299102&tw_campaign=20973893646&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAZnNngCmTcN28zL1WBgrD6xJJd9TkCSDsXdgRN5AoHy_1Ra4bYVvPxoCfzwQAvD_BwE
https://danielamenmd.com/raising-mentally-strong-kids/?utm_term=%22new%20parenting%20books%22%27&utm_campaign=AMP:+Raising+Mentally+Strong+Kids,+Preorder+-+traffic&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=6943079525&hsa_cam=20973382717&hsa_grp=157371039839&hsa_ad=688802655108&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-2272670677851&hsa_kw=%22new%20parenting%20books%22%27&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAbQ82nxrHn4LBh6XsOYSEp74QTOcgzvUwhkS38WYjznV7PNpDc6CphoCB9UQAvD_BwE
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been classified by the World Health Organization as one of the Top 5 Most Debilitating Disorders plaguing our children, and people in general.
There is HELP! Amazing help, in the form of what is called EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE PREVENTION THERAPY.
If your child shows signs of any OCD behaviors, take in this thought-provoking and informative interview with Paul Peterson, CEO and Founder of several OCD and Anxiety Treatment Centers in the United States.
RESOURCES:
https://platform.who.int/mortality/themes/theme-details/topics/indicator-groups/indicator-group-details/MDB/obsessive-compulsive-disorder
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
https://www.theocdandanxietytreatmentcenter.com/ocd-treatment-lp-new/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwP6sBhDAARIsAPfK_wY9Qrd780kFKdn0fedrMsPfe_EhU0FEkw5MVdmGafDisMXzc6ayKigaAsosEALw_wcB
Do you want to save your child from a lot of depression and anxiety? Dina Alexander, founder of Educate and Empower Kids, shares 3 tools for empowering our children who are growing up in a porn culture.
Research shows that pornography changes thought processes, inluding thoughts about other human beings. It also affects decision making, conditions the brain that no means yes, and causes confusion about relationships, intimacy and sexuality.
"Be Prepared, Not Scared" in talking about sex with our kids, delaying phones/social media, and teaching about dangers that exist online.
Educate and Empower Kids:
https://educateempowerkids.org/
Raising Strong Kids in a Porn Culture:
https://youtu.be/bc8GRxGXBFY?si=KJU15PMIxod6EJPm
30 Days of Sex Talks (ages 3-7) by Dina Alexander:
https://www.amazon.com/Days-Sex-Talks-Ages-3-7/dp/1736721577
30 Days of Sex Talks (ages 8-11) by Dina Alexander:
https://www.amazon.com/Days-Sex-Talks-Ages-8-11/dp/B0CGL24VM6/ref=pd_bxgy_img_d_sccl_1/133-6423440-7752357?pd_rd_w=64wu2&content-id=a
30 Days of Sex Talks (12 and up) by Dina Alexander:
https://educateempowerkids.org/product/30-days-of-sex-talks-for-ages-12-empowering-your-child-with-knowledge-of-sexual-intimacy-volume-3/
Justin Berube, award-winning domestic trial attoney of Farr, Cragun and Berube Law Firm, answers many commonly asked questions surrounding why litigating may or not be best to helping you protect your kids and family during the difficult process of divorce. He describes how to choose an attorney that's best for you, how to avoid common mistakes parents make, the role of a guardian ad litem, the process of custody evaluations including how classroom teachers are involved.
RESOURCES:
FARR, CRAGUN & BERUBE LAW FIRM
https://www.utah-lawfirm.com/
PAY OFF A CHILD'S SCHOOL LUNCH MONEY DEBT:
@elementaryschooled or contact your local school district to choose an elementary school of your choice. For $10.50 you can pay for a child's school lunch for one week. Thank you for your generosity!
What if we told you there are 3 plans we choose from in trying to get a child (or anyone) to do something we want them to do? In this interview, learn about "Plan B," the winner for improving behavior.
Dr. Stuart Ablon, Founder and Director of Think: Kids in the Department of Psychiatry at Boston Massachusetts General Hospital, shares this Plan B "recipe" with simple ingredients that can be used in any classroom or home. It works!
"Kids Lack SKILL not WILL"
"Kids Do Well if They Can"
Resources:
Think: Kids
https://thinkkids.org/
Collaborative Problem Solving
https://thinkkids.org/cps-overview/
Are you a parent who feels burdened by your student's lunch debt? Are you a teacher seeing kids who come to school hungry? Are you a community member who wants to help keep our kids fed and doing well in school?
Kathleen Britton, Director of Child Nutrition Programs for the Utah State Board of Education shares the resources and application process to help families feel less burdened with school lunch debt. She also updates us on what is being done in Utah, similar to other states, who has over 1.7 million dollars in school lunch debt!
PLEASE take a moment to contribute $10.50 to pay off a week's worth of lunch debt at two Utah elementary schools in Tooele School District, to help relieve the burden of these families.
VENMO @elementaryschooled
https://www.schools.utah.gov/CNP
https://www.schools.utah.gov/cnp/asp
https://www.utfarmtofork.org/#:~:text=The%20Utah%20Farm%20to%20Fork,fork%20activities%20and%20shared%20projects.
https://www.fns.usda.gov/sbp/school-breakfast-program
https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp
https://www.schools.utah.gov/cnp/sso
https://www.schools.utah.gov/cnp/smphttps://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program
https://house.utleg.gov/rep/CLANCT/
How can we meet the needs of all elementary students when there is such a variety of learning styles and personalities in each classroom and home?
Gloria Taylor, a seasoned teacher for over 40 years, shares refreshing practices that are working to meet the needs of high achieving, average, and strugglign students, including helping them dump their "nervous energy."
Gloria's dynamic style and methods have fostered academic and emotional progress for her students in both the classroom and also in her learning center for tutoring and enrichment, which she has led for the past 20 years.
Are we over the top sports parents, or keeping ourselves together on the sidelines?
Are we pushing our kids too hard, or not enough?
How do we find our child's niche?
How does being part of a team benefit our kids?
Coach Brad Thurber was nominated by YOU to walk us through the answers to these questions and more.
Dr. Michele Borba, author of UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in an All-About-Me World, explains that narcissism is up by 58% and empathy is down by 40% over the last two decades.
How can we help our kids in a world that values "me" more than "we?"
The answers are surprisingly simple: 1- Teach empathy, 2- Practice empathy, and 3- Live empathy. Dr. Borba shares small and simple ways we can do this in daily moments. Her behavioral studies and examples in this book and in this interview give great hope that we can turn this around!
Find Dr. Borba on Youtube in one of her interviews on the Today Show, Dr. Phil, Dateline, The View, NBC Nightly news, Dr. Oz, Anderson Cooper, MSNBC, Fox & Friends, The Early Show, The Doctors, and CNN.
RESOURCES:
https://micheleborba.com/
https://www.amazon.com/UnSelfie-Empathetic-Succeed-All-About-Me-World/dp/1501110071
https://us.rootsofempathy.org/
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=michele+borba+today+show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWAPs9LZVFQ&t=163s
Utah parent and educators put "safety and security" as the number one concern, priority and focus as students head back to school for the 2023-24 schoolyear. This interview sheds light on the updates, commitment and dedication of the Utah School Security Task Force as Randy Watt, CEO of SRW (security company) walks us through the behind the scenes efforts and actions being made to keep our kids protected at school.
Randy Watt has combined his 36 years of experience in the police force and 33 years (and 10 months) of active duty in the military, together to help Utah, and other states, create SECURE and SAFE schools in 3 ways: 1- Physical Measures, 2- Technology, 3- Personnel Training/Activities.
*Stay tuned for the end of this interview for some of the pre-interview chit chat where Randy gives great life advice with his enthusiasm, optimism, and tips for success.
https://www.srwinc.us/who-we-are/
https://safeut.org/
https://le.utah.gov/~2023/bills/static/HB0061.html
Have you wondered if your child has a learning difference (disability)? What if you knew it might just be a matter of how ipad/device scrolling has changed your child's eye tracking movements? Many teachers, like myself, see the difference in how students now struggle with regular left to right reading and tracking patterns. The program highlighted in this interview can help with this, and any other neurological processes that could possibly be getting in the way of your child's learning abilities.
If you are discouraged or looking for possible ways to help your child, the mix of physiological and neurological therapy is one path that has helped countless students over the last 30 plus years.
It can be frustrating to have your child on a waiting list to get help with a neurologist psychologist or other specialist, let alone the time and expense this may take.
There are many paths to helping a child with learning differences!
In this interview, Robbie and Fifi Clayton of "Learning Technics" (learningtechnics.com), share the personal journey of their own child and how the success of this program led to her improcements and achievements, and getting her skills up to grade level.
**This is an online program. If you wish to try it out, USE THE PROMOCODE "SCHOOLED10" to receive 10 percent off. Go to Learningtechnics.com
What are the best ways to support a military connected student and their families?
Jenn Rupp, a military educational therapist, knows the life of deployments, moves, making and re-making new friends all too well as she grew up as a "military brat" as she says, and is also married to a marine who she supported as he served all around the world for 27 years. In this interview, Jenn helps us understand how challenging it can be for children moving around, re-rooting themselves in different schools, and/or experiencing deployment of a parent(s).
Jenn shares 3 of her many strategies for helping children through the anxiety that many of these moves or parent deployments create in a child, and also shares great resources listed here:
https://dmna.ny.gov/family/docs/education
https://www.militarychild.org/
Is your child extra smart? Does your child get bored at school? How do you challenge a high level thinker at home or in the classroom? What options are available for kids who may have become "turned off" because regular classroom work is too easy for them?
Meet exceptional teacher, Lyn Manning, who teaches in a fourth grade high ability classrooom. In this interview, she gives great advice to parents and teachers for challenging kids who come with high critical thinking skills. Ms. Manning also talks about the pros and cons of having an advanced learner.
https://www.lexialearning.com/?utm_campaign=21_LDG_C0_-_TOF_-_Remarketing_Aug_US_PPC&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_content=
https://k12.kendallhunt.com/program/project-m3-mentoring-mathematical-minds-grades-3-6
https://www.secondstep.org/
https://www.google.com/search?q=passion+projects+for+kids&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS1017US1021&oq=passion+projects+for+kids&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512j0i22i30l2j0i390l4.11782j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Meet children's author, Shelly Brown! Shelly is the enthusiastic and witty author behind Ghostsitter, and the co-author with her husband Chad Morris, of Mustaches for Maddie, Squint, Willa and the Whale, Virtually Me, and also The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry, coming out this summer.
Shelly's books share strong messages of bravery, compassion, friendship, mourning loss, trust, and accepting yourself and others, which makes all who read these stories feel lighter on their feet.
In this interview, Shelly shares her advice on how to get kids excited to read, read, read and write, write, write!
https://shadowmountain.com/author-book/shelly-brown/
http://www.mustachesformaddie.com/
http://www.shellybrownwriter.com/about-the-author.html
Did you know that 19% of our students are NOT showing up every day? (this is a Utah Statistic but it is similar to neighboring states). Absenteeism is a growing problem throughout the nation's classrooms.
This interview with (Utah) State Board of Education Prevention Specialist, Amy Steele-Smith, helps us understand the following:
- How to help our most missed students--Kindergartners! Full day Kindergarten might be the solution.
- How to help an anxious child feel supported and needed at school, one step at at time.
- How to take that family vacation, but give the message to your kids that school is a high priority.
RESOURCES:
Prevention and Student Services - Utah State Board of Education
https://www.schools.utah.gov/prevention/absenteeismdropout
Attendance Works
https://www.attendanceworks.org/
School Superintendent, Daniel Linford, of the Davis School District in Davis County, Utah, answers questions and conerns regarding:
-The Summit Learning Program
-Getting back on track after Covid- mentally, socially, and academically
-Diversity and Racial Inclusion Initiatives
-School Safety
-Athletics vs. Fine Arts
-Dispelling "furries" and other rumors
https://www.summitlearning.org/https://www.davis.k12.ut.us/departments/office-of-equal-opportunityhttps://www.schoolsafety.gov/state-search-tool/utah
What do we say to a child who has been through a traumatic event? How do we help students with lengthy trauma histories? What do we say to children who have questions about traumatic news stories they are exposed to?
First, Dr. Jody reminds us parents and/or educators to take care of OURSELVES before we can take care of our babes. We all need support, and in this life, we cycle through the roles of being a helper, and a the one being helped.
If you are in education, check out Dr. Carrington's "Reconnect Training" (TIES), to be a Trauma Informed Educator.https://www.drjodycarrington.com/online-courses/
Other Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Jody's New Book: Feeling Seen
https://www.drjodycarrington.com/feeling-seen/
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score
Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/539223/tell-me-more-by-kelly-corrigan/
Did you know that emotional regulation can only be taught to children when they have their "lids flipped?"
What a privilege to have two-time, best-selling author and savvy psychologist, Dr. Jody Carrington, share her wisdom and humor in this interview! Dr. Jody teaches us how to teach kids about the emotions they are feeling by SHOWING them, not TELLING them, and ultimately how to "walk each other home" by connecting and re-connecting with each other.
Dr. Jody Carrington is a renowned psychologist, sought after for her expertise, energy, and approach to helping people solve their most complex human-centered challenges. Jody focuses much of her work around re-connection, the key to healthy relationships and productive teams.
Jody Carrington has two National Bestselling Books, 'Teachers These Days,' and 'Kids These Days,' and a third book being released next month, called, 'Feeling Seen.'https://www.drjodycarrington.com/
This interview includes laughs and tears, as experienced Love & Logic mom, Jen Vanderlinden, opens up about real life tricky situations in raising kids.
Learn some one-liners, how to keep a boundary tight when feeling vulnerable, and how to encourage your child/student to make good decisions and create their own boundaries as they increase their confidence and abilities to do so.
Don't forget to catch the actual PowerPoint at the end! Kids come smart these days, so watch out world!
Resources:
https://www.loveandlogic.com/
https://5lovelanguages.com/
Jim Fay, co-founder of the Love and Logic Institute, educator, author, professional consultant, and national speaker (with over 40 years of experience), gives us important sound bites and wisdom on how to be a Love and Logic parent or teacher.
https://www.loveandlogic.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Search&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_term=%7Bkeyword%7D&campaignid=15365740500&adgroupid=132728524240&creative=564344514896&keyword=love%20and%20logic&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj4ecBhD3ARIsAM4Q_jFRtk7mBxZC6Dn7eGSBK7H1K19xVfvRDqiID2q1Y1F9eUlCKadWDrMaAiCsEALw_wcB
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or working with children/youth in any way, Love and Logic philosophy and strategies will benefit your situation because....IT WORKS.
Art Credit: Anita Hart Carroll
https://anitahartcarroll.com
"I wanted to show a modern mother who has strength and is equal to the task. It was important to me to show that she has been injured from the battles she has fought, and from the obvious sweat, dirt and fresh wounds, it is clear that she is not finished nor at rest. It was also important to me to show that she is leading others to follow her into what appears to be more darkness...[but she, is carrying LIGHT]." -Anita Hart Carroll
YOU could be the one to make an incredible impact on your child's school by starting a School Carnival Fundraiser!
Gina Kearns, mother to 4 and parent volunteer extraordinaire, started with a willing heart and 10 volunteers she grew into 100! Her vision and perseverance helped make a social and financial impact to her childrens' school.
This interview saves you 9 years of arduous labor as Gina gives all the tips, tricks, and practical solutions she learned along the way. Your carnival could be a hit from day one!
Do you have any idea what the "behind the scenes" of a Kindergarten classroom looks like? What is a "stoplight game"? What is happening with Velcro? :) And how can we prevent technology from overtaking our kids' time and hindering their communication skills?
Rachel Orison, an outstanding Kindergarten teacher in Utah, shares the critical pieces of learning to read: phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and forming letter sounds correctly with our voice and lips. Mrs. Orison teaches us how to build foundational skills to help children develop a love and confidence in learning to read.
Rachel also explains how to help our children be in the same space, be more wiling to share, and that it is more than okay to tell our kids no.
Resources:
Kids These Days by Jody Carrington, PhD
https://www.drjodycarrington.com/kids-these-days/
LETRS by Louisa C. Moats & Carol A. Tolman
https://www.lexialearning.com/letrs?utm_campaign=21_LDG_C0_-_TOF_-_Remarketing_Aug_US_PPC&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_content=webpage&utm_term=Remarketing-LETRS&cid=7014v000002e7rZAAQ&ar=&aid=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj4ecBhD3ARIsAM4Q_jFUmgay6kb2ZjHXkcLJwDA2SVHk8JEktnRo7c5P-DUAm_bnfEzcOhAaAvIzEALw_wcB
Teachers Pay Teachers- online resource
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj4ecBhD3ARIsAM4Q_jHwkzZyQEkwetzkzoEabUQuCppZvxa4mszrvWpgdFuUeaIuOFYH_gsaAmohEALw_wcB
Climbing the Literacy Ladder (reading interventions) by Beverly Tyner
https://www.beverlytyner.net/www
This is a touching interview with mom and teacher, Rachel Parry, about her experiences having her son in special needs/functional skills classrooms throughout his 18 years of life.
She shares how to advocate for your child, work with your child's teachers, and take care of yourself in one of the most rewarding (and exhausting) callings in life.
Don't let ADD or ADHD get in the way of critical learning years for your child. With correct treatment, your child will drastically improve in the classroom-both academically and behaviorally.
ADHD and other attention disorders are a common issue for children these days. In this interview, Dr. Jason Hoagland, a pediatrian for more than 20 years, breaks down diagnosis, treatment, and important information to help parents and educators identify the symptoms and get help.
80% of children outgrown attention disorders, so that's the good news!
Parents/Educators - How to help your child experiencing anxiety at home or in the classroom.
Dr. Jason Hoagland has over 20 years experience in helping diagnose, understand, and treat children with anxiety. He shares tools to help us, help our children, with this increasingly common disorder.
Resource: "A Little Spot of Feelings" book series by Diane Alber
https://www.dianealber.com/collections/spot-series?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=12517230897&utm_content=120705078958&utm_term=diane%20alber%20spots&gadid=508680186616&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj4ecBhD3ARIsAM4Q_jGDpQGZ8kO2YNOu676yGdvItKus9NAeZqtTlB9sbgl6Kjc4QpLVSBkaAiVWEALw_wcB
*Photo Credit: Fizkes-Getty Images
Elementary School Parents: Today, your top 3 questions are being answered by an experienced teacher and principal, Lisa Ronnenkamp.
Questions from parents like you:
1- "My child did not get the teacher we requested this year. What is the process like and why couldn't my request be met?"
2- "Why does there seem to be so much documenting and smoothing over every playground issue that occurs these days? When I was a kid, we had to figure it out ourselves."
3-"Like most parents, I am more concerned than ever before about school safety. What behind the scenes efforts are going on to improve safety at our elementary schools where there is a high volume of parents going in and out of the school every day?"
Resource:
https://www.schoolsafety.gov/foundational-elements-school-safety
Why is my child struggling in school? How are safety protocols being updated? What can I do to get extra support for my child suffering from anxiety? How do I know if my child has an attention disorder?
The purpose of Elementary Schooled is to answer these questions and many more, through interviews with professionals, educators, and parents.
We are all being "schooled" so it's time to come together for deeper learning and understanding, to help our children navigate through today's world.
The bell has RUNG! So, get seated, and enjoy "Elementary Schooled" for today's interview!
*Podcast Started on Youtube on October 7, 2022.
*Host = Melanie Whipple
Email = elementary.schooled@outlook.com