Our Young Creators: Recent Episodes

Yong Pratt

Looking to raise a smarter kid? Each week we’ll explore ways in which the arts can help you do just that. Top artists, educators, and entrepreneurs will also be sharing why the arts are so very important to your child, along with actionable ideas you can easily implement into your already busy schedule. Tune in for new episodes each Friday - just in time to kick off the weekend with arts-inspired fun and learning.

View Details

Today we're celebrating 100 episodes! Tune in to find out what's in store for you and your kiddos in 2018. Spoiler Alert: new opportunities and connections coming YOUR way!!!

View Details

Ever wondered if I have a fav episode? Fav guest or fav topic? Tune in to find out which episode of the podcast is my personal fav.

View Details

Do you have a fav episode of the Raising smART Kids 2.0 podcast? Find out if your favs made it into our top 17 of 17 based on the number of downloads per episode.

View Details

Hello and welcome back to the raising smart kid 2.0 podcast. I'm so glad you tuned in for today's episode because I feel it's probably one of the most important ones that we've done in our almost one hundred episodes before we get to that if I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet. My name is Yaşam Prax and I'm the host of raising smart kids 2.0 podcasts. More importantly, I'm a mom of two daughters a wife and have. Had the privilege working with thousands of students along with their parents. In my 17 years as a performing arts educator, I'm glad you tuned in today because you failed.

Now for some people, those two words can be completely devastating which is really unfortunate because it's through our failures that we learn more. Thomas Edison the inventor of the light bulb is said to have failed 1000 times. However, he didn't see those 1000 failures as failures. He says the fastest way to succeed is to double your failure rate.

So what are you going to fail at today? What will you allow your kids to fail at today? In our society failure definitely is seen as a negative quality.

But in my 17 years as a business owner and my 14 years as a mom and 20 years as an educator failure is something that you need to instill in our kids as a positive quality and water. My favorite things to think about when it comes to failure is a little clip in the movie. Meet the Robinsons where the main character is devastated because something he created doesn't work. Louis is distraught. Meanwhile, the family around him start hooting and hollering and they are getting out the confetti cannons and celebrating his failure because of what they know is that the more times you fail the closer you are. At achieving that success. Over on this show notes page 4 of this podcast I'll include that clip from Meet the Robinsons because it really accurately depicts how we need to be able to see failure.

When my oldest was in kindergarten she came home and she was so excited because she had earned an eraser or something so some small trinkets from her classroom teacher. When I inquired about how she had earned this coveted trinket she said, "Mommy I didn't make any mistakes on my schoolwork and there were no eraser marks so I got a prize!"

And I thought oh man if kids are taught to not make mistakes we're not allowed to make mistakes and those mistakes aren't celebrated as part of the learning process. Wow. Our kids are going to have a hard time dealing with things as they get older enough to go into the world on their own. So today I want you to think about this. I have one of my favorite quotes and it's by Walt Disney in this quote he talks about not spending too much time looking back. Or in other words not spending too much mental capacity thinking about what you might construe as a failure because each of those mistakes leads to the success and leads you to where you need to be.

So he says around here, however, we don't look back for very long. We keep moving forward opening new doors and doing new things. It has. We are curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. And for me personally and in my 17-year-old business that couldn't be more true. When I opened our doors 17 years ago I did so with wanting to share my love of dance with my community as I progressed through my business and my kids desired to learn something new.

My oldest wanted to learn the drums and then she wanted to learn karate so it was my responsibility as a mom and really as a creator to make those opportunities available for her. So rather than just teach dance we offered more opportunities for more families to come together and enjoy all of our programs under one roof. Saving them time and money and really the hassle of having to take multiple kids to multiple places around town at the same time. And now as we round out 2017 heading into 2018 we're opening new doors here at the academy and here on the podcast as well. We're going to dive with both feet into the deep end and introduce ways to equip kids to fund their own future.

Now what that looks like is we're going to be offering courses on wine for kids across the U.S. and maybe even the world for them to learn marketable skills such as this putting together a podcast helping somebody else put out a podcast. Creating websites making videos taking photos all things that kids can do right now no matter what their age no matter what anyone else thinks. Kids are so capable and we just need to get out of their way and let them explore those things that light them up let them explore those things where their inner creator comes out and is magnified because they are loving what they are doing. And to end this podcast I want to close with another of my favorite Disney quotes and this has to do with kids and their potential and their ability to create their own Brighter Futures which is what we're helping you do here at the podcast and at the academy in 2013.

And here is the quote,

"To the youngsters of today.The world is getting better there still is plenty of opportunity." Yes.

And as we head into the future a future where 65 percent of the jobs today won't exist when our kids are adults we need to equip them with skills to create their own opportunities create their own brighter future and create ways for them to fund those dreams are you with me head over to Elco Arts Academy.

The interim Facebook page for the podcast and in 2018 we're going to roll out a new name to a new mission and a new way of connecting and impacting our kids in a bigger way. OK, my friends, I will catch you very soon. I wish you a very happy rest of your day. And here is to equipping kids to create their own brighter futures.

Cheers. Thanks for tuning in to the raising smart kids 2.0 podcast

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-X78sx6gPg&w=560&h=315

View Details

In this fourth and final episode in our "What If" series, we're dreaming about "What if your child could fund their own future."

View Details

During part 3 of this 3 part series, we're diving into "What if...you could choose your child's ideal educators?"

View Details

On part 2 of this 4 part series, we're projecting 10-20 years into the future. Your kiddo is all grown and independent. "What If...you could choose the traits and characteristics you wish your child to have? Let's dive in, shall we?

View Details

Welcome to part 1 of a 4 part series entitled, "What If Wednesdays." We'll chat and dream big about the experiences we want for our kids. Podcast Transcript: Welcome to the Raising SmART Kids podcast! I'm your host Yong Pratt and each week we'll explore ways in which the arts can help you raise a smarter kid. I'll be sharing ways the arts can propel your child's learning and interviewing top artists, educators and entrepreneurs. these guests will share why the arts are so very important to your child along with actionable ideas you can easily implement into your already busy schedules. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast here on iTunes and share us with a friend. For extra tips on raising smart kids head on over to artsmartparenting.com and click on the live tab. Hello and welcome back to the Raising SmART Kids 2.0 podcast! I'm so excited you're tuning in today. I wanted to share a four part series but I previously shared with my performing arts academy but I haven't shared with all of you podcast listeners and this four-part series was called 'What If Wednesdays' and it really let us as parents dive in to think about our kids and think about the experiences we want for them to have whether in school, outside of school or just in general. I wanted to make sure that I shared that here with you especially as we head into the holiday season, things get really really busy so I wanted 1. to keep these episodes really short and really bite-sized for you as we go into a very busy time of year and 2. because we're getting close to Thanksgiving. This is sort of a way for us to take some time and reflect and be grateful for our kids be grateful for who they are and to really be grateful for the people that we know they're going to be as they grow. So, over the next four weeks I will be sharing one little mini bite-sized pieces with you on our What If Wednesday series. If you have questions about any of the things we talked about on the What If series, you can head over to a different Facebook page, and as you may remember we are going to be presenting some amazing new changes in 2018 and one of the things we're going to do is to merge two of our Facebook pages. I currently have a Facebook page for my Performing Arts Academy and a separate one for the podcast. At the time, that made a ton of sense to be able to keep them separate. But because the information that we share on the podcast and they guests that we bring on, the information they're sharing is so, so good that I wanted to make sure that if you're part of the Academy, you get to enjoy the podcast as well. So, as we head into the last few weeks of 2017, we're going to start putting things over on another Facebook page which is currently called Elko Arts Academy. So if you're a local to me, that name will make sense because it's the location where I first opened up my studio 17 years ago. Ifyou're not local to me, no worries. The things we're going to be sharing on that page going into 2018 are relevant for parents of creators. And all kids are born creators-it's just a matter of nurturing that habit of creativity. nurturing and allowing time for creativity in your home and helping kids and equipping them with skills where they can literally create their own brighter futures. With that being said, here's episode number one of What If Wednesday. Cheers! Hey Academy families and future Academy families. I'm Yong Pratt and if I haven't met you yet, I am the founder and director of Academy of the Arts, the author of raising a superhero: how to unleash your child's eight super powers and propel learning through the Arts, and I'm the host of the weekly podcast Raising SmART Kids 2.0. well, it's t-minus two and a half weeks for most kids here in Elko and Spring Creek until school officially begins. Do you have a plan of your kids activities? Are you looking for activities to engage your child's body and their mind? Well, here at the academy we're starting a new weekly series called What If Wednesday and today I have some questions for you. What if you could envision the perfect activities for your child after school? what would they look like? What would your kids learn? Where would they be held? How often would your kids enjoy these activities? These are just a few of the questions I'm curious to know more about and you can just comment below this video and tell me more about what you're looking for. Here at the Academy, we believe that every student that walks through our doors has untapped super powers and together with you we've been put on this planet to help you unleash those super powers and find the right art form to do so if you have questions about classes or want to participate in our What If Wednesday series, I invite you to comment below and I would be happy to reach out to you to talk more about the types of activities that you're looking for for your kids. Over the past 16 years we've helped thousands of families just like yours unleash your kids' special superpowers and we use the arts as a vehicle to help teach kids confidence, instill leadership and teach them about serving their communities and using their talents to do so. Okay my friends, I am gonna hop off now but I want you to think about and comments below What If Wednesday. Today the question is What if you could envision your child's perfect after-school activities? what would they be? When would they meet? How often would they meet and what skills and life skills would you want for your child to learn throughout their experiences? comment below and I will connect with you here on Facebook or I'll give you a call personally. Cheers, my friends thanks for tuning into the Raising SmART Kids 2.0 podcast. We're counting down to episode number 100 and we need your help. Head over to Elko Arts Academy on Facebook and vote for your favorite episodes. We're going to count down listener favorites as well as my own personal favorites over these past 100 episodes. head over to Elko Arts Academy-our temporary page for the podcast before we unveil in 2018 our new name, our new mission, a brand new website, and the new direction for the podcast. Head over there and vote on your favorite podcast episodes. can you believe that by the end of 2017 we are going to hit 100 episodes? I have you to thank for that, so head over to Elko Arts Academy and let me know your favorite episodes. I'll catch you really soon on the podcast. Cheers!

View Details

Today on the podcast we're celebrating a first. We're doing our first Book Club and Book Review. We're chatting about something "spooky" for some parents - raising a teenage daughter. We're reviewing Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Lisa Damour, PhD.

View Details

We're just days away from Halloween and today on the podcast we're chatting about getting creative, getting playful, and having fun with your kiddos this Halloween.

View Details

In this episode Yong will be introducing to us a new program that will enhance your child's lifeskill in the future.

View Details

In this episode Yong will be assessing how far is your kids progress.

View Details

In this week's episode, Vincent Jame will be talking about the benefits of Music in kids daily activity.

View Details

In this episode Judy Tsuei will be talking about Making Your Story Beautiful.

View Details

In this Episode Yong will be talking about tips on how to manage your expectations.

View Details

In this episode Marnie Ginsberg will take us a leap on how our kids will get the interest in learning the art of reading.

View Details

In this episode Yong will be talking about Back to school routine and how the arts can help with that transition.

View Details

Today's podcast is a bit different than usual. This podcast is for YOU, dear podcast listener. Sandy Mangis and I chat about her Journey to Aim and Reclaim.

      About Sandy Sandy Mangis is a Business Strategist & Transition Coach for ones ready to transform career and financial status. Looking for the freedom to express who they are and build on their own potential. Getting them out of the rat race and have time returned. Being a Career mother and 35+ years of business experience have developed a Passion-Based Business to show others a way to give meaning and purpose to who they are again. [2:41] Importance of parenting [4:37] Creating something for our kids to get them motivated. [13:40] What is the way to make kids idea get to work. [22:15] What is the importance of the education for our kids? [24:46] Teaching kids to contribute in the community. The best way to connect with Sandy at www.sandymangis.com and connect with her through Facebook www.facebook.com/Sandy.Mangis

View Details

In this episode Ashley will be talking about photography and incorporating it through the arts.

View Details

In this episode Alicia Jonas will be talking to us about Dance Lessons = Business Lessons

View Details

Yong is coming to you life from the Mississippi River for today's episode. It's Day 7 of our #roadtriptorally for the 2017 More Than Just Great Dancing Member Rally in La Crosse, WI.

In this Episode Yong will be sharing to us her life lesson experience during her travels so far. [2:33] Lessons learned from the Mississippi River [4:00] Heading out on day number 7 to Mall of America [7:00] The importance of making time for yourself (especially during a long road trip). Listen to episode 074 referenced in today's podcast on Creativity and Flow

View Details

Megan Elizabeth, founder and leading educator of Above Rubies Studio. Megan is a multi passionate, award winning, entrepreneur who’s primary focus is to encourage women live a life they love – feeling beautiful, creative and balanced. Above Rubies Studio was started in 2008 as an outlet for Megan’s postpartum depression. It quickly grew into a global phenomenon where Megan shared her love for making professional style crafts simple for anyone with the Cricut machine. Megan has won multiple awards for her educational DVDs and her innovative paper line. She has also won several awards in her Direct Sales partnerships. You may have also seen Megan from time to time on both HSN and QVC. She has recently taken her heart for women to help them start up and run their own successful online businesses while still being a Mom or maintaining other life priorities! Megan has a club exclusively for Crafters and an online mentorship program for women ready to take action with their creative passions and business. Megan is Mom to three kids (Bensen 9, Jenavieve 8 and Gradyn 3) and a few other priorities to Megan: her committed relationship with coffee (it’s Facebook official), she can’t go a day without a good lip color and she’s crazy obsessed with fun singing!

[3:55] Share the story of how and why you choose to do what you do?

[6:04] Parents and kids are so busy these days, why are the arts critical to their development?

[8:41] If parents are looking into getting their kids involved in the arts, what would be your advice.

[10:26] How can the arts foster leaders?

[14:30] How do the arts cultivate problem solving and critical thinking skills?

[20:30] What’s one simple tip you could provide to parents about incorporating the arts into their already busy lives?

[25:20] What is the good starting point for them to listen today and start of the weekend?

[28:04] Why is it important for moms to make time to do this of themselves?

Get connected through their website at www.aboverubiesstudio.com/ and
bymeganelizabeth.com

[32:30] Parting piece of advice

Watch the LIVE video interview with Megan at https://wp.me/p9d2U2-1L

View Details

On today's podcast, we're continuing our series on arts activities you can enjoy with your kids this summer and beyond along with the benefits of each art form.

View Details

In this episode Yong will be talking about the benefits of coloring for the whole family.

View Details

In Today's episode Yong will be talking about creativity and flow

View Details

In this episode Yong will be discussing 7 arts and learning activities you can do to commemorate the solstice.

View Details

In this episode Yong will talking about summer break activities that is beneficial for you and your kids.

View Details

In this weeks episode Yong will share a resource that is near and dear to her heart.

View Details

In this episode Yong will be talking about the essentials of your kids educational experience.

View Details

In this episode Louise will talk about her book and how the arts can passionately change kids.

Louise Courey Nadeau‘s passions keep growing. Author, mother, wife, Founder and CEO of Magelica Inc., she’s a former marketing and advertising executive, a tireless fundraiser for many charities, a painter, and gardener. Her Magelica‘s Voyage Book series brings magic to life for girls and boys: she’s just getting started!

View Details

Julie Ford of Julz of Life describes herself as a "blender of roles." Her biographical "smoothy" includes: business owner, certified life coach (with a focus on intentional parenting and chaos mitigation), author, mom of two tween/teen daughters, wife to an entrepreneurial hubby, kitchen dancer, shower and car singer, problem solver, flowerbed weeder, and occasional Bobcat/John Deere/Grasshopper operator.

Julie uses song, dance, video, social media, and general shenanigans to connect with her kids. Her secret weapons are habits, routines that serve, and making contribution fun. She loves writing, creating in-the-moment parodies that entertain while getting the point across to her kids, and channeling her inner Latin dancer while in the grocery store. People follow her at networking events because she connects people in her vivacious wake. Her kids (artists themselves) describe her as "awesomely out there."

View Details

This episode is dedicated to the lovely ladies in the Profit Mastermind, you know who you are…

View Details

In this episode Yong will be discussing ways to expose and cultivate art to your kids in your everyday activities.

View Details

This week's episode caps the 8- week journey on how to unleash your child's super powers. This episode talks about Yong's passion for the arts and where it all started.

View Details

In this episode Yong will share a reason why she is doing a live podcast.

View Details

Crystal Boutselis began her dance training at the age of 3 at Showcase School of Dance. She studied Theatre Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Lyrical and Funk-Tap. By the time she was 15, she was selected as "Best All Around Dancer" at Eastern Dance Association's dance camp, allowing her to participate in the Pro Bowl with N'Sync. A year later, she was again nominated "Best All Around Dancer" at National Dance Association's dance camp. She was the Captain of Stonewall Jackson High School's award-winning Freshman Cheerleading squad for 1 year and Captain of the Raiderettes dance team for two years.

View Details

Lilah Higgins is a Brand Designer to Creative Business Owners & Coaches. When she’s not chasing around her babies or working alongside her techie husband, she is providing her clients with logos & branding that converts and design consultation. She drinks her coffee iced and enjoys opening her home to people and telling the stories of Makers & Creatives. She's also the founder of the #waketomake hashtag on Instagram.

View Details

Laneic Lavalle is a self-care and wellness coach for busy momma’s at Mynameisnotmommy. After spending her first year trying to be and do everything under the sun, she was forced to take a step back and start making self-care a priority. Now her mission is to help other mothers make self-care a regular part of their lives, reconnecting with who they are separately of their children, and pursuing their happiness without guilt.

View Details

Vincent James is a lifetime songwriter and musician and founder of LoveSongs.com. Over the last 15 years he has written and recorded dozens of custom love songs for couples and families all over the world. In August 2014, James launched Keep Music Alive, an organization whose mission to promote the value of music: for our children’s education, for the many types of therapy music is being utilized for, and for our overall happiness as a society. Together with his wife Joann, they published the book “88+ Ways Music Can Change Your Life”, founded Teach Music America Week and the 1st Annual Kids Music Day. Everything they do is with the intention of raising the awareness of how important music is to our world and the value the creators bring to our society.

View Details

In this last episode of Raising a Super Hero Yong will be talking about Logical Mathematical Super Powers.

View Details

In this episode Yong will be talking about your child's Verbal Linguistic Intelligence.

View Details

In today's episode we will be talking about Naturalistic Super Powers

View Details

In this episode of unleashing your child's Super Powers Yong will be talkin about Intrepesonal Super Powers.

View Details

In this Episode Yong will be talking about Interpersonal Super Powers

View Details

In this week, Yong will dive in on how to unleash your child's Musical Super Powers

View Details

In this week episode Yong will help you determine your Bodily Kinesthetic Super Powers

View Details

On this week's episode Yong is going to dive deep into each of the 8 Super Powers.

View Details

It's the middle of 2017. How are you doing with Unleashing your child's unique Super Powers? We're diving deep into the 8 in the coming weeks and in our FREE Facebook Community, Raising smART Kids 2.0. Join today.

View Details

Here we are in 2017 and to make sure I'm giving you all the support you need, learn about what's in store this year and join our FREE FB community at TheArtSmartParent.com or search Raising smART Kids 2.0 on Facebook. Cheers to an amazing new year!

View Details

 Freya Casey is a professional singer and vocal coach from Germany. She studied opera at Southern Methodist University and a music school in Germany. She has performed lead roles and opera productions in the United States and Europe and has been a performing artist on cruise ships all around the world. Besides having a very active career onstage, she has the passion of helping other singers in finding beauty in their voice. Freya has founded the musical academy, which brings a music theater show onto stage each year and she teaches lessons in her studio as well as online. She has tutorials on Youtube and has reached thousands of people and enjoys creating opportunities with ambitious singers to work with her. Freya is also a composer and a songwriter. She has produced promotions, movies and CD productions.

View Details

In this episode Yong talks about Holiday Art Challenge for this season of giving. Finding activity that will involved you and your kids in creating something that is personal for them to give to their friends.

View Details

Yong talks about an assessment to you and your child during school and your relationship to your child, and how to plan your child's education for next year.

View Details

As an Author, Entrepreneur and Mom, Mary Kathryn Johnson has created online success since 2003. A fall while pregnant with her second son landed her with two broken legs, her first book, and her first business. Mary is now using that 13 years of roller coaster family and business success to help parents uncover their entrepreneurial identity so they can create family freedom, and she is now building her fourth business helping health and beauty professionals do the same.

View Details

Anna Tilsen, Mother of 2, step Mother of 2, Auntie to many, and Teacher to thousands. She has dedicated her life to arts education with a specialty in early childhood. She is the owner of Dance-N-Magic, a Dance and Music Studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. In addition, she has been teaching dance in Twin Cities Area preschools for over 15 years after graduating with a dance certification in a teaching emphasis from Santa Rosa College in Santa Rosa, CA. She has an abundance of knowledge and helpful hints to share from her experience in arts education and as a parent. She decided to start a blog to be able to help parents foster creativity and confidence in their children.

View Details

Today I want to acknowledge and thank YOU for supporting this passion of mine - this podcast.

View Details

Jennifer Chin-Gorner is an entrepreneur with a passion for growing and impacting her students, team and her community. Whether it is making a difference in her students, team, personal growth, family or community her ultimate mission in life is to make a positive lasting impact and inspiring others. Growing her business with her husband and family from a one room dance studio 11 years ago to an organization that now has a Private music Program, Group Music program, Tumbling Program and a traveling Preschool Outreach Program called Leaping Learners; she is dedicated to helping others achieve all they aspire to be.

View Details

Today is Veteran's Day and Sunday is World Kindness Day. Why not combine the two and do something kind to show your appreciation to a Veteran today.

View Details

From kindergarten classrooms to corporate boardrooms, Kathryn has inspired tens of thousands of individuals to improve their health, happiness and productivity. Kathryn is a speaker, certified nutritional counselor and coach with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). She is the founder and executive director of Nurture, which provides nutrition and wellness education to children and adults. As a sought-after wellness and business expert, Kathryn is often interviewed by leading media such as ABC, CBS and NPR and hosts her own radio show on wellness at KDPI-FM in Ketchum, Idaho. Kathryn was named a 2016 “Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Professional Women. Kathryn is also the award winning and bestselling author of two books, Mountain Mantras: Wellness and Life Lessons from the Slopes and Give It a Go, Eat a Rainbow (a children’s picture book).

View Details

Yong shares idea on how to give time with your kids and being creative during Holloween.

View Details

Lily is an educator, mother, and a champion for joyful learning. She is the founder of CuriosityPack.com, where she uses her teaching expertise to create activities that inspire kids to love learning. Holding an M.A. in Education from UC Berkeley, Lily has been a kindergarten and first-grade teacher, instructional coach, curriculum developer, and education consultant. Believing that education starts at home, Lily loves to support families to learn, play, and grow together.

View Details

It's a month long celebration where communities individuals and Governments as well local businesses

can come together and celebrate the Arts and Humanities not only in our own community , but on a national scale.

View Details

Jen Zils is a wife, mom of three and certified health coach. After 19 years working in corporate America, she stepped away to become a stay at home. Her journey as a working mom turned stay at home mom slowly led her to passion, helping busy moms raise healthy families. As the founder of Kids Eat Vegetables, her proven strategies have helped hundreds of families improve their health and eat more vegetables. Jen lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Conrad and three children ages 11,7,and 5. When she’s not carpooling kids to actives she can be found in her kitchen testing recipes and enjoying a cup of tea.

View Details

Debbie Reber, founder of TiLT and host of the TiLT Parenting Podcast, is a New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker. Her most recent books include Doable: The Girls’ Guide to Accomplishing Just About Anything, Chill: Stress-Reducing Techniques for a More Balanced, Peaceful You, and In Their Shoes: Extraordinary Women Describe Their Amazing Careers. Before becoming a writer, Debbie worked in children’s television. Originally from the U.S., Debbie and her family moved to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 2013. When she’s not homeschooling her 12-year-old twice-exceptional son Asher, working on TiLT, or writing books, she’s running, traveling, and reading.

View Details

Is My Child Normal

View Details

Family Art Friday #1: 10 fun facts for Play Dough Day, September 16. “Celebrate Play-Doh Day: release your inner child, choose your favourite colours and get creative!”

View Details

Magalie René-Hayes creates beautiful spaces for a better world. She takes a unique approach to design that combines holistic ideas, scientific research, and social-good to create spaces that improve lives. Magalie is founder of Kid-Smart Spaces™, helping parents and educators inspire smarter, happier, healthier children, and a speaker on topics including interior design, personal growth, transitioning careers, school design, and creating a balanced home.

In 2008, Magalie leveraged 15 years of project management, marketing, and design experience to segue to the non-profit world at philanthropic powerhouse, The Ford Foundation. Inspired by their headquarters in one of New York City's oldest green buildings (designed by renowned architect Kevin Roche), she launched Kid-Smart Spaces in 2012 and has been transforming learning spaces ever since.

Magalie works on a variety of residential, commercial, and institutional projects in the New York Tri-State area, Los Angeles, and Arizona. She has been featured in Dr. Oz The Good Life and Good Housekeeping magazines.

View Details

It's back to school time and through it's bittersweet, I am eager to see what my kiddos will accomplish this year. If you're ready to unleash your child's super powers and could use a little guidance, head over to elkoarts.org/workwithyong to apply for one of my select few discovery sessions. Together, we'll make a plan to super charge your child's academic success and make this the best year ever!

View Details

Tara Delamora is the guest in this episode and she will be sharing her success story on the arts

View Details

Mindfulness, curiosity, and creativity with Maggie Kazemba of Spokane Elite Dance Studio in Spokane Washington. "Creativity comes from mindfulness and it's one of the biggest gifts we can give our kids. " - Maggie Kazemba

View Details

Angela Webb Bauer for the past 16 Years Angela has run Bauer Fine arts Academy in Jordan Minnesota as a Owner and director. Former Elementary School teacher, favorite teaching assignment is the Magnet School for Fine Arts. Teaches 10 to 15 dance classes in a weekly basis. Teach Arts Appreciation for Minneapolis Institute of Arts and a Third degree black belt national certified instructor and fourth time world champion in Songahm Taekwondo.

View Details

This week I have 3 opportunities for you to be contribute to the podcast and work with me persoanlly.

View Details

In today’s episode, we’re going to take stories one step further and talk about acting and the many benefits this art form has for your kids and for you!

View Details

Choosing a dance school is an important consideration for your family. Today we'll be discussing the 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing A Dance School.

View Details

Today we’re going to dive a little deeper in the benefits of music lessons. As a parent I understand that our kids’ schedules are busy these days. Adding another activity like music lessons may not seem important, however, many studies support the benefits of music such as raising their IQs to problem solving boosting self esteem. Here are the top 6 reasons your child should turn off the TV and tune in to music lessons.

View Details

Today we are going to talk about 6 question on finding a karate school for your child.

Just like choosing a dance or music school is an important decision, so too is finding the right karate school for your kids. Finding that right fit is going to ensure that your child is happy, enjoying classes and you as a parent can rest assure that you've made the right decision for your child.

View Details

Summer is a great time to seek out Arts Based Activities

Ronel D. Pierre is a professional interpreter and translator, speaking 4 languages, and is an accomplished artist from Haiti whose first exhibition was in Berlin, Germany at age 12.

After experiencing severe torment by his peers, Ronel spent much time alone learning and creating art.

His goal in life to education about the mistreatment of others through motivational speaking, community service and volunteerism.

Ronel has helped raise over 9 MILLION dollars for NPHUSA.org. A portion of his book, Ronel and the Best Gift Ever is donated back to the orphanage in which he was raised.

He's currently working on Part 2 of the Ronel Book Series.

View Details

On this first dual interview in the podcast’s history, I speak with Ann Colin, owner of Danceworks in New Albany, Indiana and her sister, April Atherton, a beloved teacher. We chat about Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Creativity through the Arts.

Download Episode

     [2:30] Ann’s journey into dance [2:55] April’s journey [3:40] Why Ann feels the arts are so important for kids and what Ann’s daughter has gained from the arts [6:00] Why April feels the arts are so important [6:35] Advice Ann would give to teachers about incorporating the arts into a traditional classroom [8:40] Arts, critical thinking, and problem solving [10:10] April: Critical thinking and problem solving in the dance classroom [10:55] Ann: Answering the why and different types of learners [12:45] Ann: We have to remember not to shut down the whys at home [13:55] Ann: Teach your kids this tool to keep interruptions positive [15 :45] Ann: Success story of a dancer [16:55] April: Using creativity as an outlet [14:45] Ann: Impacting kids with special needs through dance [19:22] April: Dance and the arts teaches social interaction [20:35] Ann: Anyone can benefit from dance Email Ann or April [22:00] Ann’s Advice for parents: Reach out to your local library; Use the internet to find activities for kids [25:35] April: Rent a classic like “Singing in the Rain” [26:20] Ann: Turn on some music during household chores       Click Here To Subscribe on iTunes  Click Here To Subscribe for Android

View Details

Amy Shoell Rasmussen knew at a very young age that she wanted to share her love of music with others. At the age of 15 she began teaching piano lessons to children in her Northern Utah neighborhood. Amy attended the University of Utah as a Piano Performance Major. She began teaching piano at Bravo Arts Academy in 2001 and has never left! During her years at Bravo she has worked closely with the owner, Angy Ford. Since joining Bravo, Amy has seen the business grow from an in-home piano studio to now having 3 commercial locations. Amy oversees faculty members who teach classes for music, dance, preschool, tumbling, karate, art and kindergarten. She works closely with Bravo's managers and teachers to ensure the education students are receiving is improving their skills and providing a positive learning environment. Amy loves the chance to accompany musicians for church and civic events. She also volunteers to play the piano at a local hospital. She believes every child should have the opportunity receive the benefits of an arts based education.

Amy and I discuss accountability, the importance of history, and goal getting in the arts.

View Details

Singing with your kids is an easy an fun activity you can do anywhere. Find out how you can use singing to teach your kids, its positive physical effects and how it can even improve your psychology.

View Details

Miss Tara Pickford is an internationally recognized master dance teacher, adjudicator, and award winning choreographer. A dance teacher of 21 years and owner of Ambition Performing Arts in Airdrie, Canada (near Calgary) for 13 years, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with a major in Mind Sciences along with teaching certifications for ADAPT, Al Gilbert, and Acrobatic Arts. The mother of 2 daughters (7 & 10), Miss Tara truly believes in the power of dance and has worked with the Wild Rose Dance Association for 21 years to raise and distribute 50K in scholarships to local dancers in her area.

Miss Tara shares her personal insight into gaining life skills through dance.

View Details

For the past 17 years, Leah has been the owner and managing director of the music and dance suite, with 2 locations in Naperville and Plainfield Illinios. After a successful career as a performer, Leah has devoted her life to spreading the joy of the arts. She is the wife of another music entrepreneur and the mother of 3 grown musicians.

[1:35] The age of when Leah was first introduced to music.

[3:36] How it might be a better time to start a musical instrument before 4th Grade.

[11:26] Advice for starting to play an instrument.

[15:53] Top three skills that help kids succeed in school that they can only learn from the arts.

[20:51] Why it is important for kids to be involved in the arts

[34:55] Best way to reach Leah.

leah@themusicanddancesuite.com

[35:26] Parting advice for parents that are busy but know that the arts are something they want to incorporating into their kid’s life.

View Details

I can’t think of a better or easier way to engage your creativity than through creating with your kids. Once you start creating stories with your, your kids’ creativity will astonish you and allow you to relax and put on your creativity cap at the same time.

I would love to read the stories you create with your kids! You can respond to the blog post or contact me directly at artsmartparenting.com!

View Details

Katie is the dedicated founder of ImPACt! 501(c)3 the owner of Inspiration Performing Arts Center and fuel behind the mission “To Inspire You!” She has been featured on Dance Informa, Fox 9 News, TEDx Talks, Star Tribune, Century College, The Inver Hills College Review, More Than Just Great Dancing, Grace Church, in Haiti, Movement to Kampala Uganda, and Awaking Soul in costa Rica.

She was just accepted into Stanford University’s Social Entrepreneurship Executive Program where she will be studying alongside 50 of the world’s top non-profit leaders starting next week. Miss Katie speaks with her heart, teaches with the knowing that we are all students. And inspires people globally, all the while giving glory and credit to God. She most enjoys time spent with her friends and family. Traveling with ImPACt teams around the world. Forming community partnerships and all the in between moments of rest and peace on her yoga mat.

Find out how you can make an Impact today!

View Details

Ms. Susan Scarlet-Macaw graduated from the Cal Poly Architecture School and worked as an architect for five years before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey. She operated her own fitness studio for women in San Francisco and is co-owner of a bicycle manufacturing company. She started M.E. Health and Wellness right here in Elko, Nevada.

Susan believes in being part of the community in which she lives and is an active member of the rotary club in addition to serving as treasurer for the Elko County Art Club. Which is where we first meet last fall.

An avid runner and cyclist, Susan combines her passion for physical activity with all aspects of wellness. She now coaches people to connect with their inner self through personal development and behavior change. Susan guides her clients to learn more fulfilling lives and says “sometimes you need to find the humility to admit when you need help.”

View Details

“An artist is not a special kind of man, but every man is a special kind of artist,” said Artist Ananda Coomaraswamy.

So what kind of artist are you? What about your kids?

Do you remember the last time you enjoyed or created art with you kids?

Here are 4 easy ways to easily incorporate the arts in your every day.

View Details

In 1983, Harvard Professor, Howard Gardner proposed a revolutionary theory of learning called Multiple Intelligences which he introduced in his book, Frames of Mind. His Theory states that each of us has 7 at the time (and later 8 different intelligences) that manifest differently in us all. While some learn best visually (visual-spatial intelligence), others learn by doing (kinesthetic intelligence), and still others by communicating with others (interpersonal intelligence).

I like to call these intelligences, our Super Powers. And as parents, it's our job to help unleash these super powers in our kids to help them live up to their full potential. And this happens to be the topic of my forthcoming book to be released May 1, 2016.

View Details

As we approach National Autism Day, on April 1, 2016, I wanted to bring on a very special guest, that is currently transforming lives through dance for kids with special abilities. Rocco Santorufo is my mentor in this area, has encouraged me to start a program, like his Beyond Boundaries, in our local area, and is leading the way for kids with special abilities to experience the joys of dance.

View Details

Emily is an entrepreneur, mentor, and inspirational speaker that promotes a positive atmosphere in the arts. Equipping individuals with empowerment, service, and sustainability is her mission through the efforts of Yorkville Performing Arts Center, Up2University, Artist Universe, and The Weber Enterprises. Emily also serves in several areas of her church, she is an active member of The More Than Just Great Dancing, a board member of CASA of Kendall County Illinois, and she’s a mother of four.

Learn about Emily's journey into the arts, how the arts fosters leaders, and how you can raise a smarter kid through the arts.

View Details

Robbie Walker is a native to Idaho, and has been involved in a multitude of performing arts including dance, music, acting, musical theater, and choir. After graduating High School Robbie served a two year mission in Finland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One month before returning home he received an email form his dance school directors offering him to take over the school, and he agreed.

Over the last ten years Robbie, along with his wife, have expanded the studio from offering one style of dance, with just over twenty students, to now serving more than two hundred fifty dancers, and now offer more than ten different dance styles and musical instruments. Robbie and his staff strive to create a culture at Idaho rhythm school of music and dance where in addition to learning proper dance technique and musical scales, students build confidence and commitment within their experience, which can translate into life lessons benefiting them for years to come. He and his wife Kara have four beautiful children, ranging in age from three months to seven years.

Learn how the importance of the arts for boys; why it's so important for kids to be involved in the arts; how the arts builds self confidence and tips on finding a great teacher.

Email Robbie: robbie@idahorhythm.com

Visit his website: http://www. Idahorhythm.com

View Details

March is a month full of fun! Not only is March 2nd the Birthday of the Great Dr. Seuss which inspired the National Education Organizations “Read Across America” Campaign, it’s also the month that we celebrate Music in our Schools. Hence this week’s post title, Musical Seuss Month. Download Episode I’ve created a special bonus audio this month all about music – Click the green button above or below to claim your free BONUS audio today to Learn the 6 Benefits of Music Lessons Dr. Seuss holds a special place in many of our hearts, not matter our age. What’s your favorite Seuss Book? Mine is “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.” This June 18, dancers, acrobats, musicians, and karate students for my performing arts school, will celebrate Dr. Seuss on the big stage with our 2016 Concert, Seuss on the Loose. If you happen to be in the Elko, NV area, I’d be honored to have you attend this community event to get a little silly and be inspired by the works of Seuss. If you want to get reminders about the show, email me. Download Episode A little bit of background about Dr. Seuss Did you know that the moniker of “Dr. Seuss” came about as Theodore “Ted” Seuss Giesel was submitting articles to a Mock Zoological association to make himself sound a little more professional? Persistence is the name of the game: After being turned down by 27-28 publishers (dependent upon the sources), Seuss’s first book, “And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street” was published in1937 by Vanguard Press. From a man that set out to become an english teacher and was persuaded by his wife and a colleague to pursue a career in drawing came: – 46 Children’s books – 11 TV Specials – 4 feature Films – 1 Broadway musical – 4 Television Series How to create a weekend full of Seuss-iness! 1. Gather Dr. Seuss Books 2. Each family member picks a fav 3. Create costumes, scenery, video, pieces of art work, etc. to create your own stories 4. Share your new stories with one another Maybe you even get a little crazy and invite the neighbors over to enjoy the Seuss-iness! I leave you with one of my favorite Seussisms: “From there to here. From here to there. Funny things are everywhere!” Now go out an have loads of fun and don’t forget to grab your bonus audio! And join us for Seuss on the Loose June 18, 2016 Until next week, go out there and raise a smarter kid through the arts! Click Here To Subscribe on iTunes Click Here To Subscribe on Android Click to Claim your BONUS audio

View Details

Our guest on the podcast today is one of my mentors, Clint Salter. Join us as we're dancing down the path to creativity and happiness this episode.

     Download Episode By age 28 Clint had created, built and sold three businesses (two of them in dance). He started dancing jazz at age nine before moving on to tap, ballet and hip hop. Then, in a fortuitous turn of events, a former teacher of his sold her studio. Clint had parents actually approaching him to ask if he would teach their children—and open up his own Dance Studio. So, at the ripe age of 16, Clint and a friend started their own studio. It started as a small studio, with just 30 students. Fast-forward five years and it was operating six days a week, with a total enrolment of a few hundred students. Clint and his partner had built a booming business—and Clint was only 21. Around that time, Clint decided to sell his half of the studio to his partner as he prepared to start working at the top celebrity agency in Australia managing some of the biggest names in television and media. Over the five years Clint was with the talent agency he was responsible for pitching ideas and securing commercial endorsements, licensing, publishing, television, radio and speaking deals for his stable of high-profile clients. During this time Clint also created DanceLife, Australia’s largest community for dancers and performers. In four years of operation, DanceLife became Australia’s bible of all things dance: an online resource for dancers, a large dance competition and a learn-to-dance program for primary and high schools. Clint sold DanceLife after four years to take an opportunity to be the Touring Manager for the musical “Jersey Boys,” where he travelled internationally while managing a team of 56 people. After spending so much time working at the agency and running his businesses, Clint decided he wanted to share with Dance Studio Owners the knowledge he’d accumulated. He wanted to help Studio Owners learn how to design their lives and create a thriving, profitable studio that allowed them to spend more time working “on” rather than “in” the business, something that is accomplished by creating a rock-solid automated business model as well as running a yearlong student attraction and retention strategy. Clint is now the Founder of Studio Success Formula, the Business School for Dance Studio Owners, where he offers mentoring and online training programs to help Studio Owners turn their passion for dance into a profitable business that makes a big difference in the lives of their dance families. [2:46] Clint’s journey into dance [5:42] Top characteristics that distinguish top performers from others “Absolute focus and clarity = power” “Double down on what’s working. It’s about doing less, not more.” [11:45] Why and how the arts benefits kids in life [13:47] Lessons learned from dance class that have impacted Clint’s life “Live your life the way you want” “Every child needs to be doing something creative every week so that they can be themselves and not be stuck in front of the screen and to experience real joy.” [18:01] The importance of helping children discover their own values [19:12] What does smart mean? There are lots of ways to be smart – If you are confident in who you are and what you want to do then you’re smart. [20:32] How creativity leads to greater success in school “Creativity allows children to be more of themselves” [22:09] How Clint learned his times tables and how parents can use this same method [22:30] Different ways to learn enhance the learning experience Connect with Clint Facebook LinkedIn Twitter [25:46] Tip of the week: “Find out what makes your children happy and encourage them to do more of that.”            Click Here To Subscribe on iTunes       Download Episode Download Episode

View Details

 Welcome back to episode 5! Today our guest is Meghan Dunn Gordon who urges you...Don't let your kids give up!    Download Episode Meghan Dunn-Gordon started dancing when she was 3 years of age at a studio in South Florida. Dancing brought her a lot of self-confidence, has helped her to be focused and learn how to prioritize. Meghan is the owner of Velocity Dance Center in Oklahoma City. Meghan studied Dance Management in Oklahoma University before she opens her studio. Her passion lies in mentoring High School students and teaching kids of all ages. She also volunteers with The Junior League, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, her Alpha Pi Sorority, and she’s an active member of The More Than Just Great Dancing Movement. Meghan is also a wife and a mother to Hudson. **Values that Meghan promotes in her studio** – Confidence – Community – Responsibility – Students should be responsible to themselves, to their teams, and to the studio. – Time Management- Students should prioritize the things that are important to them. Meghan is passionate about helping her students build their confidence through dancing. And wants students to keep in mind that their body can be beautiful in dancing no matter what sizes, shape, bone structures, or flexibility. **How the arts helps kids to build their brains.** The arts specifically provides problem solving skills which is something that Meghan sees a big lack of in schools. – Dance teaches kids to move their bodies in different ways that promote cross body movements which engages both sides of their brains at the same time. – In the dance class, kids are taught using different styles such as verbal cues, visualization and through hands on connectivity with the kids. In schools, kids are usually taught only one way of learning so many kids feel that they just aren’t smart – they’re just not being taught in a way that makes sense for them. Advice to Parents: – Meghan encourages her younger parents to not push so hard if their kids are struggling. Just keep encouraging them so that they keep trying new things and they aren’t scared to fail. – Standardized testing does not measure the things that a kid can do well, that’s why parents should be open minded, less judgmental to one another, and should not compare their kids to anyone because kids learn in different ways. – Parents should be supportive to their kids and find a community that will help them to raise a smarter kid. Having a positive community for our kids will help them to become happy, healthy, self-confident, and supported. – Encourage your kids to keep on trying and don’t let them give up. Find new ways that can support your kids on their journey because kids need constant encouragement. Connect with Megan via email Velocity Dance Center

View Details

Today's solo episode dives into public opinion about the arts and asks you to examine your own beliefs about arts education. To really impact and propel your child's learning, the arts are critical. Let's dive in, explore arts education, your beliefs, and how you can help your kid gain smarts through the arts.

View Details

Learn the difference between Artistic versus School House Giftedness and what it means for your child. Celebrate your child's unique style of learning and help them gain confidence through the arts and and learn tips on advocating for your child in school with Gifted and Talented expert, Kim Paris of Paris Academy in Elko, NV.

View Details

When is comes to the arts and mentoring confident kids, Melanie Gibbs is a 20+ year veteran. Co-Owner of Boca Dance and Pro-Am Dance studios in South Florida, she encourages parents to make more conscious choices for your kids and says, "Art is anything that expands your perception of the world around you." Learn why Melanie believes that incorporating the arts into your busy schedule is easier than you think.

View Details

The arts are becoming more important for you child as the educational landscape continues to be test-focused. The arts not only provides your child with a much needed creative outlet, its study can result in your child being:

  • 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
  • 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
  • 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
  • 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance
  • 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem

The arts is more than just dancing, painting, or playing a musical instrument. Its study leads to greater self-confidence, character development, leadership skills, and success in school.

Why not give your child an advantage in both school and in life by giving them the gift of the arts?

View Details

In this kickoff episode of the Raising smART Kids Podcast 2.0, host Yong Pratt shares how the arts has shaped her life, why the podcast is re-launching in 2016, and why the arts is more important to your child than ever. Tune in each Friday for more tips, tricks, and ideas you can use to welcome in the weekend with arts fun and learning.