Classroom Matters

Keeping kids learning and engaged on a daily basis in a classroom can sometimes be a struggle for teachers.  Now take that situation and flip it to a dining room table with parents adapting to the new normal and trying to work from home at the same time.  Join host Kristy Houle as she talks with Tim Gore about how to keep kids learning, structured and engaged during this time of at home learning without going overboard.

According to an article published by the National Association for Gifted Children “Worries and anxious thoughts can increase in the absence of intellectual stimulation.” So how are families keeping up with teaching gifted students from home?  How are the schools making sure that these students are not overlooked and have every resource needed to stimulate the brain?  Join host Kristy Houle as she talks with Jeff Danielian to answer these questions and more.  Jeff currently serves as the Teacher Resource Specialist and Editor for the National Association for Gifted Children and discusses some strategies for keeping gifted students learning during these uncertain times.

In this episode you'll hear...

• Ways to ensure your gifted students are getting everything they need while at home
• Resources to share with your gifted students
• How to talk to them about COVID-19

The Coronavirus has led to multiple challenges for schools and families across the nation and no one has felt that more than families educating students with disabilities.  On a normal day a student that has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) can be seen working with multiple experts and using therapeutic equipment.  So what happens when this is left for the parents to try and replicate at home?  Join host Kristy Houle as she chat with Special Education Administrator Christie Johnson about the obstacles and success they are having with students learning from home.

On this episode you'll hear...

• How teachers can help families in the transition to at-home learning for special needs students
• How parents of special needs students can ease the transition to at-home learning
• The importance of strong relationships between teachers and parents of special needs students

Teaching kids to read can be a difficult task for trained teachers in the best of environments, so you can imagine how difficult it might be for parents trying to teach from home.  The current learning situation across the country is uncertain to say the least, but how can  parents and teachers keep an emerging reader on the right track?  Join host Kristy Houle and guest Becky Jennings as they dive into the world of reading strategies and techniques for keeping kids on the path to reading success.

In this episode you'll hear...

• Methods to keep your readers focused
• The step-by-step break down and analysis of the process of reading
• The impact literacy has on a child

Looking for a way to keep your kids engaged with both teachers and friends during this time of social distancing?  Join host Kristy Houle and Tim Gore as they chat about the use of Zoom technology for both academic and social purposes while you are working with students at home.  

During these uncertain times for schools and public education, teachers are dealing with a tremendous amount of challenges. They now have the heavy burden of working from home, teaching online and modifying grades and assignments.

In this episode you'll hear...

• How some teachers have successfully adjusted to an online classroom setting
• The major challenges that online teaching brings
• Which practices can and cannot be applied to an online classroom setting

Michelle Esswein is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Winning Women, an organization that promotes an economic environment conducive to growth and development for women in business.  She also produces and hosts a radio show and is the Chief Executive Officer of Teres Entertainment.  Michelle has been recognized around the country for her accomplishments in the business world and as an entrepreneur.  Join host Kristy Houle as she chats with Michelle about how we can encourage young women to seek out their dream of being an entrepreneur and a business owner.

In this episode you’ll hear…

• How Michelle got her start as an entrepreneur
• Her involvement with Winning Women
• Why it’s so important to encourage young women and girls with an interest in entrepreneurship

Kristy Houle and Tim Gore discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and how parents and teachers can effectively transition to online/at home learning.

This week Kristy and Tim talk all about homework and its place in the classroom. Effective? A waste of time? Where do you stand?

Social-Emotional development in students is a vital component of any child's school day. How students respond and internalize peer interactions can either motivate or damage a student's mindset. Join host Kristy Houle as she chats with Social-Emotional learning expert Tre Gammage to find out how the public education system is addressing these developmental stages.

In this episode you'll hear...

• The importance of social-emotional learning
• How to use it in educational settings
• Some of Tre's 8 lessons