Edu-Kate

Math is everywhere — but how can we help children recognize it, explore it and develop a genuine love of mathematical thinking?

In this episode of Edu-Kate, I'm joined by Janice Novakowski, an experienced mathematics educator and advocate for playful, meaningful and hands-on math learning in elementary schools.

Together, we explore how teachers can bring mathematics to life by moving beyond traditional worksheets and creating opportunities for children to discover math through play, exploration and everyday experiences.

We discuss the importance of using practical materials, encouraging curiosity and helping children make connections between classroom mathematics and the world around them.

From playful investigations to real-world problem-solving, Janice shares insights into how we can build children's confidence, deepen their mathematical understanding and help them see themselves as capable mathematicians.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why mathematics should be meaningful, engaging and connected to children's lives.

• How play and hands-on experiences support mathematical understanding.

• Helping children recognize that math is all around them.

• Moving beyond worksheets to encourage exploration and mathematical thinking.

• Creating classroom environments where children feel confident, curious and excited about math.

Whether you're an elementary teacher, school leader or simply passionate about helping children develop a positive relationship with mathematics, this conversation offers inspiration for bringing more joy, curiosity and purpose into math learning.

Because math isn't just something we do in a classroom — it's something we experience every day.

Connect with Janice Novakowski:

Instagram: @jnovakowski — https://www.instagram.com/jnovakowski/

X (Twitter): @jnovakowski38 — https://twitter.com/jnovakowski38

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/janice-novakowski-7731a3aa

Website: https://janicenovakowski.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@janicenovakowski7578

In today's short, Kate asks the question - does every piece of work have to be finished? What are we valuing: the learning or the task? What could we do instead and how do we encourage kids to see the value in balance? Old habits die hard but it is important to ask these questions to ensure we have the best learning environments for our children.

Today’s special guest is Pam Harris - founder of Math is Figure-Out-Able, teacher educator, author, speaker and podcast host. In this episode Pam teaches us how to open the door to math for more students and equip them with a map of mathematical relationships and connections rather than just giving them a list of directions to follow. Pam encourages us to move away from mimicking steps to complete algorithms and instead become confident “mathers” able to grapple with big numbers and solve problems in the most efficient way that also makes sense. Pam explains exactly what “fake” math is and the pitfalls that it causes. She cautions that "real" math is not slower, in fact this way of teaching and learning actually leads to deeper understanding, saving time and even improving test scores.

Freebies:

Pam has kindly offered you a free Developing Mathematical Reasoning workshop to see Math is Figure-Out-Able! in action

https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/freeworkshop

She has also given you free access to her major strategies ebook - 

https://bit.ly/major-strategies

To find out more about Math is Figure-Out-Able go to the website:

www.mathisfigureoutable.com

Here you will find all of the courses that Pam offers as well as her many books including:

Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms (K-12)

Numeracy Problem Strings (a K–5 series, with separate books for Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.)

In today's episode, Kate is joined by Monica Rollins to explore how yoga and mindfulness can support children’s wellbeing and help them develop the skills they need to regulate their emotions and behaviour.

They talk about what this can look like in practice, and how simple strategies can be woven into the school day to help children feel calmer, more connected and ready to learn.

Contact Monica at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-kaye-rollins/

[email protected]

Are we expecting too much from children, too soon?

In this episode of the Edu-Kate Podcast, Kate is joined by internationally recognized early childhood education expert, author, and keynote speaker Rae Pica to explore whether the expectations we place on children actually match what we know about child development and how children learn.

We discuss how often children are asked to sit still, focus for long periods, complete academic tasks, or manage behaviours they may simply not yet be developmentally ready for. What happens when adult expectations get ahead of children's developmental needs?

Rae and Kate also explore the growing role of screens in childhood, why children need far more opportunities for play and movement, and the importance of protecting children's time to explore, move, imagine, and simply be kids.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why "earlier" doesn't necessarily mean "better" when it comes to learning
• The danger of expecting children to do things they are not developmentally ready for
• Why movement is fundamental to children's learning and development
• The importance of play at school and at home
• The impact of increasing screen use on childhood
• Why expecting young children to sit still for long periods can work against the way they naturally learn
• How teachers and parents can create environments that better reflect children's developmental needs
• Why protecting childhood matters

Rae Pica is an internationally known early childhood education consultant, author, and keynote speaker who has spent more than four decades advocating for developmentally appropriate education and the whole child.

She is the author of numerous books exploring child development, movement, play, and education, including What If Everybody Understood Child Development? and What If We Taught the Way Children Learn? Throughout her career, Rae has worked to help educators and parents better understand how children develop and why children need opportunities to move, play, explore, and be children.

Website: raepica.com
LinkedIn: Rae Pica

In today's short solo episode, Kate shares three key areas that if you get right, you will have a successful school year.

1) Classroom Design

2) Routines

3) Community - creating a sense of belonging

She uses advise from previous guests on the podcast to help get you set up for a great year ahead.

You do not want to miss this one!

In this episode, Kate is joined by K.C. Hansen, a reading interventionist based in Seattle. They discuss what is important when trying to support kids learning to read. K.C. shares Lyon's research behind the science of reading and provides practical tips and advice in teaching and assessing how kids read. K.C also highlights common misconceptions amongst parents and educators and points out red flags to look out for in struggling readers.

Contact K.C:

Instagram: @msdothansen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-c-hansen-a26380213/

⁠Reid Lyon 10 Maxims⁠:https://readinguniverse.org/article/explore-teaching-topics/big-picture/ten-maxims-what-weve-learned-so-far-about-how-children-learn-to-read-2026

As teachers head back to school and begin preparing their classrooms for a new group of learners, international educator and learning environment designer Carla Dabau Padrosa joins the Edu-Kate Podcast to explore how we can design classrooms with greater intention. Drawing on many years of teaching experience across Spain, the Netherlands, the U.S. and Switzerland, Carla shares practical ideas for creating calm, flexible and inspiring learning spaces that support inquiry, collaboration and creativity—while considering the well-being of both students and the teachers who spend their days in them. If you are a teacher looking for tips and tricks to better utilize your learning space, then this is the episode for you!

Connect with Carla:

https://www.instagram.com/carladabaup

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-dabau-padrosa-986137b2/

Order a copy of Designing Intentional Classrooms: https://www.pearsoncanadaschool.com/pd/products/designing-intentional-classrooms.html

In this solo episode, Kate explores the question of what is the perfect school? It is clear that this evokes more questions than answers, but it will definitely get you thinking about what it could look like for you and also remind you of why we need things to change. She looks at it from both perspectives of a mother and teacher. Listen in and join the conversation.

What does true inclusion really look like—and how do we build schools where every child genuinely belongs?

In this episode of Edu-Kate, Kate is joined by Professor Sigamoney Manicka Naicker, an internationally respected educator, researcher, and advocate for inclusive education. For decades, Professor Naicker has worked to improve educational opportunities for children around the world. He has advised governments, collaborated with UNESCO and UNICEF, and played a significant role in shaping inclusive education policy in South Africa following the end of apartheid. His work continues to influence how schools and education systems think about equity, belonging, and the rights of every learner.

Together, Kate and Professor Naicker explore what authentic inclusion looks like beyond policy documents and classroom labels. They discuss why inclusion benefits every child—not just those with identified learning needs—and share practical ways teachers and school leaders can create classrooms where every learner feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.

The conversation also explores Professor Naicker's thought-provoking new book, Education Systems in the 21st Century Are Engines of Inequality: From a Pedagogy of Convenience to a Pedagogy of Resilience. In it, he argues that many education systems have become centred on bureaucracy, standardisation, and efficiency—a "Pedagogy of Convenience"—rather than the diverse needs of children. He challenges educators and policymakers to embrace a "Pedagogy of Resilience," where schools are designed to adapt to children's realities, promote belonging, and create equitable opportunities for every learner.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, parent, or anyone passionate about education, this episode will encourage you to rethink what inclusion really means and inspire you to imagine schools where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Connect with Professor Naicker:

LinkedIn - https://za.linkedin.com/in/sigamoney-manicka-naicker-0027113