In this S1E14 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, meet the dream team behind Children’s Reading Connection: internationally acclaimed literacy leader Brigid Hubberman, singer-songwriter and educator John Simon, and community advocate Cal Walker. Learn their proven strategies for creating inclusive classrooms, boosting student engagement, and building strong family partnerships that last a lifetime.

🎵 What You'll Learn:
• How the "Sing Me a Story, Read Me a Song" method increases student participation and attention in class
• Effective teaching strategies that work with difficult students and low engagement
• Innovative approaches to culturally responsive teaching and inclusive education
• Pro-kid mindset techniques that transform classroom behavior
• How to build meaningful home-school connections and caregiver support
• The power of active learning through music and storytelling

Chapters
0:00 - Welcome & Guest Introductions
4:26 - Inspiring Educators: Who Changed Their Lives?
8:44 - The Early Literacy Crisis & Their Solution
9:50 - Cal Reads "All the Colors of the Earth" (Live Performance)
12:30 - Children's Reading Connection: Mission & Vision
15:33 - How They Get Books Into Homes & Hearts
17:14 - The Magic Behind Their 15-Year Partnership
20:34 - The Science of Music & Memory in Learning
21:18 - "Sing Me a Story, Read Me a Song" Initiative
24:29 - Community Partnerships & Fundraising
26:27 - The Cultural Impact on Families
27:08 - John & Cal Perform "All Are Welcome" (Live)
30:19 - Final Thoughts & Gratitude

Find Brigid’s Published Writing within:

• Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp (2018)
• Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook: Eighth Edition (2019)

Click Links to Learn More About:

• Children’s Reading Connection → MAKE A DONATION
  • Sing Me a Story! Read Me a Song & Play the Entire Collection → MAKE A DONATION

More Research to Support This Work:

• Children and Music: Benefits of Music in Child Development by Bright Horizons Education Team (February 2022)
• How Music Can Improve Reading Skills In Children by Natalie Wilson (June 2017)

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.