Season 2 of the Morning Meeting Podcast is coming to a close. The past episodes have been full of knowledge. To wrap up this season, we will talk about what’s about to come for the next season and some random thoughts about hot topics in education right now. Tune in as Matt shares his thoughts and what he has prepared for the new season.

Greetings for Students

[00:51] 

Matt shares a greeting that you can do for your students. As the episode is recorded during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month), he chose the native language in New Zealand, ‘Māori.’ Matt introduces how to say good morning in Māori, which is Morena. This gesture gives the children the opportunity to see other cultures.

Sharing Every End of School Year

[02:19] 

At every end of the school year, you could have an activity with the students about what they feel proud of in their accomplishments during the year. You could start by sharing what you’re proud of yourself. Matt mentioned that you could say that you were proud of how you teach this year and how you could build a strong community within the class.

Science of Reading

[03:24] 

Science of Reading is a whole umbrella of research. Matt has been hearing about the science of reading being all about phonics, decoding, and orthographic mapping, but it isn’t. It also focuses on comprehension, background knowledge, vocabulary, and phonemic awareness.

[04:33] 

Matt shared that his friend, Jillian Star, has blog posts discussing all the Science of Reading. Aside from that, he also mentioned the article with Amanda Goodwin, which also discusses the topic. Links to both resources are below! 

[06:48] 

Good teaching will always be good teaching. One teaching method isn’t always suitable for every kid. This is why you should always be open to learning new things and have a flexible teaching mode.

A Teacher’s Job

[07:23] 

A teacher’s job is to help the kids become critical thinkers. A teacher’s role is to help kids become informed citizens, think about improving society, and question the world around them.

Future Plans

[08:17] 

The next season of the podcast is expected to contain amazing guests and be full of information. Matt has some guests lined up, but he is still searching for more guests that have something to share.

[08:45] 

Matt has a few opportunities lined up for the summer. Head here to all upcoming conferences!

Resources:

• Jillian Star's Blog
• Amanda Goodwin Science of Reading Article

The Morning Meeting Podcast is a community for early education teachers. Join me as I share insights, resources, and research-based principles for educators. 

Did you love this episode? Drop me an email and share your biggest takeaway.  Click here 

Follow me on Instagram. 

Interested in learning how we can work together? 

Music by Matt Halpern

My YouTube channel with music videos and instructional tips and ideas

Teaching has historically been regarded as one of the highest callings. They play a key role in the development of children and provide important information that prepares pupils for life in the real world. In this episode of Morning Meeting, we will talk about discussing sensitive topics with students that are significant in shaping a kid’s personality. 

All about the Guest

[05:41] Willy covers gender, race, and LGBTQ+ subjects on Instagram and how we can talk about these topics with three and five-year-olds without breaking the childhood innocence bubble. 

Book Choices

[06:59] The most straightforward way for people to discuss these complex topics is through books. It’s been laid out in some books written by people who have lived through these real-life events. 

[08:16] A graphic circulating demonstrates how diversity was discussed in children’s literature in 2018. In those picture books, 50% of the characters were white, 27% were animals or inanimate objects, 10% were black, 7% were Asian Pacific Islander, 5% were Latinx, and 1% were indigenous. 

[09:43] Matt’s experience taking over classes for retired teachers has shown that books that are 40 or 50 years old are complicated to work with. Matt’s primary concern when he first started talking about these things was opposition, and people are terrified of that, which keeps them from achieving their goals.

Finding a Support System

[10:46] When you’re going through this, find someone to lean on because it’s not easy emotionally. As a result, relying on someone to fall back on when faced with the opposition can only be beneficial. Remember why you’re doing this: we’re fighting for kids and ourselves.

COVID Impact on Schools

[15:17] Willy joked on Instagram two months before the outbreak that online learning would never be a thing, only to be forced to do so two months later. What’s changed is the direction in which he’s focusing his attention. Willy is more concerned with whether a child is wearing a mask or receiving a COVID test and whether everyone is doing everything possible to ensure that he gets the support required in the classroom rather than focusing on his ability to play with children and plan activities.

The Ironies of Life

[20:10] Matt grew up with a single mother who also happens to be a teacher. He never imagined himself as a teacher as a child because he was well aware that the occupation didn’t pay well. After all, the students were underprivileged. Matt made himself helpful at a young age by helping with some household tasks and even cooking meals for himself and his mother. 

Willy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrwilly_prek/

The Morning Meeting Podcast is a community for early education teachers. Join me as I share insights, resources, and research-based principles for educators. 

Did you love this episode? Drop me an email and share your biggest takeaway.  Click here 

Follow me on Instagram. 

Interested in learning how we can work together? 

Music by Matt Halpern

My YouTube channel with music videos and instructional tips and ideas

In today’s episode, we are going to be talking about Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) with my guest and a dear friend of mine, Dr. Karen Robbie. After 23 years of serving as a classroom teacher, Dr. Karen Robbie went back for her doctoral to help shape and support future classroom educators. Dr. Karen realized that in order to make a difference in the classroom, that teachers needed to be equipped with evidence-based data to truly dig into the root cause of behavioral concerns in the classroom. 

Grab your notepad and be prepared to learn what PBIS is and how you can use it in your classroom on this episode of Morning Meeting.

Episode Highlights:

[00:02:50] Welcome Dr. Karen Robbie to the show.

[00:05:08] Dr. Karen explains what PBIS is and some of the misconceptions that come along with it.

[00:08:19] PBIS is asking what are the outcomes that you looking to have with all students.

[00:10:00] Strategies and resources available for teachers dealing with behavioral concerns in the classroom. 

[00:13:50] Expectations in the classroom and in society should be clear, so that students know what is expected of them in their new environments.

[00:16:45] Supporting and responding to students’ social and behavioral needs.

[00:19:40] Dr. Karen shares the one message that she would share with early educators.

[00:22:16] The quick five with Dr. Karen where I switch things up and try to guess her answers.

PBIS Resources:
National Technical Assistance Center on PBIS: www.pbis.org/
Supporting and Responding to Students’ Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Needs: Evidence-Based Practices for Educators: https://www.pbis.org/resource/supporting-and-responding-to-behavior-evidence-based-classroom-strategies-for-teachers
Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in the Classroom: https://www.pbis.org/resource/multi-tiered-system-of-supports-mtss-in-the-classroom
Habits of Effective Practice: https://www.pbis.org/resource/habits-of-effective-classroom-practice 

Karen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krnrobbie/

The Morning Meeting Podcast is a community for early education teachers. Join me as I share insights, resources, and research-based principles for educators. 

Did you love this episode? Drop me an email and share your biggest takeaway.  Click here 

Follow me on Instagram. 

Interested in learning how we can work together? 

Music by Matt Halpern

My YouTube channel with music videos and instructional tips and ideas

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/matthalpernedu)

Music is in our lives every single day. It’s a universal thing that can bind us in so many different ways. 

That is one of many reasons why music teacher, Taylor Nardone, says it’s important for kids to learn it early. 

Music is everywhere. Kids hear it while watching TV, playing videos games, while walking through a store... The ability to internalize a beat at a young age could essentially define their fate between becoming a great dancer or forever living with two left feet. 

Additionally, research suggests that children who can recognize a beat can read better and quicker. This implies that music education can help boost learning outcomes in other areas. 

Tune into this episode to learn all about Taylor Nardone, why music is essential in children’s early education, and his best tips for introducing music into any classroom, even when you’re not musically inclined. 

Episode Highlights: 

• [00:00:36] The Morning Meeting Song 
• [00:02:37] Get to know Massachusetts based, elementary music teacher Taylor Nardone and 
• learn how his love for singing led him to teach music 
• [00:04:19] Learn why music is essential to a child’s learning and development 
• [00:08:50] Can’t hit a note even if you tried? Taylor gives his tips for bringing the fun of music 
• into any classroom 
• [00:11:26} Does the teacher’s singing range/voice intonation impact children’s ability to learn 
• intonation and range? 
• [00:17:58} Discover Taylor’s golden nugget for maintaining a positive outlook and perspective as 
• a teacher 
• [00:19:13} Get to know more about Taylor in a round of quick-fire questions, including what he’s 
• listening to right now and why he thinks David Archuleta should play him in a Hollywood movie about his life 

Connect with Taylor Nardone: Instagram | Tik Tok | YouTube 

Resources: 

The Morning Meeting Podcast is a community for early education teachers. Join me as I share insights, resources, and research-based principles for educators. 

Did you love this episode? Drop me an email and share your biggest takeaway.  Click here 

Follow me on Instagram. 

Interested in learning how we can work together? 

Music by Matt Halpern

My YouTube channel with music videos and instructional tips and ideas

Every student deserves a quality education which we teachers do our best to provide every day. However, some students may not connect to the standard lesson plan despite our best intentions. As an adult who suffers from ADHD, I know how it feels to be the student needing something different. In this episode, we discuss Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). 

To help me, I have another special guest, Erin Castillo, a Teacher from California who specializes in working with IEPs. Erin breaks down the stigmas and shares strategies that educators can use to help our young learners flourish within the individualized plans. 

Join us as we advocate and support children with learning disabilities and share our individual stories about overcoming ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder, proving that once a learning ability is diagnosed and managed, children can go on to live successful lives. 

Episode Highlights:
●  [00:00:34] Strategies to speed up your Morning Meeting 
●  [00:01:24] Get to know Erin Castillo, a Special Education Teacher 
●  [00:02:11] High Schoolers weren't Erin's first choice, but a move and opportunity led Erin to her new happy place - listen as Erin explains her love for high-schoolers. 
●  [00:02:14] Understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and the difference between modifications vs. accommodations. 
●  [00:03:37] Unfortunately, stigmas exist around IEPs - learn how these stigmas prevent students from advocating for themselves. 
●  [00:04:57] Phrases, statements, and openers children can use to empower themselves in and outside the classroom. 
●  [00:07:47] As educators, how do we help parents and students release the stigmas surrounding IEPs and why it's vital to involve students in their learning plans. 
●  [00:11:02] Recognizing the beauty of IEPs - listen as Erin, and I discuss the benefits of understanding our learning conditions and how our battles with ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder have shaped us as educators. 
●  [00:16:54] Think online learning was difficult for students in Erin's classroom? Think again- here, she shares the strategies that kept her students engaged. 

Resources:
Get To Know Erin Castillo

Interested in learning how we can work together? 

Music by Matt Halpern 

I have never met an early childhood educator that could not relate to feeling lost when introducing young learners to new concepts. It starts with a glazed-over look of confusion and slowly moves around the classroom as each child checks out! 

We've all been there - that is unless your name is Art Aviña. 

Art brings some of our favorite books and hard to teach subjects to life through Theatre, and his results are as magical as the short films he creates with his students. 

Art's self-taught theater skills have given him a unique insight into how stories can be made more engaging for young learners. He shares his strategies. In this episode, Art talks about what it takes to make an audience stay engaged, interested, and most importantly, comprehend the lessons we teach them. 

Episode Highlights: 

• [00:01:15] The Morning Meeting Song 
• [00:04:10] Get to know L.A. Early Childhood Educator Art Aviña and learn how looking at teaching through the Lens of Theatre opened a whole new world for this educator. 
• [00:06:27] Ever wondered what a Theatre Program would look like in your elementary school? Art walks us through the framework of his program. 
• [00:07:39] Do you think you don't have the creativity to introduce Theatre into your classroom? Think again, Art shares why all Early Childhood Educators are performers. 
• [00:09:46] How can improv help students with comprehension? Art walks us through an example using some of our favorite storybooks. 
• [00:13:15] Introducing new ways of teaching isn't always received, but Art's feedback has been mostly positive. He describes why here. 
• [00:16:15] The older we get, the harder it becomes to play; Art and I discuss using theatre principles for comprehension with older children. 

Connect With Art Aviña. 

• Instagram
• Tic Tok

The Morning Meeting Podcast is a community for early education teachers. Join me as I share insights, resources, and research-based principles for educators. 

Did you love this episode? Drop me an email and share your biggest takeaway. Click here or follow me on Instagram. 

Interested in learning how we can work together? 

Music by Matt Halpern 

How do we create learning environments that concentrate on developing students into critical thinkers? 

Let's be honest ... the way we speak to communicate with our family and friends and how we teach writing and language in academia are very different. 

As Early Childhood Educators, we condition children at a very early age to believe that there is a "right" and "wrong" way to express their ideas - without acknowledging that what we've called American Standard English is a social construct.  

This episode discusses Linguistic Justice with Erika Parker-Havens of Brooklyn, New York. Erika Senior Instructional Coach for EdTech, a non-profit focused on writing instruction. 

• [00:01:06] A language exercise that you can do to celebrate different languages with your students. 
• [00:01:21] Get to know Erika Parker-Havens and learn how this Brooklyn New York Native became the Senior Instructional Coach for EdTech, a non-profit focused on writing instruction. 
•  [00:03:31] Learn how Linguistic Justice allows educators to acknowledge the history and evolution of language - Listen as Erika explains how she defines Linguistic Justice and the three things educators should focus their attention on the welcome the idea. 
• [00:07:32] How can educators reframe how we think and ultimately teach our learners about language correctness? 
• [00:09:45] As Early Educators, how can we use Linguistic Justice to honor children's writing development - Listen as Erika, and I discuss the idea of language correctness and supporting the developmental journey of children.
• [00:14:48] What do many adults have in common with first graders? It turns out more than we think around using writing as a creative outlet. Listen as we share strategies to help students and teachers return to the joy of writing. 
• [00:18:18] The importance of conventional text in reading and language comprehension. 
• [00:19:38] Erika cites thought-leaders in Linguistic Justice as her most significant influence - however, this well-researched educator has done some great work on her own - Listen as shares her perspective behind two of my favorite quotes from her. 
•  [00:25:39] What advice would Erika give to an Early Childhood Educator interested in developing their knowledge in Linguistic Justice? Here she shares three tips.
• Get to know Erika Parker-Havens.

Connect With Erika Parker-Havens

• Erika's Instagram
• Erika's Website

Mentioned:

Let's Talk About Developmentally Appropriate Practice with Hugo Basurto

Book Recommendations: 

• She Come Bringing Me That Little Baby Girl - Eloise Greenfield 
• Flossie and the Fox - Patricia McKissack
• Callaloo: A Jazz Folktale - Marjuan Canady

Resources: 

• Interested in learning how we can work together? 
• Music by Matt Halpern

Do you remember your first trip to a museum? Each year, school districts across the United States students take a trip to their city's museums to discover art, culture, and history. As educators, we are responsible for introducing our students to the world beyond our classroom walls. 

Close your eyes and think about the students in your classroom who see themselves represented for the first time on these trips. This experience is both exciting and heartbreaking; However, they may not have the words to describe their feelings. 

For millions of students, this is their reality. Most classrooms and schools are not inclusive. The fact is, we have to do more in our classrooms - to help every child see themselves and their families represented. 

The inclusion of LGBTQIA+, abilities, ethnic identities and family structures should accurately depict the world. In this episode of The Morning Meeting Podcast- I am interviewing Ash Bell, an inclusivity consultant, and teacher, to discuss this vital subject. 

Show Notes: 

• ●  [00:00:40] A Morning Meeting Song that celebrates each learner's unique personality. 
• ●  [00:02:05] Get to know Ash Bell, a second-generation teacher. Ash is the founder of the Rainbow Toolbox - a consulting company helping schools, businesses, and governments create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ 
• ●  [00:03:55] Learn how the pandemic and being laid off led Ash to expand their life's work. 
• ●  [00:04:33] What does it mean to be non-binary? Hear Ash explain in their own words and understand the importance of providing children with the vocabulary to describe their feelings. 
• ●  [00:10:34] Is your classroom a representation of the world we live in? Ash shares a few questions to ask ourselves to ensure that it is. 
• ●  [00:10:49] There are several ways to structure diversity in your classroom around LGBTQ+, family structure, diversity, and race. 
• ●  [00:12:05] Are you inadvertently reinforcing hetero stereotypes that suggest heterosexuality is the norm and anything else is different? Ash shares a few common mistakes to avoid. 
• ●  [00:21:17] Looking for books and other resources that provide Early Education text that is forward-thinking? Handprints Publisher offers text that includes: different abilities, religions, and family structures. 
• ●  [00:22:09] How to manage pushback from others -including administration- when introducing LGBTQ+ and diversity into the classroom. 

Resources:
Visit Ash on Instagram
Ash's Homepage
Ash's Consulting Page
Ash's thoughts on the gender binary are influenced by the work of Alok Vaid-Menon. Check out their work here.

Matt's Classroom Resources
Matt's New Music Video!
Interested in learning how we can work together? 

Students usher into our classroom each school year, eager to learn and take on new challenges. As Early Childhood Educators, it is up to us to present the world to them and help them explore without overwhelming their curious minds. This week's podcast guest, Emily Hayes, makes it her mission to introduce students to new worlds through excellent penmanship!

Good handwriting is more than just letter formation; by building writing stamina, students unlock their imagination and ability to communicate with the world.   

Join Emily and me as we explore the wonderful world of handwriting. It's time for our Morning Meeting! [00:00:36] Morning Meeting Song

●     [00:02:33] Welcome Emily Hayes and learn more about her career 

●     [00:05:04] Public or private schools listen as Emily shares her thoughts on each

●     [00:06:19] Benefit #1 of Private School's 

●     [00:07:00] Benefit #2 of Private School's 

●     [00:07:32] Emily shares why, despite the benefits of private schools, she is pro-public education

●     [00:09:36] Discover the power of handwriting and how it influences reading. 

●     [00:16:48] Emily shares how she has navigated the pandemic as an educator and mother

Takeaways:  

●     Early educators have so many subjects to introduce their students to; Emily shows us how focusing on one skill can assist us in the other areas. 

●     The pandemic has changed how we teach, yet I love how Emily has reframed her thoughts around the changes. Instead of thinking about what we can't do, Emily shares the new skill sets all teachers have learned and new ways we can connect with our students.

 Get To Know Emily Hayes:

Instagram: Hayes Makes It Happen

Instagram: Clap Into Kindergarten

The Morning Meeting Podcast is a community for early education teachers. Join me as I share insights, resources, and research-based principles for educators. 

Did you love this episode? Drop me an email and share your biggest takeaway. Click here https://www.matthalperneducation.com/about-matt-halpern or follow me on Instagram.

Do you want to support The Morning Meeting, click here

Interested in learning how we can work together? BookMatt 

There are very few Instagram accounts that inspire me, like Hugo Basurto's. 

Hugo is a Houston, Texas-Based Educator that believes in Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP). His feed is a celebration of each child's uniqueness and a place for Early Childhood Educators to gain valuable tips on fostering an environment filled with collaboration, curiosity, and joy. Hugo sat down with me to discuss his career, the training that molded the way he approaches education, and how he fell in love with writing as a child.  

Welcome back to a new season of The Morning Meeting.

BULLETED LIST: 

• [00:00:35] Morning Meeting Song
• [00:01:55] Welcome Hugo Basurto
• [00:03:48] What does taking a Developmentally Appropriate(DAP)  approach means to him?
• [00:04:16] 3 high-level components the DAP and the training that changed the way he would teach forever
• [00:05:54] The importance of celebrating diversity and creating a risk-free environment
• [00:07:57] This is how Hugo celebrates his family's history while sharing the power of writing with his students
• [00:12:11] Listen in as we share our thoughts on conventional spelling vs. developmental spelling
• [00:12:49] How to navigate collaborative activities during a Pandemic
• [00:17:16] Think that Hugo is all work and no play? Learn what this dynamic teacher does to relax. 
• [00:18:47] We all remember our favorite book, Tune in to hear why A Day With No Crayons is a must-read children book

Get To Know Hugo Basurto: Instagram

Resources mentioned: A Day With No Crayons

The Morning Meeting Podcast is a community for early education teachers. Join me as I share insights, resources, and research-based principles for educators. 

Did you love this episode? Drop me an email and share your biggest takeaway. Click here or follow me on Instagram.  

Interested in learning how we can work together?