Notes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast

As school districts plan for an unprecedented back-to-school season, money is particularly tight. We invited Dr. Marguerite Roza, our guest from Education Finance 101: Money Talks, back to the show to give us an update. She shares what's currently happening in the world of education finance and how families can advocate for their child's needs.

As the school year wraps up virtually, families around the world are wondering, what comes next? We spoke with Amalia Chamorro, Associate Director of Education Policy at UNIDOS US to learn more about COVID-19’s impact on our children and its potential impact on the back-to-school season. She reflects on the drastic changes families have faced these last few months and how schools and families will continue to have to adapt moving forward.

Resources:

• Discover more education resources from UNIDOS US at progressreport.co
• Check out the results from the recent COVID-19-focused poll Amalia referred to
• Follow UNIDOS US on Twitter at @WeAreUnidosUS  

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Whether it’s brushing their teeth or turning off the TV, all of our kids have something that sets off an emotional outburst. So how can we work with our kids to create less stress and conflict around daily routines? We talked with Dr. Ross Greene, psychologist and founder of Lives in Balance, about how to address a child’s toughest behaviors. He shares how taking a collaborative and proactive approach can improve your relationships with your children and bring peace to your homes!

Resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Greene’s work on the Lives in the Balance website
• Lives in the Balance offers a variety of resources including podcasts, videos and more
• Follow Lives on the Balance on Twitter at @LITB_
• For more advice, check out PTA’s Our Children magazine article, “Ask an Expert: How to Handle Your Kid’s Bad Habits”

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Our kids seem to have endless questions about everyday life and sometimes the WHY questions can get a little frustrating. However, encouraging this curiosity is good for their development. We spoke with Dr. Carol O’Donnell, Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center, about how you can support your budding scientist. Dr. O’Donnell discusses how families can find science in the world around them and shares fun activities you can do at home!

Resources:

• Explore The Learning Lab where families can access free resources from the Smithsonian’s museums, zoo, cultural and research centers & libraries.
• Check out the Smithsonian Science Center’s new learning module, “COVID-19! How Can I Protect Myself & Others?” geared towards students in 3rd-8th grade.
• Encourage the little inventor in your life with these hands on activities from our partners at the National Inventors Hall of Fame
• Read PTA’s Our Children magazine article, “Three Tips for Raising Curious Kids”
• Follow the Smithsonian Science Education Center on Twitter at @SmithsonianScie

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Reading is a fun activity for the whole family, but what should you do when your child struggles with words—or worse, if they declare they don’t like reading? We talked with Dr. Rebecca Silverman, professor at Stanford University, to learn how we can raise lifelong readers. She offered strategies for fostering a love of reading and guidance on what you should expect from your child at each age.

Resources:

• Visit two of Dr. Silverman’s favorite reading websites: Colorín Colorado and Reading Rockets
• Families of children with special needs can explore Understood.org for helpful articles and resources
• Check out this special PTA portal via Reading is Fundamental for discounted books just for PTA families

Learn more about Dr. Silverman’s work at LanglitLab.stanford.edu.

In this special episode our hosts sat down with National Teacher of the Year, Rodney Robinson, in front of a live audience at National PTA’s Legislative Conference. During this candid conversation, Rodney offered his insights into the teaching profession, issues of equity, school discipline and the importance of recruiting more black educators.

Resources:

• Check out PTA’s Our Children magazine profile on Rodney Robinson and his work
• Learn more about Rodney Robinson on the CCSSO 2019 Teacher of the Year page
• Discover more ways you can support the teachers in your life on our Teacher Appreciation Week page
• Follow Rodney Robinson on Twitter at @RodRobinsonRVA

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

From navigating new forms of technology to keeping track of kids’ assignments, online learning during COVID-19 presents unique challenges. We talked with Dr. Natalie Milman, professor of Education Technology at George Washington University, to get her insights into emergency remote teaching and learning, education technology and more. She shares strategies for supporting your child academically, as well as guidance for making it through this difficult situation.

Resources:

• Read Dr. Milman’s recent articles, This Is Emergency Remote Teaching, Not Just Online Teaching and Pandemic Pedagogy
• Check out more tips for Building Positive Conditions for Learning at Home from AIR
• Look through National PTA’s COVID-19 response page for even more resources
• Follow Dr. Milman on Twitter at @NatalieBMilman

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Sometimes you can’t help but wonder, what is my kid thinking? While it may seem like our kid’s actions and reactions are random and unpredictable, you can discover a lot when you dig into the science of learning. We spoke with Dr. Brandi Kenner, senior consultant at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, about how a child’s brain works. She shared essential information for understanding your child’s responses and helpful strategies for teaching them how to manage their emotions and behavior.

Resources:

• Read “Understanding Your Teenager’s Brain” for more insights into the science of learning
• Discover helpful resources for families and educators on the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s COVID-19 webpage 
• Find online early childhood resources for language and literacy development at CoxCampus.org
• Follow Dr. Kenner on Twitter at @BrandiKenner and visit ChoiceFilledLives.org to learn more about her work

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

The world of special education can be overwhelming for families—especially right now, as families are navigating learning from home. Perhaps you see your child struggling with their school work, but you’re not sure if they qualify, or would even benefit from support services. Maybe your child is in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and you’re worried about how to make sure they receive adequate services during school shutdowns. We talked with expert Debra Jennings, from the Statewide Parent Education Network (SPAN), to address these concerns and more.

Resources:

• Check out PTA’s Our Children magazine article 10 Ways Children with Language Disorders Can Maintain Connection During Coronavirus.
• The Center for Parent Information & Resources Library is a searchable database that will help families navigate the special education and early intervention systems. The organization has also curated a collection of resources related to COVID-19 for families of children with disabilities.  
• Families can connect with the Center for Parent Information & Resources to find a Parent Center their state and community
• Follow @parentcenterhub on Twitter for even more resources and information

Was this episode helpful to you and your family? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode. 

COVID-19 has drastically changed our daily lives in a short period of time. Children are learning at home, and parents are working remotely—while also supporting the social and emotional needs of their children and managing the stress of being homebound. We talked with psychologist, author and professor Dr. Erlanger "Earl" Turner about these new challenges to learn how to stay happy, healthy and learning during this difficult time. He shares tips for setting routines, managing your mental health and coping with uncertainty.

Resources:

• Read 6 Ways to Help Your Child Manage their Anxiety and Talking with Your Children about Stress by our partners at the American Psychological Association
• Visit the Anxiety & Depression Association of America to find tips specific to COVID-19 and mental health.
• Look through National PTA’s COVID-19 response page for more resources

Follow Dr. Earl on Twitter at @DrEarlTurner