Raising Thinkers

Finding the right school for your child is no small feat! 🎓 From educational philosophy to safety, these key questions will help you make the best choice for your family. 🏫✨ Join the Raising Thinkers Community for a handy checklist!

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e32-how-to-pick-a-school-for-your-child/

Math has come a long way! 🧠 From rigid steps to flexible, creative problem-solving, today’s math is all about building true understanding. Want tips to support your child’s math journey? Join our Raising Thinkers community!

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e31-developing-flexible-mathematicians/

Wondering how to talk about politics with your kids after the election? Our latest post has age-appropriate ways to foster respect, model civil discourse, and help kids understand voting! 🌍

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e30-talking-with-your-kids-about-politics/

Boost creativity & critical thinking in kids with the RAFT strategy! 🧠 Choose a Role, Audience, Format, and Topic to spark new perspectives. Whether they’re a scientist talking to pets or a teacher giving directions, RAFT makes learning fun & engaging! https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/

Summary

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, Shelley discusses engaging, no-materials-required games that parents can play with their kids while on the go. These games not only entertain but also promote critical thinking, observation skills, and learning without the kids even realizing it. From classic games like 20 Questions and I Spy to more challenging activities like mental math and word association, Shelley provides a variety of options suitable for different age groups. She also encourages parents to share their favorite games and highlights the importance of community and resources for nurturing creativity in children.

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, Shelly discusses the importance of fostering creativity in children and introduces the SCAMPER strategy as a structured way to encourage creative thinking. SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, and Reverse, each representing a method to inspire divergent thinking. Shelly provides practical examples for each component, emphasizing how these techniques can be applied in storytelling, problem-solving, and everyday situations. The conversation highlights the value of open-ended exploration and the joy of discovering innovative ideas through collaboration with children.

Get full resources at:

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2e27-scamper-a-strategy-for-creative-and-divergent-thinking/

🎙️ New Episode! 🎙️

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e26-prepping-for-parent-teacher-conferences-what-parents-really-need-to-know/

Summary

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, the host shares personal experiences and practical tips for families moving with children. The conversation covers the challenges of relocating, the importance of asking for help, and strategies to keep kids engaged and emotionally supported during the transition. The host emphasizes the need for preparation, involvement of children in the moving process, and maintaining routines to ease the adjustment. The episode concludes with encouragement for families to view moving as an adventure and an opportunity for growth.

Website link:  https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e25-surviving-moving-day-with-kids/

Summary

In this episode, Shelly discusses the impact of AI on education and parenting, sharing insights on how AI can enhance creativity, streamline tasks, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. She provides practical advice for parents and educators on integrating AI into their lives and highlights several AI tools that can be beneficial for both teaching and learning.

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e24-ai-will-robots-take-over-education/

In this episode, I dive into the often dreaded topic of homework. We explore the research behind homework’s pros and cons, discuss how much is too much, and share tips for parents navigating homework challenges at home. I also reflect on my experiences as a teacher and provide insights on how to support your child's learning journey effectively. Whether you’re pro-homework or against it, this episode offers a balanced perspective on the ongoing debate.

Download material here:

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e23-to-do-or-not-to-do-homework/