In this episode of princiPALS, Emma and Jij discuss some of the most inspiring things they’ve learned (so far) while educating preschool- and elementary-aged children during the pandemic, with a hope that their perspectives on in-person learning may help other educators—as well as answer some of the many questions parents and caregivers have as schools readjust learning models in 2021. Emma and Jij also draw on their lessons to create tips that will help parents and caregivers continue to support children (and themselves) at this time.

In this episode of princiPALS, Emma and Jij discuss the importance of talking to kids about race. Join them to unpack common fears around discussing race and bias, including the role socialization plays, and explore studies on kids and race. Listeners will also get tips to help them feel more prepared for these necessary conversations.

Further resources:

• National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) anti-bias education
• Sesame Workshop’s Identity Matters study
• NurtureShock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
• PBS Utah’s Let’s Talk: Talking to Kids About Race
• Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup
• Anti-Racist Books
• Lisa Delpit
• Louise Derman-Sparks
• Robin DiAngelo

The princiPALS are back in the studio to discuss academic rigor during the early childhood and elementary school years. While traditional education focused on the memorization and regurgitation of facts to display knowledge, Emma and Jij show how today’s students succeed when they know how to seek, evaluate, and use knowledge. They also provide practical tips to help parents and caregivers inspire lifelong learning and collaboration in children.

In the first episode of princiPALS, we’re discussing resilience—that essential life skill that empowers kids to bounce back from challenges and stressors. Join Emma and Jij as they chat about what resilience in children looks and sounds like, and share ways that caregivers and educators can work together to build this skill.

Further reading:

• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth, co-founder and CEO of Character Lab and professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania
• The Gardener and the Carpenter, by Alison Gopnick, professor of psychology and affiliate professor of philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley
• The Price of Privilege, by Madeline Levine, psychologist and co-founder of Challenge Success at the Stanford Graduate School of Education