In episode 6 of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, second grade expert teachers, Anna Kate Foley and Ann Tedesco, share what's to love about the 2nd grade year. If you've got a second grader, or you've got one coming up, this episode will feed your soul!

In this episode, we’ll talk about the neuroscience of learning, what teachers know about kids’ brains, and what this means for you as a parent and how you can use it when you teach!

This episode features special guest, Cynthia Swanson, from Westminster's Middle School in Atlanta. Cynthia is the Director of Teaching and Learning and also teaches Latin.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-swanson-2540bb20b

https://www.westminster.net/

Join expert educators Laura Arledge and Tiaya Daniels for a deep dive into who 1st graders are, what they need, and how parents can use specific strategies to connect with their children, help them thrive, and capitalize on this fun time of childhood learning.

For resources mentioned in this podcast, check out bowbendconsulting.com

Bios:

Until her recent retirement, Laura Arledge taught Pre-First and First Grade at The Westminster Schools for 25 years. After earning a BS-ED and MED – Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia, she began her career by working in elementary education for five years in the Gwinnett County Public School System. She then joined the preschool programs at Peachtree Presbyterian Church and The Cathedral of St. Phillip while starting her family. During her time at Westminster, Laura has been recognized as an outstanding member of the faculty, respected by her peers and loved by her students. She received the Schoen Family Award in recognition for her passion displayed in working with children and their families, and the School Family Award for Excellence in Teaching. In addition, Laura completed special instruction and training in the Reggio Emilia teaching method held at the prestigious Loris Malaguzzi International Centre in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Laura and her husband enjoy traveling, cooking, college football and spending time with their family, five sons and six grandchildren.

Tiaya Daniels is an educator with experience teaching grades K-8. She is passionate about developing her students' language and literacy skills, in particular. Tiaya has a vast wealth of knowledge relating to professional learning, having taught in Atlanta Public Schools and various private schools globally, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, and Singapore. Tiaya recently completed her doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a focus on collective teacher efficacy and continues to advocate for best practices for the unique needs of her students.

Joining us in episode 3, "Making the Grade" is special guest Ashley Gayanilo, the Assistant Head of Middle School for Teaching and Learning at The Lovett School in Atlanta. Ashley shares with parents some helpful frameworks for thinking about your children's grades, how grading has changed over the years, and some key questions to ask as a parent that will help your child keep the focus on learning (and take off the pressure to perform).

Ashley is an Atlanta native who likes to call herself a global citizen. She has lived overseas 3 times in her life and constantly strives to learn and grow. A graduate of The Lovett School and The University of Virginia, Ashley pursued a career in sports marketing and the Olympics for 12 years until she moved into education. For over 20 years Ashley has worked with children, families and teachers in High School, Middle School, public school and private school in order to support student growth and learning. Ashley taught at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut; The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia and returned to The Lovett School in 2023 as the Assistant Head of Middle School for Teaching and Learning.

Sometimes I just wish I had an expert in each of my children's particular ages whispering in my ear tips and tricks about how to handle that stage well.

In our second episode, Kindergarten teacher Laurie McRae does just that. Find out some great ways to set your kindergartener up for success.

Great teachers spent years learning how to manage behavior before they even stepped into a classroom, while as parents, we left the hospital without so much as an instruction manual!

Today's episode dives into four power strategies that teachers learn to proactively manage behavior. Add these four tools to your parenting toolbox and wrangle your kids like a pro.