Beyond Integration

In this episode, we switch gears a bit and talk about our real little ones, specifically supporting language development with preschool-age kids. We have a special guest, Michelle Jordan, who works with this age group in our school district. She shares an overview of the current data regarding preschoolers Post-COVID and why oral language is so critical for our kids. Listen in and learn some strategies and routines you can build at home to support pre-literacy skills. Check out the website for some activities and resources you can use to support good speech, language, and communication skills at home. ⁠ Speech & Language Activities

We continue our summer series with some stop-motion action. Get ready for a wild ride into the world of stop-motion videos, where ordinary objects come to life and imagination knows no limits. It's like playing director with your favorite toys, creating a mini-movie masterpiece right at your fingertips.  Check out Education App Store for the apps discussed in this podcast. ⁠ Lego Movie Maker ⁠ Stop Motion Studio ⁠ I Can Animate Check out Common Sense Media Parent Guides to: Lego Super Hero Movie Maker ⁠ Stop Motion Studio ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

In our last episode, we shared Amanda's experience with Geocaching and we went in depth about this fun, outdoor treasure hunt. This episode continues the conversation with a special guest, Tasia, who embarked on her very first geocaching experience with us. Listen in to hear another perspective as she shares insights on our recent adventure.

Our 2nd episode in our summer series is about Geocaching. Geocaching offers a unique way to explore the outdoors, discover hidden places, and engage in a worldwide treasure hunt. It appeals to people of all ages and abilities, from families seeking outdoor adventures to seasoned adventurers looking for a new challenge. The activity promotes physical activity, problem-solving, and navigation skills while fostering a sense of community among geocachers. Listen to this episode as we discuss what it is and enjoy listening to Amanda's first experience with Geocaching. New to Geocaching? Here is a link for more information and to download the app on your phone.  https://www.geocaching.com/play

Social Media is becoming more and more popular among our teenagers. We are also more aware of the mental impacts of Social Media on teens. This episode shares some guidelines and basic rules to help you teach your child how to use social media responsibly and safely. This episode is appropriate if your teen is already using Social Media or is getting started. Resources discussed in this episode: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/what-are-some-basic-social-media-rules-for-middle-schoolers https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/what-are-some-basic-social-media-rules-for-high-schoolers   https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/how-to-help-teens-manage-the-effects-of-social-media-on-their-mental-health   https://www.apaservices.org/advocacy/news/testimony-prinstein-protecting-children-online.pdf

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tim Swick, The Computer Immersion Magnet Lead at Sandlapper Elementary School. He shares how his teachers and students have used the popular game, Minecraft, in school. Using Minecraft Education in the classroom has engaged students in learning and building future-ready skills, such as creativity, problem-solving, and systems thinking. It is pretty interesting to hear just how much our children are learning through "play." See below for more information about the school or contact Dr. Swick. Sandlapper Elementary School Dr. Tim Swick  tswick@richland2.org   @Itecswick   Minecraft for Education Professional Development Transcript of Episode

  Let's celebrate the power of technology in education by participating in Digital Learning Day on March 15, 2023 . This day highlights the potential of technology to transform teaching and learning, and the impact it can have on student success. By embracing digital learning, we can provide students with engaging and personalized learning experiences, and prepare them for the digital future. This day is also for you - to be recognized and celebrated for the effective use of digital tools in your classroom. Here's how you can get involved: Plan a lesson incorporating technology. Try something new that you have heard about but just have not had the chance to try yet. If you are not sure where to start, partner with your Technology & Learning Coach, a fellow colleague, or brainstorm with your students. They will have a variety of ideas to share. Showcase Day - Provide an opportunity for your class to showcase their digital skills. Our students come to us with many talents a...

If you haven't heard about this new personal assistant, ChatGPT, listen in as Nikki and Amanda talk with Chuck Holland, Director of Instructional Technology, about this new AI website. This episode will highlight what it is, and the potential uses for personal, career, and educational needs.    Resources for you to dig in deeper. ChatGPT  - Try it for yourself.  ChatGPT & Education  Check out this resource to read more about ChatGPT AI, Chatbots & ChatGPT for Teachers  - Free Course for educators to learn more about this ChatGPT, how to use it in your role, and peruse examples in various subjects.

As an educator, you know how important it is to keep your students engaged and motivated in their learning. One way to do this is by incorporating interactive and multimedia resources into your lessons. Discovery Education Studio is a fantastic resource for educators looking to bring more excitement and variety to their classrooms. Studio offers 3 different types of activities to build. However, you can also search for ready-made activities that are available for educators. One way that Discovery Education Studio increases student engagement is by providing a wide range of multimedia resources that can make learning more interactive and engaging. For example, instead of simply reading a textbook or listening to a lecture, students can watch educational videos, interact with simulations and games, or explore images and other visual aids. These resources can help to hold students' attention and make learning more interesting and enjoyable. Another way that Discovery Education Studio ...

For our next episode, we’re continuing the conversation about the “B” word… Bullying. Bullying and Cyberbullying are important topics to talk about with our kids. Listen to what some local teens have to tell Amanda and Nikki about “The B Word.” Resource: Cyberbullying Infographic

For our next 2 episodes we’re talking about the “B” word… Bullying. Bullying and Cyberbullying are important topics to talk about with our kids. In this episode, the first of two in this mini-series, Nikki and Amanda go out to a local high school and ask some teens to talk with them about “The B Word.” Cyberbullying for R2Parents Infographic

Are  you struggling with getting students to complete classwork or homework? Maybe you are struggling with grading the same assignment 25+ times. Have you considered providing your students a choice in how they engage with the content and demonstrate their understanding? A simple way to provide students with an opportunity to make a choice in their own learning is with a choice board. What are Choice Boards? In a nutshell, it is a board comprised of squares that allow students some choice in their learning. Each square lists an activity students can complete, whether it is a concept or skill. This differentiated approach allows students to learn content or demonstrate their understanding in a way that interests them. Choice boards can be used in any subject and offer a variety of learning contexts for all learners. What are the benefits of using Choice Boards? Choice boards allow students to make their own choices, increasing intrinsic motivation. I am sure you are more motivated ...

Remember growing up playing with Legos or Lincoln Logs? Maybe you are one that still dabbles in building with Legos. Yes, we know there are many adults that build Legos and we are good with it. It taps into your creative side so we think it's great. This is pretty much what Minecraft is - a 3D world where our kids are building anything they imagine. Tune into the latest podcast episode and learn more about this game our kids are playing.  Available on Spotify I Heart Radio Google Podcast Amazon Music Anchor Resources: Podcast Transcript https://www.webwise.ie/parents/a-parents-guide-to-minecraft/   https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/about-minecraft

What is all this buzz going around about Roblox? What is Roblox and should I be concerned if my kids are playing it? In this spotlight episode, Amanda and Nikki discuss this 3D Virtual platform that allows them to share experiences with friends and play games that were created by users their age. Available on Spotify I Heart Radio Google Podcast Amazon Music Anchor Resources: Transcript of Episode Parents Guide to Roblox and How Your Kids Play it Safely

  If you haven’t been to Discovery Education in a while, it’s time to go in and get check it out again. They have really revamped their website adding different types of media, and readymade created activities to engage your students in their own learning, to virtual field trips. I can go on and on about the new updates. We will get into those resources in later posts, I want to focus on the video quiz feature Discovery Education now has. If you are familiar with using EdPuzzle, there will not be a big transition for you, as the process of creating and assigning a video quiz is similar. I think the biggest benefit of using Discovery Education, over EdPuzzle, is the fact it is free and you have unlimited storage space. EdPuzzle’s free basic plan allows you to store up to 20 videos before you have to pay for more storage. For our friends in our district, you would access Discovery Education through Classlink.  Once you’re in Discovery Education, you will click on the Quiz tile ...

  The Influential Parent - Episode 9, Summer Care Tips   With devices going home for the summer in our district, we wanted to take some time to share some tips for parents that will help them set some guidelines for technology use over the summer. We also encourage you to go to your school's website to locate the summer resource page, allowing your child to continue their learning over the summer. Here is another resource to locate camps for your child(ren) to participate in throughout the summer. Online Camps for a Summer of Learning Adventures , Common Sense Media

  The Influential Parent - Episode 8, My Child Wants to Create a TikTok - Now What? Your child has come to you and said, I want to create a TikTok video. Or, maybe they have already started creating TikTok videos but you haven't had the conversation around TikTok. It's not too late. Join us in this episode to learn about the pros and cons of our children creating TikToks, or maybe even you creating videos. Hear how you can support your child on the journey to create a successful experience and a positive digital footprint.

  The Influential Parent - Episode 7, So Your Kid(s) Want TikTok? TikTok is gaining momentum with a variety of age groups, especially our kids. It is a fun and creative way for anyone to watch, create and share videos. Whether you are new to TikTok, your child wants a TikTok account, or have been using it for a while, we share some fun facts and tips to help parents navigate the consumer side of this popular social media platform.  

  The Influential Parent - Episode 6, Learning with Technology Remember when we were growing up, we had to pile into the car, drive to the library, and check out books to learn this stuff. Now our kids have it all at their fingertips. Our kids are wired to look for information this way. There is no longer the barrier of waiting for parents to take us to the library and hoping the book is not checked out. If you -like us- are also monitoring your digital habits or your children’s digital habits, remember not all usage is “bad”. Our children have interests that they want to explore more, and they will continue to develop new interests because of something they’ve heard or seen. Listen to this episode and find out what a few people use technology to learn. 

  The Influential Parent - Episode 5, The Digital Habits That Impacts Ourselves Picking up where we left off last week, we talk more about notifications and the phenomenon of DOOMSCROLLING (du-duh-duhhhh!!) How does scrolling and scrolling through social media affect our children (and ourselves) physically, mentally, and emotionally? How does endless time in front of a screen affect young brains? Amanda also challenges Nikki with the question: How much time do you think your kids spend on a device each day?  We dig into these interesting topics this week!