The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & Resources
Hosted by Dr. Lisa Hassler, The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation, & Resources is a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited podcast that offers innovative solutions to educational challenges. We bring together research, expert insights, and practical resources to help teachers and parents tackle everything from classroom management to learning differences. Every episode focuses on turning common education challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you're a teacher looking for fresh ideas or a parent wanting to better support your child's learning, we've got actionable strategies you can use right away.The podcast's music was created by Brandon Picciolini from The Lonesome...
Following the Unexpected: The Magic of a Conference
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A single sheet of paper can unlock a year’s worth of student writing. I’m sharing a conference moment that surprised me, stuck with me, and still shapes how I think about literacy instruction and creativity in the classroom: hearing author and illustrator Nick Bruel talk about craft, humor, and the real decisions behind children’s books.
I take you back to the 2012 Illinois Reading Council Conference and the unexpected path from a funny breakfast talk to three Nick Bruel sessions in one day. The first takeaway is wonderf...
How Adaptive Learning Changes Teaching Without Replacing It
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If a student can get a perfectly tailored lesson from AI in seconds, what exactly is the teacher’s job, and what does school become? That question sits underneath every new adaptive platform, every AI policy debate, and every parent’s uneasy feeling that “personalized” might also mean “alone.”
We talk with Tom Woelper, Head of School at Cheshire Academy, about what’s genuinely promising in adaptive learning technology and where schools can go too far. We dig into why pairing teachers with AI can beat either one alone, how personalization can free up ti...
How to Identify and Treat Math Anxiety in Learners| Dr. Aditya Nagrath
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We talk with mathematician and computer scientist, Dr. Aditya Nagrath, about why students avoid math even when they are capable and how confusion can harden into anxiety over time. We focus on treating math anxiety by rebuilding understanding, reshaping beliefs, and using practical strategies that teachers and parents can apply right away.
• math anxiety as a cycle of stress, self-doubt, and avoidance
• early comprehension gaps in quantity and math language
• manipulatives and play as the foundation for number sense
• inclusive strategy of believin...
History as the Human Story: Teaching Students to Think, Question, and Live Wisely
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History is the human story, a way of seeing the world and our place in it.
In this episode of The Brighter Side of Education, Dr. Lisa Hassler welcomes back historian and Associate Professor Dr. Christopher Berg for a thoughtful conversation about the purpose of history education, how it has changed over time, and why it remains essential in today’s classrooms.
Drawing from his work in Why Study History?, History and the Public Good, and “My Friend! You and I Have Passed Our Lives in Serious Times,” Dr. Berg e...
Why Kids Miss School: A Human-Centered Approach to Absenteeism | Dr. Ivory Toldson
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Chronic absenteeism keeps getting described as a kid problem, but the evidence tells a different story. When we label students as “disengaged,” we miss what is often right in front of us: unreliable transportation, health crises, caregiving demands, and school policies that punish families for not having options.
I’m joined by Dr. Ivory Toldson, Chief of Research for Concentric Educational Solutions and a professor at Howard University, to unpack insights from his white paper, “Redefining the Attendance Paradigm: A Systemic Analysis of Chronic Absenteeism, Economic Impacts, & Human-Centered Interventions,” built on national d...
When Schools Can’t Find the Right Teacher: Expanding Access to Learning
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A student’s future should not depend on whether their school can find a qualified chemistry teacher this year—but that’s often how geography-bound education works.
When the PISA 2022 report revealed declines in performance and widening gaps across countries, it’s easy to point to motivation or effort. This conversation takes a different angle: what if the real constraint is the structure of schooling and how learning is organized?
Dr. Lisa Hassler is joined by Maurice O’Shannassy, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Sagecool. With a background in building c...
More Than Play: What Toybuilding Teaches Students | Rick Hartman
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In many classrooms, toys are something we put away when it’s time to get serious. But what if toys are actually one of the most effective ways to teach?
In this episode of The Brighter Side of Education, Dr. Lisa Hassler explores toybuilding as a powerful instructional approach with educational toymaker Rick Hartman, founder of School of Toy. With over 25 years of experience and more than one million students reached, Rick shares how building simple toys transforms learning from passive to active.
Rather than treating toys as...
Not Your Granny’s Grammar: Bringing Joy Back to Writing and Grammar | Patty McGee
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Ever feel like grammar turns a lively class silent? We dig into a brighter way forward with literacy consultant and author Patty McGee, exploring how short, focused routines transform grammar from rote correction into a set of powerful choices that make writing clearer, bolder, and more authentic. Instead of chasing perfection on worksheets, we show how to build sentence craft in tiny, joyful steps that actually transfer to real writing.
We start by naming the problem: isolated drills don’t move the needle on student prose. From there, Patty lays out a...
Rebuilding Student Focus: Neuroscience-Informed Cognitive Training | Dominick Fedele
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Educators across grade levels are observing a consistent pattern: students are increasingly distracted, mentally fatigued, and less able to sustain focus during academic tasks. These challenges affect reading comprehension, problem-solving, written expression, and overall learning stamina. This episode examines the cognitive and neurological foundations behind these trends and explores how neuroscience-informed innovation may support learning readiness.
Drawing on research in neuroplasticity and cognitive development, the discussion highlights how core brain systems—including attention regulation, working memory, processing speed, response inhibition, and visual control—play a critical role in students’ ability to engage...
Competency-Based Learning & Human-Centered Design: A Future-Ready Shift | Camp
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As automation and artificial intelligence reshape the future of work, educators face a critical question: Are we preparing students for a world defined by automation and innovation?
In this episode of The Brighter Side of Education, Dr. Lisa Hassler speaks with Camp, Head of Teaching and Learning at New England Innovation Academy, about how competency-based learning and human-centered design can work together to support meaningful, future-ready education.
The conversation explores research-backed approaches to assessment, including evidence showing that competency-based environments grounded in strong student–teacher re...
Innovation in STEM Education: Preparing Students for an Ever- Changing World | Dr. Jennifer Berry
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How can STEM education keep pace with a rapidly changing world? In this episode of The Brighter Side of Education, host Dr. Lisa Hassler explores innovative approaches to STEM learning with Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab.
This conversation examines how authentic, project-based STEM experiences help students build STEM identity, develop problem-solving skills, and see real connections between classroom learning and future careers. Drawing on research, classroom examples, and real-world applications, Dr. Berry explains why purpose matters more than tools—and how productive struggle, community partnerships, and industry-aligned learning environments can ex...
Intentional Kindness in Schools | Bucket Filling with Carol McCloud
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What if a few words and a simple image could reshape how students treat each other—and how they feel about themselves? We dive into bucket filling, a plain-language framework that sparked a global kindness movement. Grounded in the CASEL competencies and early brain research, this approach replaces vague advice with three clear rules: be a bucket filler, try not to dip, and use your lid.
Carol McCloud, president of Bucket Fillers Academy and author of 11 children’s books, shares how the metaphor took root in classrooms and homes, why it reso...
Tinsel, Turkeys & Trying New Things: Holiday Special with the Hasslers
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We hit “Go Live” to close our longest season yet and lean into a simple truth: growth beats perfect. Holiday crunch time made the choice easy—pivot, try the new thing, and share what’s working for educators and parents who want less noise and more clarity. We review the milestone that mattered most this year—CPD credits for listeners—so your professional learning can count toward recertification while you collect practical strategies you’ll actually use.
Across the season, AI literacy became a defining throughline. We highlight four standout conversations featuring inno...
How to Prepare Students for a Changing World | Barry Garapedian on Value Creation, Mindset, and Success
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Are we preparing young people to follow instructions or to solve real problems? We explore a better path with Barry Garapedian—financial advisor, mentor, and author of Winning the Game of Life—who makes a compelling case for teaching value creation as the antidote to uncertainty, inflation, and the AI upheaval. Together, we unpack the hidden curriculum, why compliance still shadows classrooms, and how to build graduates who contribute, not just compete.
Barry maps out his Seven Fs—family, faith, friends, fitness, financial, fun, philanthropy—as a practical life blueprint. We dig into...
Grading What Matters: Rethinking Student Learning and Assessment | Marc Aronson
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Imagine a school where grades reward collaboration, character, and genuine mastery—not just memorization and speed. In this episode, Dean of Academics Marc Aronson shares how his school, Cheshire Academy, rethought assessment through Grading What Matters, a framework focused on authentic learning, student agency, and mission-aligned outcomes.
We explore Final Demonstrations of Learning instead of exams, a Community of Learners model that grades students on contribution and engagement, and a fully open honors pathway where any student can earn honors inside their regular class.
D...
From Players to Creators: How Student Game-Making Builds AI-Era Skills | Matt Dalio
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Play isn’t just fun—it’s a blueprint for learning. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Hassler and Matt Dalio (Endless Studios/Foundation) explore how student game-making builds creativity, collaboration, and resilience while scaffolding real tools—from no-code building to Unity and Blender.
We unpack the research on learning by making, connect Jane McGonigal’s mechanics of motivation to classroom practice, and trace a big-picture story from the printing press to software literacy.
Matt lays out why the next divide is n...
Supporting Students with ADHD: Executive Function Strategies for Teachers and Parents | Ann Dolin
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Nearly 1 in 10 children are diagnosed with ADHD, yet most educators receive no formal training in supporting executive function deficits. This gap creates challenges for teachers, frustration for parents, and academic struggles for students who are often mislabeled as unmotivated or lazy.
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Hassler speaks with Ann Dolin M.Ed., founder of Educational Connections and author of "Homework Made Simple," about the critical role of executive function in student success and practical strategies for supporting ADHD learners.
Topics Covered:
Executive function skills and...AI Education for Kids: Expert Guide for Teachers & Parents | Mike Todasco
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The digital revolution in education is happening right now, and AI literacy has surged to become the #1 skill employers demand. With 70% of job skills projected to change by 2030, our conversation with Mike Todasco couldn't be more timely or crucial for parents and educators navigating this shifting landscape.
Mike brings a rare dual perspective as both a visiting fellow at San Diego State University's AI Center and father of two school-aged children. His insights bridge the technical sophistication of artificial intelligence with the practical realities of raising children in a world where...
Handwriting Instruction: How it Boosts Literacy & Brain Development| Holly Britton
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Discover why handwriting instruction is disappearing from classrooms and how this impacts your child's literacy development. In this research-backed episode, handwriting specialist Holly Britton reveals the neuroscience behind why forming letters by hand activates crucial brain pathways that typing cannot replicate.
What You'll Learn:
Why explicit handwriting instruction is missing from most schools and its impact on reading comprehensionThe kinesthetic connection between hand movement and language acquisition in the brainEvidence-based strategies for teaching proper letter formation and pencil gripHow to support children struggling with handwriting difficulties and learning...A Gen Z Guide to Success: After College Insights| Annat Shrabstein
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The transition from college to adulthood has dramatically transformed over recent decades, with financial independence, full-time employment, and independent living occurring much later for today's graduates than their 1980s counterparts. Yet despite these shifting timelines, Sallie Mae's latest research reveals that higher education continues to deliver tremendous value for Gen Z.
According to Annat Shrabstein, Senior Director of Consumer Insights & Brand Strategy at Sallie Mae, their "How America Succeeds After College 2025" report uncovers interesting insights about what success truly means for recent graduates. Research reveals a significant shift in how Gen...
Who’s Behind the Curriculum? Missing Voices in Academic Publishing|Dr. Cassidy Sugimoto
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Curriculum doesn’t start in the classroom—it starts in the knowledge system: the people, institutions, and practices that produce and disseminate research. Dr. Cassidy Sugimoto, a Tom and Marie Patton Professor and School Chair from the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech, explains how publishing and citation practices flow into standards and textbooks.
Dr. Sugimoto highlights the systemic barriers faced by women and underrepresented minorities in academia and how these barriers affect what is taught in classrooms. The discussion also covers the need to redefine success in academia and the...
Quality Child Care Creates the Foundation for Lifelong Learning
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Quality childcare creates the foundation for lifelong learning and development, but finding the right program often leaves parents confused, frustrated, and uncertain. What should you actually look for beyond a clean facility and friendly staff? How do you know if a program will nurture your child's development in ways that matter?
In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Lisa Hassler welcomes Judith Sikora, a respected voice in early childhood education with over three decades of leadership at national organizations like Child Care Aware of America. Sikora cuts through the confusion with practical wisdom...
Second Chances: How Prison Education Programs Are Reducing Violence and Rebuilding Lives
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Behind the concrete walls and steel bars of America's prisons, something remarkable is happening. Education—once considered an afterthought in correctional settings—is proving to be one of the most powerful tools for transformation, not just for individuals but for entire institutions.
Our conversation with Joshua Gilliam, who brings a unique dual perspective as both a former correctional officer and current university instructor, reveals the profound impact of educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Drawing on over a decade of experience and his ongoing doctoral research, Joshua shares compelling evidence that participation in h...
Jazzing Up Your Music Program: Reignite Teen Engagement With Unison-Based Content
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Secondary music classrooms are increasingly challenged by student disengagement—especially when traditional models fail to resonate with today’s learners. In this compelling episode, professional bassist and music educator Richard Frank introduces his Unison-Based Content (UBC) approach, a student-centered framework designed to revitalize music programs and re-engage learners of all skill levels.
UBC shifts away from the conventional jazz band structure, offering a more inclusive model that welcomes diverse instrumentation—including non-traditional instruments—and varying skill levels from the start. By blending formal (notation and theory) and informal (playing by ear) learning...
The Healing Power of Wild Mustangs: Biophilia & Equine Therapy with Erin Cain
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Discover the power of equine therapy through the eyes of specialist Erin Cain, founder of Grace Reins Equine Therapy in Colorado. When words fall short in traditional therapy settings, horses step in as powerful healers for children struggling with anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation.
The science behind this approach is fascinating. Horses, with heart rates half that of humans despite their massive size, naturally help children downregulate their nervous systems through a mirroring effect. This physiological connection creates a safe space for emotional processing that bypasses the need for verbal expression...
Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Kids' Growth | Susie Spikol on Nature, Learning & Imagination
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What if the solution to many childhood developmental challenges was literally right outside our windows? Naturalist and author Susie Spiegel reveals how unstructured nature play creates the perfect environment for children to develop crucial life skills that structured indoor activities simply can't replicate.
Drawing from her book "Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic," Spiegel shares how simple outdoor activities like mixing "potions" from natural materials or creating miniature fairy villages foster imagination while simultaneously developing communication skills, risk assessment...
Peer Mentorship in Action: How a 9-Year-Old Podcaster Is Opening Doors to Literacy and Science
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"Books are the key to unlocking your soul's true potential." These aren't the words of a veteran educator or bestselling author – they come from nine-year-old Ishara, host of Ishara's Reading Podcast, literacy advocate, and aspiring astronaut who dreams of leading a mission to Mars.
In this inspiring episode, Ishara is at her skating rink (YouTube video of this episode!) She shares how her reading podcast is helping children around the world access literature, explore big ideas, and discover the joy of learning. From environmental stewardship to space exploration, Ishara connects storytelling wi...
Speech & Language Help for Kids: Expert SLP Tips for Parents and Teachers
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Dinalynn Rosenbush, certified speech-language pathologist and host of the Language of Play podcast, shares research-backed approaches for supporting children's communication skills through play when speech therapy services are delayed or unavailable.
• Nearly 8% of children ages 3-17 have communication disorders with speech problems being most common
• Children need to hear a word approximately 400 times before they begin using it themselves
• Understanding the difference between speech (sound production) and language (meaning, vocabulary, sentences)
• Simple strategies include having sensory-rich conversations about everyday activities
• Expand vocabulary by providing multiple words for common con...
Gen Z College & Career Readiness | Helping Students Plan Their Future with Loper
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Post-secondary planning doesn't need to be overwhelming for students, parents, or educators. Sam Bernstein shares how his app Loper is transforming this crucial process into a personalized, engaging experience that meets Gen Z where they are.
• Only 74% of Gen Z teens plan to attend college, down from previous generations
• Students increasingly interested in staying at home or exploring alternatives to four-year colleges
• College rankings create unnecessary stress and don't account for individual fit
• Traditional planning tools rely on outdated checklists that don't engage today's students
• Average school counselor...
Screen-Free Learning That Works: Why Teachers & Parents Love the "Who Smarted" Podcast
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Worried about too much screen time for your kids or students? Discover how the Who Smarted podcast is helping parents and teachers bring back curiosity, focus, and fun — without a screen in sight.
In this episode, Jerry Kolber, co-founder of Atomic Entertainment and creator of Who Smarted, shares how his wildly popular educational podcast (with over 3 million downloads!) is changing the game. Learn how short, engaging, screen-free episodes are being used in classrooms and homes to spark learning, boost retention, and cut down on screen addiction.
🎧 Why kids engage more...
Making Teaching Sustainable in a Blended, Self-Paced Learning Environment: The Modern Classrooms Project
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Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project, explains how their innovative teaching model helps teachers effectively reach students with diverse learning needs through blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning. Traditional teaching methods struggling with different learning paces, gaps in knowledge, and absent students can be transformed with this approach that empowers both teachers and students.
• Traditional teaching models fail when teaching to the middle leaves advanced students bored and struggling students lost
• Modern Classrooms Project combines blended instruction, self-pacing, and mastery-based learning
• Teachers create short instructional videos that students can pause...
406,000 Teacher Vacancies: The Solution Schools Are Using to Keep Classrooms Staffed
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The education landscape is in turmoil as schools cope with a teacher shortage that leaves over 400,000 positions unfilled. This episode tackles the pressing issue head-on, exploring how innovative education leaders are transforming staffing challenges into pathways for continuity and excellence in learning. We welcome Nicola Soares, the president of Kelly Education, to share her insights from her frontline experience in education. Discover how Kelly Education addresses staffing shortages through a commitment to training, competitive compensation, and strategic partnerships focused on enhancing the quality of substitute teaching.
Throughout the episode, we delve i...
Empowering Young Women Through Financial Literacy with Her Wealth Founder James Comblo
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Are you aware of the gender gap in financial literacy? In this episode, James Comblo shares the impact of programs like Her Wealth, designed to empower girls aged 16-28 with the tools for financial independence. Through candid discussions, relatable anecdotes, and actionable strategies, we explore how parents and educators can foster environments that prioritize vital financial conversations. We aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding money discussions and encourage open dialogues about spending, saving, and budgeting.
From practical tips for managing credit to insights on developing a healthy relationship with finances, this e...
School-Based Mental Health Initiatives with Counseling in Schools' Kevin DaHill-Fuchel
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Can better mental health support in schools transform student success? Join us as we explore this critical question with Kevin DaHill-Fuchel, Executive Director of Counseling in Schools (CIS). With him, we uncover the profound impact of integrating mental health professionals into school environments, a strategy that has notably boosted attendance and graduation rates in New York City.
Our conversation takes a deep dive into the challenges faced by schools, especially in accommodating the influx of asylum-seeking children in 2023. We discuss how CIS adapts its strategies to meet the unique cultural needs o...
Data Driven Solutions for Chronic Absenteeism with Innovator Chris Hull
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What if a simple tool could improve the way we address chronic absenteeism in schools? Join me, Dr. Lisa Hassler, as I explore this provocative question with Chris Hull, the visionary founder of Otus. In this episode, we uncover how integrating various data points into a single platform can empower educators to swiftly identify at-risk students and create tailored interventions. Discover how technology not only simplifies the teaching process but also enhances a teacher's ability to meet each student's unique needs effectively.
With Chris’s insights, we delve into the capabilities of...
Students Overcome Math Anxiety with Mathematician Dr. Aditya Nagrath
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The episode explores the science and psychology of math anxiety and features innovative educational approaches aimed at transforming math teaching. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Aditya Nagrath shares insights on early intervention, preventive strategies to improve students' confidence, and the importance of viewing math as a language. As the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, he's on a mission to empower children with mathematics.
• Discussion on the prevalence and impact of math anxiety
• Early intervention strategies in mathematics education
• Teaching math as a language to imp...
Joyful Learning: Practical Strategies for Navigating Holiday Havoc with Drs Hassler
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Ever wonder how teachers and parents can navigate the festive frenzy of December without losing their minds? Join me and my husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., as we unlock the secrets to maintaining sanity and maximizing learning during one of the busiest times of the year. We promise you'll walk away with practical strategies like planning detailed calendars to juggle school events and holiday activities seamlessly. Discover how aligning lesson plans with holiday themes can transform classroom experiences into memorable family keepsakes, all while keeping the joy of the season alive.
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The Golden Age of Nonfiction: Gateway to Literacy with Imagination Soup's Melissa Taylor
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Open the gates to the golden age of nonfiction literature with Dr. Lisa Hassler and Melissa Taylor, founder of Imagination Soup, as they unravel the often-overlooked power of nonfiction books in education. Did you know that 84% of first graders show a preference for nonfiction, yet these books are not as prevalent as they should be in children's literature? Join us as we discuss the crucial role nonfiction plays in nurturing literacy skills in our information-laden world. Melissa shares her journey from teaching to becoming a curator of children's books, emphasizing the need for...
Stories as Tools for Anxiety Management with Former Sesame Street Director, Dr. Anna Housley-Juster
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What if the key to managing childhood anxiety lies in the stories we tell? Discover how storytelling can transform anxiety from a daunting monster into a friendly guide, as Dr. Anna Housley-Juster, a licensed mental health clinician and author of "How to Train Your Amygdala," joins us. With a blend of empathy and humor, Anna shares her insights on how understanding the brain's alarm system can empower children to see anxiety as a protective mechanism rather than a foe. She reveals her unique strategies for using storytelling to foster emotional resilience, making complex...
Music Education & Mental Well-Being: Making Better Humans with Music Workshop's Dr. Giuliana Conti
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Unlock the powerful role of music in transforming education with insights from Dr. Lisa Hassler and guest, Dr. Giuliana Conti, Director of Education and Equity at Music Workshop. Prepare to discover how music education can boost adolescents' mental well-being, with research backing its impact on neural connectivity and emotional health. Giuliana shares her personal journey from classical viola performance to advocating for accessible music programs, highlighting the influence of music in her life and career.
Explore their groundbreaking Soundwaves program from Music Workshop, bringing concert-like experiences right into the classroom and...
