Parenting Leading and Teaching With Emotional Intelligence and Love

Math Fact Lab with Mike Kenny

Parents and Educators! Today I interviewed Mike Kenny (Burlington, VT; former 19-year 5th-grade teacher; now runs MathFacts Lab full time with ~10 staff). He describes a strategy-based, visual, digital platform that avoids rote memorization, using concrete/pictorial/abstract models (dice, number lines, area models, missing factors). He created a 2012 flashcard system, then migrated to Google Slides/Chromebooks, then MathFacts Lab. A study of 4th graders outside Philadelphia showed fluency rising from ~40% at year’s start to ~92% by year’s end. Users include families, homeschools, individual teachers, schools, districts, and international schools (Australia, New Zealand). Grades: kindergarten–2 (add/subtract), 3+ (mult/div). Levels A–Z; flexible switching between operations. Motivation is intrinsic (level progress). Website: mathfactlab.com [http://mathfactlab.com/]. Enjoy!

Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change

In this episode of "Parenting, Leading, and Teaching with Emotional Intelligence and Love," host Shawn Edwards welcomes Dr. Ann Ishimaru and Dr. Decoteau Irby to discuss their groundbreaking work on equity leadership in education. Drawing from their book "Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change," the conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of transforming school systems to better serve all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. The guests share insights from nearly a decade of research, highlighting the importance of diverse leadership, culturally responsive curricula, and the perseverance required to create lasting, systemic change. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how educators and communities can work together to foster justice, inclusion, and meaningful progress in schools.

Miki says reduce and regenerate...even with diapers!

Miki Agrawal, an entrepreneur focused on reducing and regenerating, discusses her company Hiro Technologies and its products, including Hiro Diapers. Hiro Diapers are unbleached, non-toxic, and biodegradable, using fungi to break down plastic. They offer a monthly subscription for $99, including diapers, wipes, and fungi pouches. As a Montessori educator and coach, Shawn Edwards (host) highlights the alignment between Montessori's focus on independence and environmental consciousness and Hiro Diapers' mission. They also discuss the importance of teaching children about environmental stewardship and the benefits of Montessori education. Find her products here: www.hirodiapers.com https://mikiagrawal.com/ @mikiagrawal

The Society of Child Entrepreneurs

Meet Leah Ellis...the founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, a nonprofit organization that teaches entrepreneurial skills to children aged 6-17. Leah emphasizes hands-on learning and child-led businesses, aligning with Montessori principles. Her program includes week-long camps, monthly memberships, and business fairs where children sell their products and learn critical thinking and problem-solving. Leah shares her personal experience with her children's businesses and the importance of financial literacy from a young age. They also discuss the potential for scaling the program and integrating it into schools.

The Anchored Teen

Kevin Spicer, a high school teacher on Vancouver Island, discusses his book "Anchored Teens." Kevin emphasizes the importance of helping teens develop an internal locus of control, resilience, and grit. He notes a decline in teens' self-reliance and confidence, exacerbated by over-scheduling and technology addiction. Kevin advocates for clear standards, consistent consequences, and fostering responsibility. He shares practical strategies, such as setting boundaries, encouraging effort over talent, and using sports to build resilience. The book aims to facilitate dialogues between parents and teens, promoting emotional and social health. I love his quote: "Ability gets us in the room; effort keeps us in the room." * www.anchoredteens.com [http://www.anchoredteens.com] * https://a.co/d/iIwzEwN [https://a.co/d/iIwzEwN] * anchoredteens1@gmail.com [anchoredteens1@gmail.com] * @Anchored.Teens