Math Fact Lab with Mike Kenny

Learning and Confidence, Built Using the Game of Chess!

Kevin Cripe, a former teacher, shares his journey of using chess to empower students from impoverished schools. He started a chess program at Shackleford School in South Modesto, California, where 90% of students were English language learners. Over 200 tournaments and 14 national championships later, many students became first-generation college graduates. Cripe emphasizes the importance of challenging students, celebrating effort, and fostering a supportive environment. He also discussed his experiences teaching chess in Costa Rica and Panama, and the books he has written. Cripe is open to teaching chess and public speaking engagements and would love to hear from any of my listeners: kevin.cripe@sbcglobal.net (email) and  kevincripemotivationalspeaker.com (website) [http://kevincripemotivationalspeaker.com/]

Neurodivergent coaching for elementary children, teens and young adults

Norrine Russell, founder of Russell Coaching, discusses her organization's focus on supporting neurodivergent children, particularly those with ADHD and autism. With 24 coaches serving 150 students weekly, Russell Coaching emphasizes self-regulation and executive functioning skills that help these individuals navigate life with independence. Norrine highlights the importance of meeting children where they are and using a strengths-based approach. She also stresses the need for parents to shift from managing to coaching their children. Norrine and I discuss the importance of empathy, social and emotional learning and fostering independence. This episode is fun and engaging - one you are sure to enjoy. Learn more here: russellcoaching.com. Russell Coaching also offers a 20% discount for new clients using the code "Russell26."

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