MotivatED Mentors

Literacy Readiness with Jessica Farmer

Jessica Farmer is best known on social media as Farmer Loves Phonics [https://www.instagram.com/farmerlovesphonics/]. For thirteen years, she taught first-grade in the public school setting and she began her science of reading [https://www.nwea.org/blog/2022/the-science-of-reading-explained/] journey about three years ago.   When the pandemic started, Jessica created her first TikTok video to support parents working with their children at home. Today, Jessica and I chat about literacy readiness and she shares some phenomenal tools and resources for parents and teachers. Follow Jessica on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/farmerlovesphonics/] Follow Jessica on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@farmerlovesphonics] Links to Resources Mentioned in the Episode: * Reading Rockets [https://www.readingrockets.org/] * Phonics and Stuff [https://phonicsandstuff.com/] * Farmer Loves Phonics Links [https://beacons.ai/farmerlovesphonics] * Right to Read (Predictable Text) [https://righttoreadproject.com/] * Homework Article [ https://www.thersa.org/comment/2022/04/is-there-a-point-to-homework?fbclid=IwAR00oziy0cxxd6OkJQpRC_akdhm8zFGsiK_THWD7udJ9JOPOH0Va8-yFjkg] * Reading.com [https://reading.com/?via=farmerphonics]

The Power of Structured Literacy with Mindful Teacher Rachel

Lindsay speaks with first-grade teacher and social media guru, Mindful Teacher Rachel [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulteacherrachel/]. Rachel shares her knowledge around decodable texts, where to source them and why they're so important. Later, she answers listener questions about The Science of Reading, at-home reading habits for kids and struggling adult readers. Follow Rachel on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulteacherrachel/] Follow Rachel on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@teacherrachelsorsel] Links to Decodable Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Online Decodables + Passages [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTKHjuNHM5pJvmfK4OPxCHtL40Kw6jLhOrsSMJ8Qg4YI-ahed0oIlw7y7dp8_I8y7b0oTQfoopIBpHS/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000&slide=id.p] Amazon Decodables [https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-a4309f6f/list/Z1ZBBI2TJKZA?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfinfluencer-a4309f6f_J371S6H769E9EMSFAZVE] Additional Resources [https://benable.com/mindfulteacherrachel/decodable-readers]

Responsive Feeding and Problem Feeders with Risa Nasatir

Lindsay welcomes Risa Nasatir, a certified speech-language pathologist and an expert on responsive feeding and problem feeders. Risa breaks down the difference between problem feeding and picky eating, what it means to responsive feed with your child and how to develop a positive eating environment in your home. She also shares about her experience as a board member at Chicago Feeding Group, a non-profit organization that supports families with children who struggle with these disorders. Learn about Chicago Feeding Group [https://chicagofeedinggroup.org/] Connect with Risa Nasatir [https://chicagofeedinggroup.org/meet-our-team/]

Montessori 101 with Ashley Merced

Lindsay chats with Montessori Learning Specialist, Ashley Merced. Together, they dive into the principles of Montessori Education and discuss some of the common misconceptions around the curriculum.

The Evolution of Autism with Christopher Flint

Lindsay speaks with Christopher Flint about Autism Spectrum Disorder and how it has evolved over the last 25 years. Chris is the Head of School at City Elementary, a K-8 school on Chicago's south side, that services academically strong students with neuro-diverse profiles.