Notes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders to Do Something Mar 06, 2024

From addressing climate change to destigmatizing mental health, young people are stepping up as leaders to create a better world. Our hosts talked with DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething.org, to learn how we can empower youth to create change. DeNora shares about the causes most important to young people, how they're getting involved and what families and educators can do to encourage service learning.

Visit DoSomething.org to learn more and follow @DoSomething on social media.
From the Archives: Listen to Raising Kids Who Change the World with Marley Dias.
Explore more resources on service learning on National PTA’s Healthy Lifestyles page.

Reimagining What Schools Look Like Feb 21, 2024

It’s time to think creatively about school reform! Co-CEO of Transcend Education Aylon Samouha joined the show to share the latest in school transformation. Tune in to explore the purpose of education, innovative learning models and the journey towards creating extraordinary, equitable learning environments.

Visit TranscendEducation.org to check out the Innovative Models Exchange, Leaps for Equitable 21st Century Learning and more!
Follow Transcend Education on social media at @TranscendBuilds.
Read “Parents Want More From Their Child’s K-12 Education. Here are Five Ways to Find it.” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine.

Behind the Scenes in the School Cafeteria Feb 07, 2024

How can families partner with schools to ensure their children are enjoying nutritious meals? Our hosts talked with Briana Webster-Campbell, the managing director of Center for Best Practices at No Kid Hungry to get an inside look into the school cafeteria. Briana shares how schools determine what foods to serve, how families can get more involved and why your child’s cinnamon roll may be healthier than you think!

Learn more about No Kid Hungry and explore their tools and webinars.
Share Our Strength School Meal Finder: Text FOOD to 304-304 to find food sites near you!
Explore more tips and resources on National PTA’s Healthy Lifestyles page.

Promising Practices in Rural Schools Jan 24, 2024

Innovations in rural schools are paving the way for more successful futures for our youth! Tune in as Michael Gonzalez, executive director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone shares about the challenges rural schools face and how they’re facing them head on. From expanding career and technical offerings to substantial teacher retention bonuses, Mike shares how pooling resources between districts in rural Texas has been a game changer for their students.

Learn more about the Rural Schools Innovation Zone and reach out to Mike at mgonzalez@ruralschoolsinnovationzone.org with any questions.
Explore the National School Board Association’s five-part report series, “Educational Equity for Rural Students: Out of the Pandemic, but Still Out of the Loop.”
Follow Mike on Twitter at @RSIZ4GMikeG.

Advocating for an Accurate, Well-Rounded Curriculum Jan 10, 2024

How is the political climate shaping the curricula in schools today? From book bans to censorship, our guest Denise Forte, president and CEO of the Education Trust, delves into the tensions facing education today. Tune in to discover current challenges and bright spots and to explore where we go from here.

Dig into EdTrust’s reports “Social, Emotional and Academic Development through an Equity Lens” and “The Search for More Complex Racial and Ethnic Representation in Grade School Books.”
Read EdTrust’s article about state-level opposition to teaching honest history.
Follow Denise at @Denise_EdTrust and @EdTrust on social media.

How Schools Can Challenge All High Achievers Nov 08, 2023

From supplemental instruction to grade skipping, there are options when it comes to challenging our most advanced learners, but these opportunities can be hard to access. Brandon Wright, editorial director at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute joins the show to share best practices in gifted education and what families can do if their child would benefit from a more advanced curriculum.

Explore the Fordham Institute’s Report Building a Wider, More Diverse Pipeline of Advanced Learners
Read Failing Our Brightest Kids by Brandon Wright & Chester Finn
Learn more from Brandon by following him on social media at @BWrightEd or subscribing to his substack here

Preparing Educators to Engage Families Oct 25, 2023

How do teachers find the most effective ways to engage families? Teachers often learn from their colleagues and even their own experiences as students. In this episode, Dr. Soo Hong, researcher and professor at Wellesley College, highlights the lack of formal family engagement training and the systemic changes needed to support early career teachers.

Explore the “Educator Preparation Framework for Family and Community Partnerships” from National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE) to learn more.
Check out Soo Hong’s books, A Cord of Three Strands and Natural Allies, and explore more resources on her website.
From the Archives: Listen to episodes from our Teacher Talk Miniseries to learn more about educators’ lives in the classroom.

How to be an Ally to Transgender Youth Oct 11, 2023

As new state and local laws target LGBTQ+ students, what can families do to ensure schools treat all students with care and empathy? Teen transgender activist Harleigh Walker and her father, Jeff Walker, join the show to share their advocacy experience. They highlight how harmful policies are impacting school life for kids around the country and what you can do to help.

Listen to our previous episode, How to Help LGBTQ Youth Thrive
Follow Harleigh Walker on Instagram at @harleighawalker
Tune into Jeff’s podcast, Southern Pride Parenting
Explore PTA.org/LGBTQ for more resources.

Playground Politics: How Kids Make Friends Sep 27, 2023

Friendships are a cornerstone of childhood, but some kids have an easier time making friends than others. We talked to psychologist, author and friendship expert, Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore to learn how families can support their children in building and maintaining healthy relationships with their peers. Dr. Kennedy-Moore shares how friendships change and develop as children age and how parents can coach from the sidelines.

Check out “4 Ways to Help Your Child Create True Friendships” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Explore tips from Understood’s resource, “Why Some Kids Have Trouble Making Friends”
Follow Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore on social media at @DrFriendtastic and order her books for kids and parents here.

How to Talk with Your Kids About Addiction Sep 13, 2023

Many parents feel unsure when they should start talking to their children about addiction and even more uncertain about what to say. In this episode, author and educator, Jessica Lahey, offers practical tips and guidance for having conversations about drug and alcohol abuse. She draws on the latest research and her own experiences to share what families need to know to keep their kids safe.

Check out “5 Things You Need to Know About Youth Vaping” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Explore PTA’s newest grant opportunities including funding to encourage tobacco use prevention here
Follow Jessica Lahey on Instagram @TeacherLahey and on TikTok @JessLahey

Read Jessica Lahey’s books The Addiction Innoculation and The Gift of Failure

Raising Children Who Love the Environment Mar 01, 2023

There is so much children can learn from the great outdoors! We spoke with Bianca Myrick, executive director of the Virginia Association of Environmental Education to learn how families can explore the environment together and raise kids who care for the planet. Bianca shares ideas on how you can replace screentime with green time at home and advocate for environmental education in your child’s school.

Explore the Virginia Association for Environmental Education’s website and find your chapter of the Association for Environmental Education here
Read “How Your Family Can Be More Green at Home” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine
For more resources, explore PTA’s Healthy Earth webpage

Finding the Best Summer Program for Your Child Feb 15, 2023

Choosing a summer program that is fun, educational and affordable is no easy task. Brodrick Clarke, VP of Programs at the National Summer Learning Association joined the show to help. He talks about the tools families can use to find high-quality summer programs and offers tips for finding a program that will be a good fit for your child.

Resources:

Visit DiscoverSummer.org to search for summer programs in your area that have already been vetted by the National Summer Learning Association
Explore Smarter Summers, Brighter Futures: A Summer Playbook for PTA and School Leaders
Read “Tips to Keep Your Kid Learning this Summer” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Learn more about the National Summer Learning Association at SummerLearning.org and follow them at @SummerLearning.

Social Media 201: Embracing the Digital World Feb 01, 2023

When our kids talk about the latest social media trends, it can feel like they’re speaking a foreign language. Founder and CEO of the Social Institute, Laura Tierney, joined the show to help us understand how we can best support our children in navigating the current social media landscape. She highlights the importance of positive social media education and shares how technology can support our children’s mental health and even their study habits.

Resources:

Explore the Social Institute’s family resources and watch recordings of their recent webinars
For more information, check out Schools and Social Media: A Survey of NSPRA and CoSN Members from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)
Look back at our episode with Dr. Sameer Hinduja, Social Media & Cyberbullying 101
Follow the Social Institute on social media at @TheSocialInst and Laura Tierney at @SoLaur

Why Your Child's School Isn't More Diverse Jan 18, 2023

While segregation may seem like a thing of the past, it’s still a major issue affecting our schools today. We spoke with Stefan Lallinger, executive director of Next100, to explore why schools aren’t more diverse and how we can advocate for systemic change. He also shares his insight on the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and its implications for the future of K-12 education.

Resources:

Read the Century Foundation’s article, “The Benefits of Socioeconomically and Racially Integrated Schools and Classrooms” and explore School Segregation in Cities Across America Mapped
Learn about the Century Foundation’s Bridges Collaborative which is reigniting a nationwide movement for integrated schools and diverse neighborhoods
From the Archives: For those of you looking to dive deeper into issues of racial equity in education, listen to our episode with Dr. Shawn Jones
Follow Stefan Lallinger on social media at @StefanLallinger

Your Child’s Career Exploration Starts Now Dec 07, 2022

We often ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, but how often do we help them figure out the answer? We invited Jean Eddy, Executive Director of the American Student Assistance (ASA) and ASA’s “Solve It” contest winner and high school student, Elliana Cabellon to talk about career exploration. They share how families can help kids follow their passions, plan for their futures and explore STEM career pathways.

Resources:

Learn more about career exploration at ASA.org and use the Futurescapes tool with your kids to explore pathways you’ve never considered before!
Visit PTA.org/PropellingOurWorld to discover easy and fun design challenges that demystify engineering for students and their families
Read “STEM Careers: Introducing Kids to Innovation” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine

How Policy Shapes Family-School Partnerships Nov 16, 2022

Is your school district prioritizing Family-School Partnerships? The Director of Family-School Partnerships at Colorado Department of Education, Darcy Hutchins, shares how states and districts can embed best practices into their protocols to ensure strong family-school partnerships. She also offers advice for where families can look for information about policies affecting their own communities.

Check out National PTA’s new advocacy resource, Strengthening Family-School Partnerships through Education Policy
Explore National PTA’s updated National Standards for Family-School Partnerships
Read through the Colorado Department of Education’s Framework for Family-School Partnerships and their Promising Partnership Practices

Speaking Up for Every Child: Tips from a Parent Advocate Nov 09, 2022

What does it mean to be an advocate for all children and how can you jumpstart your own advocacy journey? We discussed the answers to these questions and so much more with Rosazlia Grillier, a founder and governing council member of the United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN). She shares her own experience, how you can find the leader in you, and how to get connected to a network of advocates and take action.

Resources:

Learn more about Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) at COFIOnline.org and the United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN) at unitedparentleaders.org
Read Everyone Wins! TheEvidence for Family-School Partnerships and Implications for Practice, the latest book by Dr. Karen Mapp and Dr. Anne Henderson
Explore National PTA’s advocacy resources at PTA.org/Advocacy

Helping Your Child Through Crises Oct 26, 2022

Since the start of 2020, it feels like we’ve experienced—or witnessed—one crisis after another. How should we talk with our children about these challenging topics—and how can we cope with them ourselves? We interviewed Dr. Pamela Cantor, founder and senior science advisor at Turnaround for Children to get her advice. She shares how relationships, routines and resilience can help us traverse these tumultuous times.

Resources:

• Visit TurnaroundForChildren.org for resources and resources focused on whole child development

• Follow Pamela Cantor on social media at @DrPamelaCantor and read her articles in Psychology Today

• Check out “Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine

Overcoming Math Anxiety Oct 12, 2022

Do you start sweating when your kids ask for help with math homework? Lots of parents struggle with math anxiety—our child’s and our own—but math is everywhere and it’s our job to help our children embrace it. We sat down with Eugenio Longoria Sáenz, founding director of the Center for Family Math at The National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE). He shares how you can overcome your own math anxiety and help your child learn how to approach math with curiosity and an open mind.

Resources:

Visit FamilyMath.org and follow @NAFSCE on social media to learn more
Explore National PTA’s STEM+ Families Math Night resources
Check out “Have a Math Chat with Your Kids” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine

An Inside Look at School Ratings Sep 28, 2022

What goes into a school rating? School ratings often leave families feeling confused, wondering what a singular number tells them about the quality of a school. To get to the bottom of this, our hosts interviewed Jon Deane, CEO of GreatSchools.org who shares how families can use school ratings as a starting point for making informed choices for their child’s education.

Resources:

Check out this Parents Magazine article, “What Do Public School Rankings Really Mean?”
Learn more about GreatSchools.org and their college success award
Follow GreatSchools.org at @GreatSchools

Supporting Children through School Transitions Sep 14, 2022

School transitions can be hard—and not just for the kids, but for parents, too! Our guest, child development expert and author, Deborah Farmer-Kris, has tips for making school transitions a little smoother. Whether your child is struggling to get out the door in the morning, experiencing anxiety in the classroom or melting down when they get home, Deborah has advice to ease your back-to-school transition.

Resources:

Learn more about our guest, Deborah Farmer-Kris at parenthood365.com and enjoy her picture book series with your kids
Check out the CDC’s tips for Helping Children Transition Back to School
From the Archives: For those of you with a new middle schooler, check out our episode with Phyllis Fagell for helpful tips
Read “Get Your Routine Back on Track” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine

Improving Student Wellness May 18, 2022

Our nation is facing an adolescent mental health crisis. Teens are struggling in the classroom and at home. Our guest, Instructional Support Specialist and Social Emotional Learning Lead, Leona Fowler, shares her experiences navigating these challenges and what approaches can equip our kids with the coping skills they need. She discusses how mindfulness and other social emotional learning techniques can improve student wellness at school and at home.

Resources:

Explore Educators for Excellence’s new report, Voices from the Classroom 2022: A Survey of America’s Educators, for additional insights on student wellness from educators
Visit PTA.org/HealthyMinds to explore more resources related to student mental health and social emotional wellness
Discover virtual learning materials brought to you by Phi Delta Kappa at the NSPDK E-Learning Academy
Follow Leona Fowler on social media at @MizBossLady82

Addressing Learning Loss May 11, 2022

Since the pandemic began, the phrase “learning loss” has become a frequently used term in the education field. What kind of “learning loss” are teachers actually seeing in their classrooms and how are they working to address it? Angela Burley, sixth grade social studies teacher and a 2021-2022 Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow, joins the show to share her perspective on the issue.

Resources:

Read Angela Burley’s piece in the Dallas Examiner, “Students can’t help being absent because of COVID. We need to help them, not label them chronically absent.”
Read another teacher’s perspective on the issue in the ASCD blog article, “Why ‘Learning Loss’ Is So Complicated (and How to Address It Constructively).”
From the Archives: Listen to “How is Your Kid Really Doing in School?” featuring Learning Heroes’ Bibb Hubbard.

The Teacher Burnout Crisis May 04, 2022

In the last few years, teachers have faced unprecedented challenges that have left a lot of them feeling burnt out. Experienced educator and activist, Sofia Gonzalez, shares her thoughts on teacher burnout and how systemic changes could make teaching a more sustainable profession.

Read the National Education Association’s article, “Getting Serious about Teacher Burnout”
Read the Brookings Institution’s article, “How much do teachers struggle with stress and burnout?”
Visit PTA.org/ThankATeacher for teacher appreciation resources
Follow Sofia Gonzalez on social media at @MrsG_P214 and learn more about her nonprofit organization, Project 214

Fostering Student Motivation Apr 27, 2022

Fostering motivation is an important part of a teacher’s job. Larry Ferlazzo, veteran high school teacher and Education Week writer, shares his insights on how to motivate students. Learn what teachers most want you to know about student motivation and get tips on how to get your child to do their homework, chores and more.

Resources:

Check out “4 Tips to Keep Kids Engaged in Learning” on PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Read one of Larry’s many books, including Building a Community of Self-Motivated Learners and Self-Driven Learning: Teaching Strategies for Student Motivation
Follow Larry Ferlazzo on social media at @LarryFerlazzo and read more of his work on his blog

Parents’ Guide to College Admissions Mar 02, 2022

The college admissions process was stressful enough before the pandemic, now it’s more confusing than ever. Ffiona Rees, board chair of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), joins us to answer all of your questions. Listen to discover her top tips for supporting your teen as they navigate through the college admissions process.

Resources:

Check out “College Planning: 6 Questions Every Family Should Ask” on PTA’s Our Children online magazine
From the Archives: Listen to “How College Ready Are You?” featuring UNCF’s Sekou Biddle
Explore more resources from NACAC at nacacnet.org
Share your ideas for next season in the 2022 Podcast Feedback Survey

Helping Kids Understand Money Feb 16, 2022

What do your kids know about money? Jen Hemphill, host of the podcast, Her Dinero Matters, shares tips from her experience as an accredited financial advisor and as a mom. Learn how to talk about money with children of all ages and how you can help them to become financially responsible.

Resources:

Listen Jen Hemphill’s podcast Her Dinero Matters on all major podcast platforms
Explore Money As You Grow, a resource from the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau to help parents and caregivers talk to kids about money
Get more tips to help your child become financially responsible in “Adulting 101: From Cooking to Credit Cards” on PTA’s Our Children online magazine

Why Aren’t There More Black Teachers? Feb 02, 2022

Most people can count on one hand the number of Black teachers they had during their schooling. Our guest Sharif El-Mekki is working to change that. Sharif discusses how underrepresentation of Black teachers has repercussions for all of our children, and for Black children in particular.

Resources:

Visit TheCenterBlacked.org to learn more about Sharif’s work, including opportunities for paid apprenticeships and other teaching experiences
From the Archives: Listen to our podcast episode featuring Rodney Robinson
Read “Diverse Teachers Matter,” from the National School Board Association
Follow the Center for Black Educator Development and Sharif El-Mekki on social media: @CenterBlackEd and @SElMekki

Do My Child’s Test Scores Really Matter? Jan 19, 2022

Parents can often feel overwhelmed when they receive their child’s test scores. What do the scores mean and do they even matter? Dr. Andrew Ho, a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, breaks down what you need to know about standardized testing so you can understand what really matters for your child’s learning and development.

Resources:

Review Andrew’s helpful resource, Questions to Ask About Educational Tests
Read “Take The Stress Out of Standardized Tests” on PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Follow Dr. Andrew Ho on social media at @AndrewDeanHo

Families in Transition: Lessons from the Military Jan 05, 2022

Whether your child is transitioning to a new school or a new country, change can be hard. We can learn a lot from military families who experience these types of transitions more frequently than most. Dr. Keith Mispagel, superintendent of Fort Leavenworth Unified School District, talks with our hosts about helping children adjust to new environments.

Resources:

Learn more about Keith Mispagel and his school district at usd207.org and follow Keith on social media at @KMispagel
Discover resources for military families at militaryfamily.org and militaryimpactedschoolsassociation.org

Cooking with Kids: Tips from Duff Goldman Dec 08, 2021

Celebrity chef, Duff Goldman, joins the show to help you and your family have a blast in the kitchen. Duff shares tips for teaching your kids science while cooking and helping them develop independence and confidence using tools and appliances. The hosts also discuss his parenting style and cooking journey!

Resources:

Watch Duff’s Happy Fun Bake Time with the whole family and check out Duff’s cookbook, Super Good Baking for Kids
Read “7 Tips to Get Kids into Cooking at Home” on PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Follow Duff on social media @DuffGoldman

Our Culture is More than a Holiday with Sheetal Sheth Nov 24, 2021

From people who mispronounce your child’s name to teachers who expect them to explain your family’s holiday traditions to the class, your child may be struggling with the pressure to represent an entire culture. Actress and author Sheetal Sheth joins the show to discuss how families can help kids embrace their identities and explains how she shared her own identity and experience as a mother in her children’s books Always Anjali and Bravo Anjali.

Resources:

Read Always Anjali and the sequel, Bravo Anjali, with your kids
Follow Sheetal on social media @SheetalSheth
Listen to Talking Race & KidLit with Kwame Alexander to learn more about diversifying your children’s library

Raising Kids Who Change the World featuring Marley Dias & Dr. Janice Johnson Dias Nov 10, 2021

Help your child channel their frustrations into social action! This week, our hosts chatted with author and founder of 1000 Black Girl Books, Marley Dias, and her mom, Dr. Janice Johnson Dias, who is an educator and author as well. They share how you can help your child develop their entrepreneurial spirit and enhance their problem solving skills—all while making the world a better place!

Resources:

Learn more about the 1000 Black Girl Books Campaign and how you can get involved
Watch Marley in the Netflix series, Bookmarks
Follow Marley on social media @IAmMarleyDias and read her book Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You
Follow Dr. Janice on social media @DrJaniceJohnsonDias and read her book Parent Like It Matters: How to Raise Joyful, Changemaking Girls

Supporting Students of Color Oct 27, 2021

How can schools do a better job affirming children’s racial identities? Dr. Shawn Jones, psychologist and professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University, joined the podcast to offer guidance on creating schools that better serve students of color. He shares how families can help by talking openly and honestly about their own experiences with race. He also offers suggestions for how white families can be part of the effort to create more affirming schools for students of color.

For more advice on talking to your children about race, listen to our podcast episode Raising Kids Who Embrace Race
Learn more from Dr. Shawn Jones in Embrace Race’s webinar, “Managing Racial Stress and Teaching Kids to Do the Same”
Read “How To Talk To Your Child About Racism” on PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Follow Dr. Shawn Jones on social media @SCTJones and his podcast Our Mental Health Minute @OurMHM

Social Media & Cyberbullying 101 Oct 13, 2021

From the cyberbullying risks to dangerous social media challenges, many parents feel terrified when their child enters the world of social media. How can families have proactive discussions about navigating the online world responsibly? Dr. Sameer Hinduja, director of the Cyberbullying Research Center joins the show to share practical tips and respond to some of your most commonly asked questions!

Visit cyberbullying.org for lots of helpful resources for parents, educators and students!
Learn more about our guest—and reach out to him directly with your own questions—at hinduja.org. You can also follow him on social media @Hinduja
Explore the SEL in Digital Life Resource Center from Common Sense Media
Have a conversation with your children about technology using tips from TheSmartTalk.org

Thanks to NortonLifeLock, a longtime Proud National PTA Sponsor, for supporting this episode.

What is Social and Emotional Learning Anyway? Sep 29, 2021

What life skills does your child need to thrive? There’s a lot of learning happening in schools that goes beyond academics. Karen Van Ausdal joined our hosts to talk about Social and Emotional Learning. She shares what Social and Emotional Learning looks like, why it’s important and how families can support.

Resources:

Explore CASEL’s helpful tools including the SEL Roadmap, the CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL and the SEL Discussion Series for Parents and Caregivers (also available in Spanish)
Don’t miss CASEL’s videos, What is SEL and Schoolwide SEL: Authentic Family Partnerships
Follow CASEL on social media @CASELOrg
Read “Teaching Social and Emotional Skills at Home” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Check out even more SEL resources at PTA.org/socialemotional

Back to School with the CDC Sep 15, 2021

As we enter our second Back-to-School season filled with COVID-19 safety precautions, it’s vital that you stay informed. We invited a special guest, Captain Erin Sauber-Schatz, community guidance subject matter expert for CDC's COVID-19 Response, to share the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Resources:

Watch National PTA’s Back to Class Virtual Town Hall hosted in partnership with the CDC.
Read through the CDC’s Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools, their Back to School Reminders and information about School Testing for COVID-19 .
Listen to the CDC’s five-minute podcast episode Transitioning Back to School or Early Child Education
Explore the CDC’s COVID-19 Parental Resources Kit available in English & Spanish
Follow the CDC on social media at @CDCgov

Are You Practicing Parent Self-Care? May 12, 2021

Did your last power struggle with your child leave you feeling burnt out? What if we shifted our mindset around parenting, and stopped trying to make our kids happy all the time? Dr. Shefali, a clinical psychologist and author, whose work has been endorsed by Oprah, joins our hosts to discuss parent self-care. She shares her own parenting experiences and philosophy and offers advice on letting go and learning to live in the now.

Resources:

Read Self Care in the Time of Coronavirus in Our Children, PTA’s online magazine
Get a copy of Superpowered: Transforming Anxiety into Courage, Confidence and Resilience for your child (ages 8-15)
Learn more about our expert guest at drshefali.com

How Can We Normalize Talking about Mental Health? May 12, 2021

Let’s start talking about mental health! For too long, we’ve stigmatized mental health issues and it’s time to have open conversations with our friends and family. We talked to mental health advocate, Allison Raskin, about her personal journey and work to destigmatize these topics. She offers advice for normalizing discussions of mental health in your family and community!

Resources:

Follow Allison’s mental health social media channel @EmotionalSupportLady and join her Patreon community.
Visit NAMI’s webpage to learn more about mental health stigma and pledge to be StigmaFree.
For more information about OCD, visit the International OCD Foundation website.

How Can I Help My Teen Manage Stress? May 12, 2021

Is your teenager so stressed you worry they’re on the brink of burning out? Teens are still facing the typical pressures of navigating friendships, relationships, college admissions and now a pandemic. Our hosts spoke with adolescent psychologist and best-selling author, Dr. John Duffy, about how families can support their teens during this challenging time. He offers advice and shares how parents can distinguish between typical teenage stress and when it is time to seek help.

Resources:

Explore relevant resources from Active Minds including their Stress vs. Anxiety page and their tips for Managing Your Anxiety.
Get more information about anxiety in Child Mind Institute’s article, “What Are the Different Kinds of Anxiety?”
Learn more about our expert guest at drjohnduffy.com and get a copy of his latest book Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety.

How Can We Prioritize Wellness at School? May 12, 2021

How can we prepare to meet every child’s needs as they return to school? We spoke with National School Psychologist of the Year, Chandrai Jackson-Saunders to learn how schools can set children up for success and how families can help by focusing on the whole child. She offers concrete strategies school communities should implement to meet the variety of needs children will have in the wake of the pandemic.

Resources:

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has lots of resources available about the return to school, as well as family resources designed to help families like yours!
Get even more back to school resources from our partners at Child Mind Institute.
As your children return to school, if you’re wondering whether they are just a bit behind or may be struggling with a learning difference, check out Understood.org’s Take Note tools.
Learn more about our expert guest at cjsaunders.org.

Is My Teen Having a Mental Health Crisis? May 12, 2021

Teens experience mental health issues at alarming rates. How can you tell if it’s typical teenage angst or something more serious? If your teen is experiencing depression, how can you best support them? We sat down with Dr. Doreen Marshall, VP of Mission Engagement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP) to get answers to these questions and more.

Resources:

Visit AFSP’s website to learn more about suicide prevention and to get tips on how to have a #RealConvo about mental health.
Share Seize the Awkward resources with teens and college students in your life to help them navigate these issues.
Learn more about depression on Mental Health America’s webpage and use their screening tools to gauge if it is time to seek outside help.
Familiarize yourself with crisis resources available including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800 273-8255 and the Crisis Text Line: Text “TALK” to 741741.

Best of Seasons 1-3 Apr 28, 2021

It’s time to rewind! Join our hosts Helen & LaWanda as they look back on highlights from our first three seasons. They discuss some of their favorite pieces of advice and share a sneak peek at our upcoming mini-series.

Resources

Episodes referenced in this compilation include:

Middle School: What Every Parent Should Know with Phyllis Fagell
How to Handle Homework: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly with Steve Sheldon
Tackling COVID-19 Anxiety Together with Erlanger Turner
Navigating Online Resources During COVID-19 with Merve Lapus
Raising Kids Who Embrace Race with Melissa Giraud and Andrew Grant-Thomas
Talking Race & KidLit with Kwame Alexander
How to Help LGBTQ Youth Thrive with Ellen Kahn and Jodie Patterson
Money Talks: School Finance 101 with Marguerite Roza
The Truth About School Discipline in America with John King
Beyond Academics: Preparing Your Kids for Life with Linda Darling-Hammond

Learn more about our show and listen to all of the episodes at www.notesfromthebackpack.com

How to Help LGBTQ Youth Thrive Dec 02, 2020

You may not be aware, but every school has LGBTQ youth and families. Is your PTA using inclusive language and offering affirming programs and activities? We sat down with two guests from the Human Rights Campaign Ellen Kahn, senior director of programs and partnerships, and Jodie Patterson, board chair of the HRC Foundation, to learn how to become better allies to the LGBTQ community.

National PTA & HRC have collaborated on this new LGBTQ glossary to help you understand and use affirming language.
Discover resources for creating more inclusive school environments on HRC’s Welcoming Schools page
Read Jodie’s book The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation and pre-order Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope
Follow the Human Rights Campaign at @HRC and Jodie at @Jodie_GeorgiaNY

Get on Board: Enhancing Parent Teacher Partnerships Nov 25, 2020

When you think of parent teacher partnerships, conferences and report cards might come to mind, but what if we made family engagement more fun? Colleen Ryan, 2019 Toyota Family Engagement Teacher of the Year shares her innovative approach to building partnerships with families. She offers advice for parents and teachers on how to work together to help kids get what they need to thrive.

Resources:

Read “6 Ways to Be Engaged in Your Child’s Education” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Discover more about The Passage, the mobile classroom that Colleen and her colleague launched to bring learning to the neighborhood and follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
For more opportunities to learn at home with your kids, check out Wonderopolis a project of National Center for Families Learning

Surviving Quarantine with Your Teen Nov 18, 2020

Raising a teenager can be difficult—even under normal circumstances—and COVID-19 has added new challenges. We talked to Dr. Lisa Damour, adolescent psychologist, and high school student Isaac Hurtado, co-host of the hit podcast, Teenager Therapy, to get tips. Isaac shares his experiences and what he’s hearing from other teens as they cope with all that 2020 has thrown at them. Dr. Lisa Damour offers her own professional perspective on these topics, covering everything from remote learning and social media use to anxiety and depression.

Resources:

Check out these relevant resources on Lisa Damour’s website, including strategies for managing COVID-19 stress and anxiety and tips for raising teenagers
Read Dr. Lisa Damour’s New York Times bestselling books, Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls and Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood
Follow Dr. Lisa Damour at @LDamour and listen to Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

Follow Isaac Hurtado and Teenager Therapy on social media at @TeenagerTherapy and listen to Teenager Therapy

Inside the Principal's Office Nov 10, 2020

Parents dread getting a call from their child’s principal’s office. But maybe It’s time to shift our mindset and think of principals as partners who support our children’s development. We talked with Dr. Tayarisha Batchelor, principal of the Rawson STEAM school in Hartford, Conn., about how families and parent leaders can collaborate with their principal. She shares how she has supported families in her communities during the pandemic and how she helps her staff engage in meaningful family engagement practices.Resources:

The New Teacher Project (TNTP) has released two new resources, the COVID-19 School Response Toolkit, geared towards families, and the 5 Essentials for Engaging Families in Reopening Efforts for school leaders.

Watch our webinar Family Engagement in a Virtual World to learn more about connecting with families during distance learning
Check out NAFSCE’s Family Engagement during COVID-19 Survey Results
Follow Dr. Tayarisha Batchelor on Twitter at @TstoneTG

Raising Kids Who Embrace Race Nov 04, 2020

Do you want to talk to your kids about race and racism, but not sure where to start? We spoke to Melissa Giraud and Andrew Grant-Thomas, founders of EmbraceRace, to learn how to approach these conversations with young children. Using their professional expertise, and their own parenting experiences, Melissa and Andrew also share advice on raising advocates for racial justice.

Resources:

Explore the wealth of resources EmbraceRace offers. 16 ways to help children become thoughtful, informed and BRAVE about race is a great place to start!
Check out National PTA’s diversity, equity and inclusion resources, including How to Talk about Race & Justice in America
Read “How to Talk to Your Child about Racism” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Follow EmbraceRace on social media at @RaceEmbrace

How to Handle Bullying Oct 28, 2020

What can families do to address bullying and how can schools act proactively to prevent bullying altogether? We talked with Dr. Deborah Temkin, the vice president VP Youth Development & Education Research at Child Trends to get answers. She shares strategies for supporting children who are bullied and offers advice to parents who have learned that their child is doing the bullying.

Resources:

Visit StopBullying.gov for resources related to bullying, including cyberbullying and bullying prevention.
Read “Life Lessons: How to Stand up to Bullying with Books” and “Helping Your Child Understand Cyberbullying” in PTA’s Our Children online magazine.
Follow Deb Temkin on Twitter @DrDebTemkin

Get Inspired by Your Young Artist Oct 21, 2020

You probably find yourself thinking a lot about your child’s academics, but what about their engagement in the arts? We interviewed Julian Bass, a two-time PTA Reflections winner, who has gone on to make a name for himself as a filmmaker and visual effects artist. He shares how his own parents supported his artistic journey and how families can encourage their children to follow their dreams.

Resources:

Get involved with Reflections today by coordinating with your State Reflections Chair, registering your PTA to join the program or starting with some at-home arts activities!
Celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month with National PTA and Americans for the Arts by sharing your artwork in the Show Your Art Challenge on social media using #ShowYourArt2020!
Read Jump-Start the Arts With the Whole Family in PTA’s Our Children online magazine
Follow Julian Bass on social media at @TheJulianBass

Exploring Learning Differences during COVID-19 Oct 14, 2020

If you’ve noticed your child is struggling with academics more than usual, but you’re not sure if it’s due to the pandemic or signs of a learning difference, we’re here to help. We spoke with Amanda Morin, writer and senior expert at Understood.org to learn strategies for supporting students with learning differences during online and hybrid learning. She offers advice on helping your kids stay organized, read social cues, manage distractions and more.

Resources:

Practice taking N.O.T.E (Notice, Observe, Talk, and Engage) of your child’s learning patterns with Understood.org’s Take N.O.T.E resources.
Read through Amanda’s suggestions for making your child’s accommodations work in an online setting in her post “IEP Accommodations During Distance Learning”
Listen to Understood.org’s podcast, In It: A Podcast on Raising Kids Who Learn and Think Differently, hosted by Amanda
Follow Amanda on Twitter at @AmandaMorin and Understood.org at @UnderstoodOrg

Raising Lifelong Voters Oct 07, 2020

With the presidential election less than a month away, how are you talking to your kids about civic engagement? We spoke to U.S. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, who offers wisdom from her experience in the classroom and on the Hill. She shares how families can help kids become active citizens and lifelong voters by encouraging them to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

For more resources to teach your kids about the election, check out these tools from iCivics
Read through the Congresswoman’s tips for families that she shared with National PTA as the 2016 National Teacher of the Year
Follow Congresswoman Hayes on Twitter and Instagram at @RepJahanaHayes

Prioritizing COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Sep 30, 2020

Will school closures and distance learning be a temporary setback for kids’ learning or will it have a permanent effect on their education? We spoke with Ralph Smith, managing director of the Campaign for Grade Level Reading to get his perspective on the impact COVID-19 is having in the hardest hit communities. He offers suggestions for parent leaders looking to support the most vulnerable learners and their families during this challenging time.

Resources:

Learn more about COVID-19’s impact on families and children by exploring Learning Heroes’ report: “Parents 2020: COVID-19 Closures - A Redefining Moment for Students, Parents, and Schools”
Keep your child on track this year with the help from these literacy & math Family Guides, created by Seek Common Ground and Student Achievement Partners
Discover what COVID-19 recovery could look like in the Learning Policy Institute’s framework, “Restarting and Reinventing School: Learning in the Time of COVID and Beyond”
Follow the Campaign for Grade Level Reading on Twitter at @ReadingBy3rd

Navigating Online Resources During COVID-19 Sep 23, 2020

Are you overwhelmed by all of the online resources available to your child but not sure where to start? During this unusual school year, we need to help our children find online resources that meet their needs. We turned to Merve Lapus of Common Sense Media who shared how families can set students up for success this school year. Listen to discover helpful learning resources and tips for establishing healthy online habits.

Resources:

Visit Wide Open School for a daily schedule of educational activities curated by Common Sense Media
Read Common Sense Media’s report, “Closing the K–12 Digital Divide in the Age of Distance Learning”
Listen to our interview with Dr. Natalie Milman from Season 2, Online Learning during COVID-19, for more ideas
Follow Merve Lapus on Twitter and Instagram at @MoLapus

Talking Race & KidLit Sep 16, 2020

How many books on your children’s shelves feature Black and Brown characters? The stories we read to our children should be mirrors to see themselves and windows to see others who are different from them. We spoke with Newbery Medal award-winning author, Kwame Alexander about the importance of representation in kids’ literature. He shared about his own writing process, how to inspire your kids to write and some of his favorite books!

Resources:

Explore the books published by Kwame’s own imprint, Versify.
Pre-order Kwame’s next book, Becoming Muhammed Ali, via Barnes & Noble or Amazon
Watch Lee & Low’s webinar, “Representation Matters: Strategies for Building an Inclusive Bookshelf”
Check out National PTA’s Our Children article, “5 Great Kids’ Books that Highlight Diversity”
Follow Kwame Alexander on Twitter and Instagram at @KwameAlexander

Education Finance 201: COVID-19 Bonus Episode Jun 05, 2020

As school districts plan for an unprecedented back-to-school season, money is particularly tight. We invited Dr. Marguerite Roza, our guest from Education Finance 101: Money Talks, back to the show to give us an update. She shares what's currently happening in the world of education finance and how families can advocate for their child's needs.

COVID-19 & Back to School? Jun 02, 2020

As the school year wraps up virtually, families around the world are wondering, what comes next? We spoke with Amalia Chamorro, Associate Director of Education Policy at UNIDOS US to learn more about COVID-19’s impact on our children and its potential impact on the back-to-school season. She reflects on the drastic changes families have faced these last few months and how schools and families will continue to have to adapt moving forward.

Resources:

Discover more education resources from UNIDOS US at progressreport.co
Check out the results from the recent COVID-19-focused poll Amalia referred to
Follow UNIDOS US on Twitter at @WeAreUnidosUS

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Keep Your Cool: Tackling Behavioral Issues May 26, 2020

Whether it’s brushing their teeth or turning off the TV, all of our kids have something that sets off an emotional outburst. So how can we work with our kids to create less stress and conflict around daily routines? We talked with Dr. Ross Greene, psychologist and founder of Lives in Balance, about how to address a child’s toughest behaviors. He shares how taking a collaborative and proactive approach can improve your relationships with your children and bring peace to your homes!

Resources:

Learn more about Dr. Greene’s work on the Lives in the Balance website
Lives in the Balance offers a variety of resources including podcasts, videos and more
Follow Lives on the Balance on Twitter at @LITB_
For more advice, check out PTA’s Our Children magazine article, “Ask an Expert: How to Handle Your Kid’s Bad Habits”

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Raising Curious Kids May 19, 2020

Our kids seem to have endless questions about everyday life and sometimes the WHY questions can get a little frustrating. However, encouraging this curiosity is good for their development. We spoke with Dr. Carol O’Donnell, Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center, about how you can support your budding scientist. Dr. O’Donnell discusses how families can find science in the world around them and shares fun activities you can do at home!

Resources:

Explore The Learning Lab where families can access free resources from the Smithsonian’s museums, zoo, cultural and research centers & libraries.
Check out the Smithsonian Science Center’s new learning module, “COVID-19! How Can I Protect Myself & Others?” geared towards students in 3rd-8th grade.
Encourage the little inventor in your life with these hands on activities from our partners at the National Inventors Hall of Fame
Read PTA’s Our Children magazine article, “Three Tips for Raising Curious Kids”
Follow the Smithsonian Science Education Center on Twitter at @SmithsonianScie

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Growing Great Readers May 12, 2020

Reading is a fun activity for the whole family, but what should you do when your child struggles with words—or worse, if they declare they don’t like reading? We talked with Dr. Rebecca Silverman, professor at Stanford University, to learn how we can raise lifelong readers. She offered strategies for fostering a love of reading and guidance on what you should expect from your child at each age.

Resources:

Visit two of Dr. Silverman’s favorite reading websites: Colorín Colorado and Reading Rockets
Families of children with special needs can explore Understood.org for helpful articles and resources
Check out this special PTA portal via Reading is Fundamental for discounted books just for PTA families

Learn more about Dr. Silverman’s work at LanglitLab.stanford.edu.

Interview with National Teacher of the Year May 05, 2020

In this special episode our hosts sat down with National Teacher of the Year, Rodney Robinson, in front of a live audience at National PTA’s Legislative Conference. During this candid conversation, Rodney offered his insights into the teaching profession, issues of equity, school discipline and the importance of recruiting more black educators.

Resources:

Check out PTA’s Our Children magazine profile on Rodney Robinson and his work
Learn more about Rodney Robinson on the CCSSO 2019 Teacher of the Year page
Discover more ways you can support the teachers in your life on our Teacher Appreciation Week page
Follow Rodney Robinson on Twitter at @RodRobinsonRVA

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Online Learning During COVID-19 Apr 28, 2020

From navigating new forms of technology to keeping track of kids’ assignments, online learning during COVID-19 presents unique challenges. We talked with Dr. Natalie Milman, professor of Education Technology at George Washington University, to get her insights into emergency remote teaching and learning, education technology and more. She shares strategies for supporting your child academically, as well as guidance for making it through this difficult situation.

Resources:

Read Dr. Milman’s recent articles, This Is Emergency Remote Teaching, Not Just Online Teaching and Pandemic Pedagogy
Check out more tips for Building Positive Conditions for Learning at Home from AIR
Look through National PTA’s COVID-19 response page for even more resources
Follow Dr. Milman on Twitter at @NatalieBMilman

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

What's Going on in My Kid's Brain? Apr 21, 2020

Sometimes you can’t help but wonder, what is my kid thinking? While it may seem like our kid’s actions and reactions are random and unpredictable, you can discover a lot when you dig into the science of learning. We spoke with Dr. Brandi Kenner, senior consultant at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, about how a child’s brain works. She shared essential information for understanding your child’s responses and helpful strategies for teaching them how to manage their emotions and behavior.

Resources:

Read “Understanding Your Teenager’s Brain” for more insights into the science of learning
Discover helpful resources for families and educators on the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s COVID-19 webpage
Find online early childhood resources for language and literacy development at CoxCampus.org
Follow Dr. Kenner on Twitter at @BrandiKenner and visit ChoiceFilledLives.org to learn more about her work

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Supporting Our Kids: Special Education 101 Apr 14, 2020

The world of special education can be overwhelming for families—especially right now, as families are navigating learning from home. Perhaps you see your child struggling with their school work, but you’re not sure if they qualify, or would even benefit from support services. Maybe your child is in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and you’re worried about how to make sure they receive adequate services during school shutdowns. We talked with expert Debra Jennings, from the Statewide Parent Education Network (SPAN), to address these concerns and more.

Resources:

Check out PTA’s Our Children magazine article 10 Ways Children with Language Disorders Can Maintain Connection During Coronavirus.
The Center for Parent Information & Resources Library is a searchable database that will help families navigate the special education and early intervention systems. The organization has also curated a collection of resources related to COVID-19 for families of children with disabilities.
Families can connect with the Center for Parent Information & Resources to find a Parent Center their state and community
Follow @parentcenterhub on Twitter for even more resources and information

Was this episode helpful to you and your family? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Tackling COVID-19 Anxiety Together Apr 07, 2020

COVID-19 has drastically changed our daily lives in a short period of time. Children are learning at home, and parents are working remotely—while also supporting the social and emotional needs of their children and managing the stress of being homebound. We talked with psychologist, author and professor Dr. Erlanger "Earl" Turner about these new challenges to learn how to stay happy, healthy and learning during this difficult time. He shares tips for setting routines, managing your mental health and coping with uncertainty.

Resources:

Read 6 Ways to Help Your Child Manage their Anxiety and Talking with Your Children about Stress by our partners at the American Psychological Association
Visit the Anxiety & Depression Association of America to find tips specific to COVID-19 and mental health.
Look through National PTA’s COVID-19 response page for more resources

Follow Dr. Earl on Twitter at @DrEarlTurner

Money Talks: School Finance 101 Mar 31, 2020

When you ask school administrators for smaller class sizes or more school counselors and after school programs, we often hear a common refrain, “There’s no money for that.” So how much money is there exactly and what is it being spent on? We spoke with Dr. Marguerite Roza, Director of the Edunomics Lab to learn about the mystery of education finance. She offers practical guidance on how families can stay informed about their school district’s financial decisions and how they can advocate for the priorities they care most about.

Resources:

Discover how your school’s spending compares to others by searching in the Edunomics Lab's School Spending Data Hub.
Curious about more best practices? Read Marguerite’s piece, “Equipping School Leaders to Spend Wisely”.
Learn more about the Edunomics Lab's Certificate in Education Finance, offered through Georgetown University. The program helps build practical skills to understand, use and communicate about school finance.
Follow Marguerite Roza and the Edunomics Lab on Twitter at @Marguerite Roza and @EdunomicsLab.

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA and by using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

How to Talk to Your Kid about Gun Violence Mar 24, 2020

When your child comes home from school after a lockdown drill, what’s the best way to start a conversation about it? We turn to expert Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez for guidance on these issues. She shares how to have open and honest conversations with children of all ages about lockdown drills, school shootings and all of the emotions that come along with these topics.

Resources:

Read Edith’s CNN articles, “What school threats and lockdowns are doing to a generation of children” and “Parkland suicide deaths highlight long-term psychological impacts of mass shootings”.
Read “The Impact of School Safety Drills for Active Shootings” to explore guidance from Everytown for Gun Safety, AFT and NEA.
Listen to Edith’s podcast, “Las Doctoras Recomendian” and share with the Spanish-speaking families in your community!
Follow Edith on Twitter at @LaDoctoraEdith and her podcast @DoctorasPodcast

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA, using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Don't Break a Sweat: Navigating Youth Sports Mar 17, 2020

With hyper-competitive leagues for kids as young as six years old—and hours of practice even during the off season—youth sports aren’t just fun and games. We talked with Jon Solomon, former sports journalist and editorial director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society program, about how families can best navigate this aspect of their kids’ lives. He offers advice for talking with tough coaches and helping your child find balance between athletics and academics.

Resources

Explore the Healthy Sports Index to learn the benefits and risks of specific sports to help determine the best choice for your child!
Use the Project Play Parent Checklists to ask yourself 10 questions that will help ensure your child has positive sports experiences.
Discover more about the benefits of free play in our episode, “Recess – is it just for play?
Follow Jon Solomon and the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society program on Twitter at @JonSolomonAspen and @AspenInstSports

Like this episode? Share your thoughts with us via social media @NationalPTA, using #BackpackNotes. Be sure to visit NotesFromTheBackpack.com for more resources from this episode.

Beyond Academics: Preparing Your Kids for Life Nov 20, 2019

Your child’s school helps prepare them for academic success, but are they also preparing students for success in life? From your kid’s schedule to the layout of their classroom, many aspects of school life have remained the same for decades. So how can you tell if your child’s school is supporting their long-term growth? Linda Darling-Hammond, president & CEO of the Learning Institute, gives her expert opinion. She shares what signs you should look for to see if your child’s school is fostering their holistic development, and what you can do at home to raise well-rounded lifelong learners.

How College Ready Are You? Nov 13, 2019

The college application process can be intense and complex—with many financial challenges for students and their families. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Does my child even have a fair chance at college? And given its cost, is a four-year degree even worth it?” you’re not alone. We sat down with Sekou Biddle, vice president of advocacy at the United Negro College Fund to get concrete strategies and essential information to help you find the path that’s right for your family. We also explored the student perspective by chatting with Nya, a junior at Old Dominion University, who shares how she managed the college process.

Partnering with Your Child's Teacher Oct 30, 2019

Teachers and administrators are striving to engage families in more meaningful ways. How can you partner with schools to best support your child and other students in your community? We chatted with Dr. Karen Mapp, from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, about best practices—and what we can do to improve family-school partnerships. She shares how to tell if your school is really dedicated to engaging families and how to create strong, trusting relationships with everyone in the school community.

Asking the "Right" Questions Oct 23, 2019

What questions should you be asking to get the information you need when you communicate with your child’s teacher? Are certain questions “better” than others? We turn to Luz Santana, co-director of the Right Question Institute to learn how to prepare questions that will produce meaningful and helpful answers. She shares how parents can go beyond the typical, “How is my child doing?” to spark more in-depth conversations. We also get her advice on common issues families have and how asking the right questions can improve these situations.

How to Handle Homework: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Oct 16, 2019

Homework is a major source of stress for students and their parents, but it isn’t all bad. When effective, homework reinforces the concepts that students learn in school and provides opportunities for families to be involved in their child’s learning. In this episode, we speak with Steve Sheldon, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, who offers the information and strategies you need to make homework time more successful in your household. We also hear from Elementary School Principal and PTA leader, Shaneeka Moore-Lawrence on the benefits of homework and what really is the “right” amount per night.

How to Raise Confident Kids Oct 09, 2019

How do you help your child learn to overcome communication challenges and be a good friend to others? We turn to author and parenting expert Jennifer Miller to explore how you can build these social and emotional skills with your child. She shares what it takes to raise a confident child and how you can become a more confident parent. We also discuss how to turn some of your toughest parenting moments into meaningful learning opportunities, and what to look for in schools to know if they are helping your child develop in this important area.

The Myth of the Uninvolved Parent Oct 02, 2019

What does it really mean to be “engaged” in your child’s education? For busy parents, it is impossible to do it all: attend and volunteer at school events, check the backpack and help with homework, drive to after school activities—while also planning meals and maintaining your home. Kwesi Rollins from the Institute for Educational Leadership gives us a realistic view of the barriers families face when trying to engage with their child’s school. He also shares how school districts across the country are making family engagement more meaningful and inclusive for families who aren’t involved in the traditional ways.

Recess: Is it Just for Play? Sep 25, 2019

We discuss why recess is important for students’ physical health—as well as their social and emotional development—and take a look at what schools and families are doing to protect and enhance recess time at school. Researcher and dad, William Massey, explains the benefits of recess, what high-quality recess looks like and how parents can get involved in recess. PTA leader and school board member, Angie Gallo, also shares how you can become a recess advocate in your community.

Middle School: What Every Parent Should Know Sep 13, 2019

We dive into parents’ top concerns about middle school with Phyllis Fagell—school counselor, therapist, author and mother of three. She gives us a deeper look at what is going on with middle schoolers developmentally and how families can address adolescent friendship issues, social media use and bullying. We also offer practical tips and ways both families and schools can best support our tweens.

How is Your Kid Really Doing in School? Sep 13, 2019

We sit down with Bibb Hubbard—a mother and founder of Learning Heroes—to explore the research around what families and kids think about student academic achievement, how schools and districts can improve the way they share information with families, and what families can do to gauge if their child is on track and advocate for a more accurate picture of their progress. Liz Goshorn gives a mother’s perspective on how you can better understand your child’s academic progress in school and identify their academic strengths and areas for growth.

The Truth about School Discipline in America Sep 13, 2019

Get the inside scoop on school discipline in America from former U.S. Secretary of Education and President of the Education Trust John B. King, Jr. We discuss the dangers of policies that keep children out of regular classroom learning, and what approaches schools can use to help students become responsible, thriving adults. King shares lessons learned from his personal and professional experiences and gives us insight into how disciplinary actions can affect self-esteem and bias and speaks to how we can build more “windows” and “mirrors” to help all children succeed.

Introducing...Notes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast Sep 13, 2019

Find out what Notes from the Backpack is all about! Hosts LaWanda Toney and Helen Westmoreland give listeners a preview of what they can expect when they tune in to National PTA’s new podcast series.

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