Notes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Raising Curious Kids May 19, 2020

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.