Notes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.