The Schoolyard Podcast

Latest Episodes:

S2.Ep.4: Classroom Hacks: Leveraging Student Strengths and Tech Tools for Success Sep 18, 2024

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In this episode, join Nancy as she chats with Fletcher Nelson and Carolyn Kim to explore ways to streamline your planning, maximize your classroom time, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're a veteran teacher or just starting out, we hope these insights will help you approach the new year with confidence.

To learn more about Fletcher, check out his Instagram at @_thirdgradeswag

To learn more about Carolyn, check out her Instagram at @aprimarykindoflife

S2.Ep.3: From STEM to STEAM: A Conversation with Brooke Brown Sep 04, 2024

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In this episode, Join Nancy and our guest Brooke Brown as they explore how STEAM education is bridging the gap between classroom learning and real world innovation.

Brooke Brown is a national board certified teacher, presenter, and curriculum author who specializes in STEM, Makerspaces, coding and robotics with 20 years of teaching experience. Brooke has a passion for creating hands-on innovative resources to meet the needs of students while fostering memorable, engaging, play-based learning experiences.. You can learn more about Brooke on her website teachoutsidethebox.com, on Instagram and TikTok.

S2.Ep.2: The Power of Play: Transforming Classrooms with Play-Based Learning Aug 21, 2024

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We’ve all heard of the phrase “play hard, work hard” right? But what if “playing” was part of the “work?”

In this episode, Nancy is joined by two School Specialty Subject Matter Experts, Kathy Decamps (PE) and Jennifer Fernandez (Early Childhood) and dive into the world of Play-Based Learning. Together, they explore what play-based learning looks like across different age groups and highlight its transformative benefits for student engagement, social skills, and cognitive development.

S2.Ep.1: Back to School Magic: Classroom Setup Tips with @HappilyEverElementary Aug 07, 2024

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For the first episode of the season two, Nancy is joined by the colorful and creative women behind @happilyeverelementary, Stephanie Osmunson & Loreal Hemenway! Check out their conversation about all things back to school!

To learn more about Stephanie and Loreal, check out their instagram at @happilyeverelementary

S1.Ep.21: Author Insights: Shannon Olsen on Writing, Teaching, and Books May 08, 2024

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In this episode, Nancy is joined by Shannon Olsen, the author of “Our Class is a Family” and many more, to explore the enchanting world of children's literature.

To learn more about Shannon Olsen, you can find her at:

Website: lifebetweensummers.com
TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Life-Between-Summers
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifebetweensummers

S1.Ep.20: How to Design Effective Student Intervention Programs and Environments Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

In the dynamic realm of education, where every student's path is distinct, effective intervention programs shine as guiding lights, illuminating the route to success. In this episode, Nancy talks to Soo Goda and Nicole Hill about designing effective student intervention programs and environments.

Soo Goda began her career 31 years ago as a Bilingual Education teacher. She has served as a Spanish Dual Language Immersion teacher, Instructional Coach, and as co-administrator for her District, and was recognized as co-administrator of the year for her county in 2021. She is currently serving as the District Coordinator of Expanded Learning TK-6.

Nicole Hill, a return guest from Episode 3, has an impressive 16-year background in education, where she has held various roles such as a classroom teacher, specialist, and administrator. She is certified as an educator in multiple areas, Pre-K to 12th grade, in Texas and Europe, and within communities that were each uniquely diverse in terms of their demographics, size, and campus needs. Her expertise spans curriculum and instruction, professional development, and leadership.

S1.Ep.19: Battling the Vaping Epidemic Among Students Apr 10, 2024

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In this compelling episode, Nancy sits down with Marcella Bianco from CATCH Global Foundation to discuss how we can halt the vaping issue sweeping through our youth and how to address the pressures that this can put on educators.

CATCH Global Foundation (“CATCH”) is a leading expert in the development and dissemination of school-based children’s health and wellness programs that are evidence-based and evidence-informed. CATCH offers curriculum aligned with national standards for grades Pre-K through 12 that focuses on health and physical education, social-emotional learning, youth vaping prevention, sun safety, and oral health. Additionally, CATCH provides professional development training to thousands of educators each year and reaches over 3 million youth annually in the United States and internationally. CATCH was founded in 2014 with support from the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Visit CATCH.org to learn more.

S1.Ep.18: Engagement Without Compromising Academic Rigor Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode, Nancy is joined by Joe McCormick and Quyen Nicol, aka @topfloorteachers to talk about “Engagement Without Compromising Academic Rigor". Studies show that when students dive into activities that get their hands moving, they're not just engaged – they're absorbing information like sponges. Join us as we learn how to make learning exciting without sacrificing academic rigor.

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Joe McCormick is a passionate educator with a knack for innovative teaching methods and a commitment to student success. With over a decade of experience in the education field, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the classroom. His expertise lies in engaging students in meaningful ways. Joe is known for his dynamic teaching style, which fosters critical thinking skills and encourages active participation among his students. As a co-founder of @topfloorteachers, Joe is dedicated to sharing best practices and resources with fellow educators to inspire excellence in teaching and learning.

Quyen Nicol is an enthusiastic educator with a strong dedication to creating inclusive and stimulating learning environments. Quyen excels at tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of every learner. Her compassionate approach and patient demeanor enable her to build strong rapport with students and empower them to reach their full potential. Quyen is a co-founder of @topfloorteachers, where she advocates for personalized learning strategies and provides valuable insights to support educators in their professional growth journey. Her mission is to ensure that all students have access to quality education.

S1.Ep.17: Navigating AI Tools for Teachers Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has emerged as a groundbreaking force in our world within a relatively short span of time. With its increasing presence in educational settings, educators and students alike are confronted with a host of challenges, from embracing novel teaching methodologies to grappling with fears of job displacement and contending with complex issues like data privacy and algorithmic bias.

In this episode, Nancy will be talking about some of these integrations and opportunities with the queen of AI apps and programs, Emily Anderson Karst aka @Joyfulnoiseteaching.

S1.Ep.16: Embracing Neurodiversity in Education Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Nancy talks to Nichole Schlagel, current principal of the Academy of Arts and Knowledge, to chat through neurodiversity in schools and how it contribute unique threads that weave a rich and diverse learning experience for all.

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