Creating Learning Games

Want to know how to turn dry lesson plans from your big box curriculum into fun, engaging lesson plans that are developmentally appropriate? In today's podcast we discuss easy ways you can make interactive, hands-on activities that your students will love.

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Kathy Cranelessons
Becoming Brilliant: Interview with Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D

Our interview today is with Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D, author of the book Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn--and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less about the new book she has written with Roberta Michnick Golinkoff: Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells us About Raising Successful Children. It's so inspiring to hear her vision for the future of education. Here's a sample:

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Kathy Cranebooks, STEM
Intervention

Today we will discuss the importance of Intervention in the early grades as well as the famous "Intervention Hour" we keep mentioning. We would love to hear about how you set up intervention in your classroom! You can write to us and let us know at kindergartenkiosk@gmail.com

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Kathy Craneintervention
Bullying: Interview with Tomas Jungert, Ph.D.

We had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Jungert about the study and it's possible implications for educators. We believe in developing positive relationships with our students and encouraging internal motivation in them, and we think you'll enjoy hearing about research that supports how important this is!

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Kathy Cranebullying
Growth Mindset: Interview with Annie Brock and Heather Hundley

Today's amazing interview is with Heather Hundley and Annie Brock, the author's of The Growth Mindset Coach. This fantastic book offers a month by month guide to teaching Growth Mindset in the classroom. It is so well researched and so full of amazing ideas, you will definitely want a copy on your bookshelf! Buying the book through this affiliate link helps to support the podcast.

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Kathy Cranegrowth mindset
Free Choice in Kindergarten

We always makes time in her schedule for "Free Choice" a time when children are able to choose their own activities and goals. Giving children free choice time allows them the freedom to fulfill their own needs in a way that recognizes their individuality, desires, and interests.

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Kathy Craneplay
The Writing Center

Today Mom discusses her writing center even though she's been sick and only feels at about 80% (hang in there Mom). At the writing center, students practice their writing skills in an independent, but supported environment.

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Kathy Cranewriting
Elections: Interview with Mary Parry

As we gear up for election season, we are fortunate to be able to interview Mary Parry about her debut children's book Sadie McGrady Runs For President, which follows Sadie McGrady on her fictional journey from regular kid to President of the United States, as she explores what it’s like to run a campaign and become a world leader.

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Kathy Craneelections
Guided Writing

Today we will talk about how Mom uses Guided Writing to create independent young writers in her classroom. You won't want to miss the great tips in this episode!

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Kathy Cranewriting
Shared Writing

Today Mom and I will discuss Shared Writing: what it's benefits are and some of her favorite Shared Writing activities for the classroom. We also get the giggles.

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Kathy Cranewriting
Mathematics: An Interview with Tamara Shaw

Today's episode is a real treat! We have an interview with Tamara Shaw about mathematics education. Tamara is currently a special education teacher with Weber School District. She spent 5 years in between teaching assignments as a math coach and has also spent the past 8 years developing curriculum and teaching teachers about common core math, best practices in math instruction, and math pedagogy with the Utah State Office of Education.

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Kathy Cranemathematics
Homework

Today Mom and I discuss the controversial and heated topic of homework. Mom talks about how she developed homework that is purposeful and strategic in helping parents as their child's first, and most important, teacher.

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Kathy Cranehomework