Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Raising Thinkers

 Rhymes & songs aren’t just fun—they build early reading skills!  From phonemic awareness to decoding words, these playful moments lay the foundation for strong readers. Tune in to learn how!  #RaisingThinkers #EarlyLiteracy

Full episode: https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/e38-the-power-of-rhymes-and-songs-setting-the-stage-for-reading-success-2/

 Blanket forts, stick hideouts, and cardboard castles—fort building isn’t just fun, it’s brain-boosting!  Kids develop spatial reasoning, problem-solving & creativity while playing. Embrace the mess & the magic! #RaisingThinkers #FortBuildingFun

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/e37-fort-building-to-develop-thinkers/

Summary

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, Shelley discusses engaging, no-materials-required games that parents can play with their kids while on the go. These games not only entertain but also promote critical thinking, observation skills, and learning without the kids even realizing it. From classic games like 20 Questions and I Spy to more challenging activities like mental math and word association, Shelley provides a variety of options suitable for different age groups. She also encourages parents to share their favorite games and highlights the importance of community and resources for nurturing creativity in children.

Subscribe at: https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, Shelly discusses the importance of fostering creativity in children and introduces the SCAMPER strategy as a structured way to encourage creative thinking. SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, and Reverse, each representing a method to inspire divergent thinking. Shelly provides practical examples for each component, emphasizing how these techniques can be applied in storytelling, problem-solving, and everyday situations. The conversation highlights the value of open-ended exploration and the joy of discovering innovative ideas through collaboration with children.

Get full resources at:

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2e27-scamper-a-strategy-for-creative-and-divergent-thinking/

🎙️ New Episode! 🎙️ In Ep 26 of Raising Thinkers, I’m sharing key questions and tips to help you make the most of your parent-teacher conferences! Get valuable insights and support your child’s success. Perfect for busy parents! 👩‍🏫👨‍👩‍👦 #Parenting #Education #RaisingThinkers

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e26-prepping-for-parent-teacher-conferences-what-parents-really-need-to-know/

Summary

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, the host shares personal experiences and practical tips for families moving with children. The conversation covers the challenges of relocating, the importance of asking for help, and strategies to keep kids engaged and emotionally supported during the transition. The host emphasizes the need for preparation, involvement of children in the moving process, and maintaining routines to ease the adjustment. The episode concludes with encouragement for families to view moving as an adventure and an opportunity for growth.

Website link:  https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e25-surviving-moving-day-with-kids/

Summary

In this episode, Shelly discusses the impact of AI on education and parenting, sharing insights on how AI can enhance creativity, streamline tasks, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. She provides practical advice for parents and educators on integrating AI into their lives and highlights several AI tools that can be beneficial for both teaching and learning.

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e24-ai-will-robots-take-over-education/

In this episode, I dive into the often dreaded topic of homework. We explore the research behind homework’s pros and cons, discuss how much is too much, and share tips for parents navigating homework challenges at home. I also reflect on my experiences as a teacher and provide insights on how to support your child's learning journey effectively. Whether you’re pro-homework or against it, this episode offers a balanced perspective on the ongoing debate.

Download material here:

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e23-to-do-or-not-to-do-homework/

 

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, the host discusses the art of gift-giving and how it can be a valuable tool for developing a child's critical thinking skills. Drawing from personal experiences, including a recent birthday celebration for her husband, she explains how children can engage in thoughtful processes like considering a recipient's preferences, budgeting, and decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of teaching children to observe, reflect, and plan, and how this can also serve as a fun and meaningful way to introduce concepts like time awareness and financial literacy.

Join the Raising Thinkers community for exclusive content and support https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/raising-thinkers/

Raising Mathematicians for those interested in enhancing their children's math education. https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/raising-mathematicians/

Summary

Civility and politeness are important in society, and it is crucial for parents to teach their children these values. Politeness leads to respect and appreciation from others, and it sets a standard for expected behavior. Modeling polite behavior and prompting children to say please and thank you are effective ways to develop these habits. Writing thank you notes by hand is also a valuable practice. It is important to consider cultural differences in expectations of politeness and teach children to be sensitive and aware of different cultures. By modeling and setting high expectations, parents can raise polite members of society.

 

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e21-please-and-thank-you-why-manners-matter/

Summary: In this episode, Shelley introduces the new season of Raising Thinkers and emphasizes the importance of raising children who can think critically and make informed decisions. She suggests involving children in party planning as a way to develop their thinking skills. Shelley shares her own experience of allowing her three-year-old daughter to help with party planning, highlighting the importance of age-appropriate involvement. She encourages parents to gradually give their children more ownership over the planning process and provides a template for party planning. Shelley also mentions the benefits of research and decision-making skills that children can develop through party planning.   Download the free pdf at: https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/e20-party-planning/   Takeaways:

• Raising children who can think critically and make informed decisions is crucial in today's world.
• Involving children in party planning can help develop their thinking skills.
• Start small and gradually give children more ownership over the planning process as they grow older.
• Party planning can also teach children research and decision-making skills.

  Chapters 00:00Introduction to Raising Thinkers 01:23Engaging Children in Party Planning 03:06The Benefits of the Planning Process 04:26Taking Ownership and Setting Budget Constraints 05:51Developing Research Skills and Filtering Information 06:19Accessing Resources and Conclusion

Investigar algo que nos apasiona y disfrutamos nos brinda un gran placer, y no es diferente con nuestros hijos. ¿Qué pasa si les dejamos profundizar en algo que realmente quieren aprender? Este episodio te brinda una guía práctica sobre cómo ayudar a tu hijo en este proceso.

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, Shelly discusses the importance of visible thinking routines from Harvard's Project Zero, which can help children develop deeper thinking skills. She explains the history of Project Zero and introduces several effective thinking routines, including 'What Makes You Say That?', 'See, Think, Wonder', and 'Think, Pair, Share'. These routines encourage children to articulate their reasoning, observe their surroundings, and engage in thoughtful conversations, ultimately fostering critical thinking and curiosity in everyday situations. View: https://pz.harvard.edu/thinking-routines

Visit:  https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/e36-making-thinking-visible-at-home/

 

Digging into something we're passionate about and enjoy brings us great pleasure, and it's no different with our children.  What if we let them dig into something they want to learn?  This episode gives you a quick practical guide of how to help your child through this process.

Quieres ayudar a tu hijo/a a disfrutar leer?  Porqué es importante leer?  Cómo nos ayuda?  Escucha  este episodio por algunas ideas!

También ahora tengo un sito de web con más sugerencias para padres y profesores: http://teach-learn-explore.weebly.com/

Want to help develop a child who loves reading?  Why bother to read at all?  Take a few minutes to listen and grab a few new ideas.

Also, I've started a website with some additional tips and ideas for both parents and teachers: http://teach-learn-explore.weebly.com/

Que tal hacer una sala de escape en casa?  Puedes ver como tu hijo puede resolver problemas y luego tu hijo puede diseñar uno para toda la familia!

What about making an escape room at home?  Not only can your child use thinking skills trying to escape, but then how about if they turn it around a design one for the family?

Ya estamos regresando a la escuela en una forma u otra... aquí hay una idea de cómo puedes ayudar a tu hijo a ver matemática como parte relevante de nuestras vidas. 

 

A Back-to-School episode, with an idea of how you can make math more practical and relevant for your child.

Has preguntado a tu hijo a resumir algo, especialmente escribir un resumen de algo que leyó?  Qué tal hacerlo, pero en vez de escribirlo, hacerlo en una forma más creativa? 

 

Have you ever asked your child to write a summary of what they read?  How about trying some other creative, fun ways to bring it all together to consolidate their understanding?

Cuando queremos recordar algo, lo escribimos. Podemos ayudar a nuestros hijos (incluso los pequeños de los 2-3 anos) a hacer lo mismo, pero en una manera sencilla.  Escucha este episodio para algunas sugerencias.

🎄✨ Looking for festive, fun, and budget-friendly ways to keep your kids learning, thinking, and creating this holiday season? From baking to scavenger hunts, advent puzzles, and more, discover 10 meaningful activities that spark joy and build memories. 🎁🧠 Check out the latest episode of Raising Thinkers now!

 

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e35-ten-ideas-for-holiday-fun-as-a-family/

Writing down or documenting some things we learn helps us consolidate our learning... and it is the same things with our kids.  Here are a few tips for you.  It doesn't need to be anything super formal, keep it simple.

Listo para el próximo desafío divertido para desarrollar los pensadores en tu casa? Qué tal usando mensajes en código para descifrar? 

Ready for another fun challenge to develop thinkers around your home?  How about writing messages in secret codes? 

Sabías que simplemente jugando juegos puede ayudar a tu hijo a desarrollar sus habilidades de pensar? Escucha este episodio para entender más y también para tips de como escoger el mejor juego para tu hijo.

How can simply playing games help a child develop their thinking skills?  Listen to find out and also to hear tips on how to pick a good game for your child's developmental level. 

 

Alguna vez has considerado porque es una buena idea que tus niños tengan tantas preguntas? Necesitas algunas sugerencias a promover su curiosidad un poco más? Aquí hay algunas ideas para ti. 

Ever wondered why it's a good idea to have kids who ask a lot of questions?  Need some tips on how to cultivate their curiosity even more?  Here are a few ideas for you.

Has pensando en presentar un show en tu hogar puede preparar a tu hijo para su futuro como un pensador? Escucha y bienvenido al show!

Ever thought about how much putting on a show at home can help prepare your child for the future as a thinker?  Take a listen and let the show begin!

Con tensiones raciales en algunas áreas del mundo y protestas, necesitamos ser capaces de criar pensadores que puedan valorar a otros. Queremos que nuestros hijos traten a los demás con valor, respeto y amabilidad. ¿Dónde comenzamos como padres?

Report card season is here! 📝 Ever puzzled by phrases like 'developing resilience' or 'shows originality'? 🤔 Let's decode 'teacherese' together! Get tips to understand feedback & ask the right questions to support your child. Join us on Raising Thinkers!

 

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com//s2-e34-deciphering-teacher-language-on-report-cards/

With racial tensions high in some areas of the world and protesting, we need to be able to raise thinkers who can value others.  We want our children to treat others with value, respect and kindness, as they too would want to be treated.  Where do we start as parents?

Hacer una búsqueda de tesoros no solamente es divertido, pero puede desarrollar el pensamiento en los niños también... así es! Vamos a buscar!

What could be more fun that doing a scavenger hunt?  Wait, and you can use your thinking skills at the same time?  That's a Win/Win for sure!

A veces necesitamos ayudar a nuestros hijos a hacer una cosa a la vez, a aprender a priorizar lo que viene primero. 

Sometimes we need to break things down in to manageable pieces.  Help your child prioritize one piece at a time. 

Prepara a tu hijo para enfrentar la vida y los retos del futuro con desafíos creativos de diseño. 

Si necesitas ayuda con ideas gratis para desafíos, puedes ir al recurso que menciono en el episodio: Sharpen Design STEM 

*Sharpen es un generador de desafíos que es gratis y no tiene asociación ni conexión con este Podcast. Solamente es un recurso útil que conozco y que quiero compartir con los demás.  

Prepare your child for life and frustration giving them some creative design challenges. 

Need some help figuring out how to challenge them?  Head over to the resource mentioned in the episode: Sharpen Design STEM for thousands of free, quick ideas!

*Sharpen is a free design challenge generator and has no association or affiliation with this podcast.  I just happen to think it's an amazing resource, and I wanted to share it with you all.

Es tiempo para cocinar con tu hijo!  La clave es ser intencional.

It's time to cook together!  The key is intentionality, talking through the steps and more with your child.

Podemos desarollar el pensamiento crítico en nuestros hijos usando la frase sencilla... dime cómo...

✨ The holidays are magical, especially through a child’s eyes! Traditions like decorating, baking, or family movie nights create lasting memories. What are your favorites? Let’s inspire each other this season—share your ideas in the Raising Thinkers Community! 🎄🎉 Link: 

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e33-the-wonder-of-holiday-traditions/

By simply asking your child to tell you about the process of what they did, you get them to start internalizing and thinking at a deeper level.

Con unos materiales básicos en tu casa, puedes dar un reto de construcción para tus hijos y mientras que ellos están ocupados en pensara y construir, tendrás algunos minutos para ti mismo. 

Set your child up with a simple building challenge and while they're building with specific materials and a particular purpose, gain some breathing room for yourself. 

Preguntas sinécticas son algunas de mis favoritas para ayudar a los niños (o los adultos) a desarollar su pensamiento creativo. Son bien divertidas para conversación alrededor de la mesa.