Raising Thinkers

E45 Simple Tips for Holiday Travel & Long Road Trips with Kids

Meltdowns at 30,000 feet? Not this year! Turn stressful holiday travel into an adventure! We share the best free activities, snack strategies, and layover survival tips for raising happy, engaged thinkers on the go.

E44 The Mess and Joy of Art Projects with Kids

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, Shelley shares her journey of creating a large-scale art project with her children, emphasizing the importance of messy creativity. She discusses the steps taken to complete the project, the benefits of engaging in art for children's development, and offers practical tips for parents to manage the mess that comes with creative activities. The episode encourages parents to embrace the chaos of art projects, highlighting the lasting memories and skills that children gain through these experiences.

E43 Cultivating Young Writers and Readers with Stewart O. Dunn

Listen in as children's book author Stewart O. Dunn joins us to discuss how to foster a love of reading and writing in kids with tips on curiosity, creativity, libraries, and the role of AI in learning.

 

Check out her work at: https://www.stewartodunn.com/

Find out more about Raising Thinkers and Mathematicians at: https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/

E42 Supporting Your Child Through the College Essay Process with Carter Osborne

If you’ve ever wondered how to really prepare your child for the college essay years before they apply… this one’s for you.

In my podcast conversation with Carter (a college essay coach and reflective writing advocate of https://www.carterosbornetutoring.com), we dive into:
– Why students struggle with the “Tell us about yourself” prompt
– How AI is tempting, but not a substitute for real thinking
– What parents can do now (yes, even with an 8-year-old!)

Spoiler: It’s not about cramming in more activities.
It’s about making space for reflection.

E41 Chores for Children: Building Responsibility from the Start

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, host Shelley discusses the importance of chores in child development. She emphasizes how chores can help children build independence, responsibility, and a strong work ethic from a young age. Shelley provides age-appropriate chore suggestions and encourages parents to celebrate their children's efforts, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork within the family. Subscribe or check out the Raising Thinkers website for more content.

 

E40 Supporting Multilingualism with Beth Vaucher of Inspiring Young Learners

In this engaging conversation, Shelley Love De Feliu and Beth Vaucher of Inspiring Young Learners explore the importance of supporting multilingual learners. Beth shares her journey as an educator and her passion for helping students embrace their cultural identities while learning new languages. The discussion covers practical strategies for parents and teachers, emphasizing the significance of curiosity, kindness, and connection in fostering a rich learning environment for multilingual children.

Check it out on our website: https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/

E39 Obstacle Courses: Building Skills through Play

Read blog episode: 

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/e39-obstacle-courses-building-skills-through-play

Obstacle courses = fun + thinking skills! 🏃‍♀️
They boost problem-solving, creativity & goal-setting—all while getting kids moving! No fancy equipment needed, just imagination. 

E38 The Power of Rhymes and Songs: Setting the Stage for Reading Success

 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/

E37 Fort Building to Develop Thinkers

 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/

E36 Making Thinking Visible at Home

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/