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Episodes
Turn every car ride into an interactive audio adventure! Raising Thinkers is a screen-free, family co-listening podcast for elementary-aged kids. Whether you're heading to soccer practice, running errands, or taking a family road trip, we tackle math mysteries, logic puzzles, and "audio escape rooms" that your kids solve right in the backseat. We even weave in Spanish vocabulary as "secret codes" to boost cognitive flexibility! Hit play, pause to talk it out, and let’s raise some thinkers.
¡Convierta cualquier viaje en familia en una aventura! Un podcast bilingüe donde padres e hijos resuelven acertijos de lógica y matemáticas juntos.
Episodes

Nov 6, 2024
Nov 6, 2024
8 min
Wondering how to talk about politics with your kids after the election? Our latest post has age-appropriate ways to foster respect, model civil discourse, and help kids understand voting! 🌍
https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e30-talking-with-your-kids-about-politics/

Oct 30, 2024
Oct 30, 2024
9 min
Boost creativity & critical thinking in kids with the RAFT strategy! 🧠 Choose a Role, Audience, Format, and Topic to spark new perspectives. Whether they’re a scientist talking to pets or a teacher giving directions, RAFT makes learning fun & engaging! https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/

Oct 23, 2024
Oct 23, 2024
8 min
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/

Oct 16, 2024
Oct 16, 2024
9 min
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/

Oct 10, 2024
Oct 10, 2024
9 min
🎙️ 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

Oct 1, 2024
Oct 1, 2024
10 min
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/

Sep 25, 2024
Sep 25, 2024
16 min
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/

Sep 17, 2024
Sep 17, 2024
14 min
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/

Sep 10, 2024

Sep 4, 2024
Sep 4, 2024
9 min
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/
