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How can creating language-rich environments empower multilingual learners and elevate the educational experience for everyone in the classroom? Join us for a transformative discussion with Katherine Hamilton, former Vice President of Programs for Ensemble Learning, as she reveals powerful strategies to achieve just that.

Summary:

In this episode, Katherine Hamilton shares her inspiring journey from high school math teacher to a leading advocate for multilingual education and STEM. With a focus on creating inclusive and language-rich classrooms, Katherine reveals practical strategies that educators can use today to support multilingual learners with vocabulary, content areas, and engaged learning. She discusses the role of technology, the importance of professional development, and how fostering strong relationships can inspire joy and wonder in learning. Katherine's insights offer a roadmap for educators striving to unlock the potential of multilingual students and transform their classrooms for every learner.

Chapters:

• 2:03: Multilingual Learners and Language Development: We explore the strengths multilingual learners bring to the classroom and the importance of language-rich environments.
• 14:24: Supporting Multilingual Learners in Education: Explore techniques like sentence stems and frames to support students with varying English proficiency.
• 23:14: Empowering Teachers to Connect Multilingual Education with Math, Science, and other Content Areas
• 28:33: Building Connections Through Play and Relationships

Resources and Links:

Visit Ensemble Learning for more resources and insights on multilingual education. Contact Dr. Julia Lara for programming inquiries.

Katherine Hamilton is now Executive Director of Friends of GALA (Girls Academic Leadership Academy)

Join us as we explore innovative strategies to support multilingual learners and inspire educational success for all students.

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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What if stories and play were the bridge between children (and their grown ups) and nature? Join us as we explore this concept with Susie Spikol, a naturalist and educator whose enchanting book, Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic, serves as a portal to the wonders of the natural world. Susie shares her journey from being a Brooklyn secret fort naturalist inspired by childhood tales like Winnie the Pooh and The Hobbit to her life's work as a naturalist and storyteller in New Hampshire.

Discover how storytelling can transform outdoor adventures into magical experiences, sparking curiosity and a love for nature among kids and their grownups -- whether at home or in the classroom. We'll even share a few personal tales of fairy houses and secret forts that have left a lasting mark on our hearts.

We delve into the whimsical activities outlined in Susie's book, each designed to ignite children's creativity and connection to the environment. From crown making to potion crafting, these projects encourage imaginative play and environmental stewardship. Susie also highlights her work at the Harris Center for Conservation Education, where she nurtures a sense of wonder in both kids and adults.

Links:

• Susie's Webpage
• Order: Forest Magic for Kids and The Animal Adventurer's Guide
• Preorder: The Book of Fairies
• Connect on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Nature Resources for Early Childhood
• The Healing Power of Nature and STEAM

Chapters:

• 01:37:Forest Magic for Kids
• 03:26:Where stories, imagination, and nature collide
• 07:33:Permission to Play
• 13:14:Loose Parts Play
• 14:43:Deep diving into Forest Magic for Kids
• 17:34:Promo
• 18:34:What is a naturalist?
• 23:34:Slowing down to connect -- no global crisis needed
• 27:27:The Book of Fairies
• 28:32:Bringing nature to the classroom

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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How can picture books and play combine to spark creativity, empathy, and joy in our youngest learners? Join the conversation with Rachel Rubin and Annie Dycus, the innovative minds behind L-M-N-O Play, a subscription service that uses open-ended play and amazing picture books to engage young minds (while sparking wonder in their grown ups as well).

“Something we really need in our world is children who think outside the box and know how to solve problems. And we think play and picture books —the marriage of the two — is the perfect solution for helping to raise kind, smart, brilliant, imaginative children.” — Annie Dycus, co-founder, L-M-N-O Play

“Not only are we always looking to find that next great kind of undiscovered potential in a great picture book, but also to share with families how they can do this at home and make these amazing moments through just a really simple act.” — Rachel Rubin, co-founder, L-M-N-O Play

Summary:

Dive into the transformative power of picture books and play in early childhood education with Rachel Rubin and Annie Dycus, co-founders of L-M-N-O Play. Learn how their unique approach to connecting play with picture books fosters creativity, problem-solving, and empathy in children, while providing a fresh perspective for adults.

From beloved childhood classics to new favorites, Rachel and Annie share insights on how interactive storytelling and playful activities create profound connections and broaden horizons. Discover the magic of storytelling as a tool for cultural awareness, and explore the timeless value of play and picture books in a digital age. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply love children's literature, this episode offers invaluable advice and inspiration to cultivate a lifetime love for reading and play in our youngest learners.

Chapters:

• 1:01: Origins of L-M-N-O Play
• 4:03:Importance of Learning Through Play
• 7:08:A Horse Named Steve: Walking Through L-M-N-O Play Process
• 13:39:Open-ended and closed-ended play
• 17:19:Social-emotional learning through books and play
• 19:51:Building core connections to picture books
• 22:13:Value of First Book Friends
• 26:57:Power of Play and Picture Books Across Ages and Stages
• 32:42:Favorite Books Featured in the L-M-N-O Play Subscription
• 34:59:Finding Hope Through Play and Empathy

Links:

L-M-N-O Play Website

Follow @lmnoplaynyc on Instagram and Facebook

Follow Annie Dycus and Rachel Rubin on LinkedIn

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.