Falling for Learning Podcast

Building Brilliance and JusticeIn this episode, educator and author Andratesha Fritzgerald shares her inspiring journey of integrating anti-racism with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to transform educational spaces into liberating environments for all students. Gain insights into how community, belief in student brilliance, and strategic advocacy shape equitable learning.Key Topics:Fritzgerald’s personal motivation rooted in legacy and community advocacyThe origins and purpose of her book, Anti-Racism and Universal Design for LearningHow Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be a tool for liberation and equityStrategies for parents and educators to advocate for inclusive, supportive learning environmentsThe importance of fostering student agency and self-advocacyPractical tips for implementing UDL principles at home and in classroomsThe evolving landscape of anti-racism efforts in education and societyUpcoming resources and projects in Fritzgerald’s work, including trauma-informed and anti-racist frameworksTimestamps:00:00 - Embracing advocacy and the power of seed planting in education00:29 - The role of students leading protests and personal advocacy journey01:20 - Guest introduction: Andretisha Fritzgerald’s background and work02:05 - What drew Fritzgerald into education as a child04:22 - Origin and purpose of her book, Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning04:39 - The scientific and liberating roots of UDL05:08 - Writing struggles and the catalyst of societal upheaval in 202007:04 - Collaborations with impactful figures like Samaria Rice07:38 - The importance of integrating anti-racism into everyday educational practices08:09 - Fritzgerald’s educational path: from engineering to English and beyond10:47 - The significance of community and connection for under-represented groups11:15 - The impact of English, women’s studies, and educational leadership studies on her approach12:14 - Her perspective on lifelong learning and her children’s love for languages13:01 - Parenting experiences and fostering language developmentBuildingBlocksOfBrilliance.com15:22 - Advice for parents supporting children’s learning through UDL principles17:12 - Preparing children for future success by building their confidence and independence19:29 - The importance of self-compassion for parents and guardians22:04 - Mistakes to avoid: over-controlling and under-trusting children’s abilities28:04 - Starting points for parents reading Anti-Racism and Universal Design for LearningResources & Links:Building Blocks of BrillianceFollow Andratesha Fritzgerald on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

Send us Fan MailIn episode 130 of Falling for Learning Podcast, Dr. Myava Clark shares inspiring insights, practical strategies, and resources for supporting neurodivergent children and their caregivers. Whether you’re navigating special education or social media safety, her expert advice empowers parents and educators alike.Key Topics:The importance of early support and intervention for children with developmental delaysHow to navigate and advocate for IEPs and 504 plans effectivelyUnderstanding what "neurodivergent" means—with examples like ADHD, autism, and dyslexiaStrategies for social media safety and teaching appropriate online behavior using CASEN ConnectThe significance of parent & caregiver support groups, including Mothers of Exceptional Kids (MOEK)Resources & Links:CASEN Connect — Social-emotional learning platform for children and familiesMothers of Exceptional Kids (MOEK) — Parent support communityFive Secrets to Emotionally Support Your Children with Learning Differences (Free Ebook)Parent and Caregiver's Guide, Overcoming the Odds of Disabilities, Medical Challenges, and Trauma — Book co-authored by Dr. Clark and othersConnect with Dr. Myava Clark:Facebook - Myava Hillery ClarkFacebook - Casen_social_wellnessInstagram - @drmyavaInstagram - Casen_social_wellnessTikTok - Dr. Myava ClarkLinkedIn - Dr. Myava Clark, PhD, RRT-NPSSupport the showWe drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

Send us Fan MailTD Flenaugh and Tarquinn Curry discuss the impact of AI on education and career preparation. Curry, an educator and parent, emphasizes the importance of teaching students to use AI responsibly and effectively. He shares his journey from teaching biology to robotics and film production, highlighting the practical benefits of hands-on learning. Curry introduces AI tools like ChatGPT and prompts, stressing the need for students to develop critical thinking and creativity. He also mentions his role in promoting AI in schools and his recognition as an AI innovator. The conversation underscores the necessity of adapting education to prepare students for an AI-driven future.Tiffany's Tips! This episode features another segment with Tiffany Curry, who is also Tarquinn Curry's wife!Websites and AI tools mentioned during the interview:- AI Classroom 2.0 (YouTube channel): https://www.youtube.com/@AIClassroom2.0- ASU GSV (AI Innovator program): https://www.asugsvsummit.com- CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association): https://www.csteachers.org- ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com- Google AI Studio: https://makersuite.google.com (for prompt engineering and AI experiments)Support the showWe drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

Send us Fan MailBook: Signed Copy [https://bit.ly/signed-copy-hamm] & Amazon [https://a.co/d/i1NrP35].Parent-Child Relationship Card Deck: https://bit.ly/parentingrelationshipFacebook Community [Mastering Meltdown Moments with Megan] - https://www.facebook.com/share/1DTYatpmkF/Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/meganhamm-lpcInstagram & Tik Tok: @meganhammlpcMegan M. Hamm, a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist, discusses trauma-informed therapy and mental health awareness, particularly for children. She emphasizes the importance of understanding children's behaviors as forms of communication rather than manipulation. Megan shares her journey from a childhood passion for teaching to a career in psychology, driven by a pivotal experience in third grade. She advocates for a trauma-informed approach, suggesting that consistent, nonjudgmental responses can foster resilience. Megan also addresses the complex issue of corporal punishment, recommending alternative strategies and emphasizing the need for parents to reflect on their intentions and responses.Support the showWe drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

Send us Fan MailWatch episode 76 on Letter Sound Blending - https://youtu.be/MU2t1DHD8VM?si=30GAWCGO6Xxnnt8N.TD Flenaugh discusses structured literacy, a method aligned with the science of reading, aimed at solving reading issues in 95% of children if practiced systematically five days a week. This episode involves four of the 8 stages of structured literacy: phonological awareness, reviewing letter sounds, letter sound blending (decoding) , and encoding (dictation). TERMSPhonological awareness focuses on manipulating sounds in words, which includes the highest stage of phonemic awareness.Phoneme - The smallest unit of sound in a wordLetter-sound blending (decoding) - connecting sounds to letters to sound out words or to read a word using letter and sound rules.Encoding (dictation) - involves writing words based on their sounds. Flenaugh emphasizes the importance of not correcting children while they write to avoid discouragement and instead highlighting what they did well. Resources and further support are available at fallingforlearning.com.T.D. Flenaugh promotes her books, "The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method" and "The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method Workbook," to help children improve their writing skills - https://fallingforlearning.com/home-9066.Support the showWe drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/https://linktr.ee/falling4learning