The Podclass

In this episode of The Podclass, host Elizabeth Tingle sits down with Dr. Shannon Kell, PhD and Faculty of Education at Mount Royal University, to explore the power of purposeful breaks.Dr. Kell shares insights into why rest isn't a luxury, it is a necessity for sustainable wellbeing. From pre-service teachers to seasoned educators, we discuss how everyone benefits from intentional pauses in their day. What makes a break meaningful? How can we shift our systems to support collective wellness, not just individual resilience?We dive into the research on the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of taking breaks, and how meaningful downtime can improve focus, build stronger relationships, and support mental health. Dr. Kell also reflects on her recent sabbatical in Norway, offering a powerful contrast between European approaches to rest and North America’s tendency to pack days full.Whether you're an educator, student, or leader, this episode invites you to rethink rest, not as something to earn, but as something essential.Resources: Kell, S. (2024). University Students’ Perceptions of a 30-Minute Break During Class: A Realistic Practice for Wellness?. Teaching and Learning Inquiry, 12, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.12.17https://takemeoutside.ca/https://phecanada.ca/https://outdoorlearning.com/  https://werklund.ucalgary.ca/about/indigenous-education/books-to-build-on position-statement-on-active-outdoor-play-en.pdf

In this episode of The Podclass, we're diving into the fascinating world of rhythm, regulation, and physical literacy with Janna Tait, Physical Literacy Education Coordinator for Yukon schools.Janna takes us on a journey through how rhythm isn’t just about music or movement—it’s a powerful tool for learning and regulation. She explains how rhythmic activities help regulate emotions, improve focus, and boost learning in both kids and adults.We explore how physical literacy goes beyond just being active—it’s about building confidence in movement, connecting with others, and fostering a deeper understanding of our bodies.Resources:Canada's Physical Literacy Consensus StatementUnderstanding Physical Literacy: A Canadian Perspective by Sport for LifeFind out about Ready to Learn Schools by Yukon SchoolsReady To Learn YouTube videos by Yukon SchoolsDr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the BrainWhat Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing by Bruce D. Perry & Oprah WinfreyEver Active Schools DPA Greatest HitsEver Active Schools Games & Activities to Optimize Self-RegulationEver Active Schools Outdoor Learning QuickdrawEver Active Schools WorkshopsNME - YouTube Nothing Heals Like Sport: A New Playbook for Coaches by The Center for Healing & Justice Through SportNeurosequential Network

In this episode of The Podclass, host Elizabeth Tingle delves into the role of humor in the classroom with Dr. Kim Lenters, Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Language and Literacy Education at the University of Calgary, and teacher Jason Avramenko. They explore how humor can boost student learning and enhance teacher well-being. The discussion covers the benefits of humor, including improved retention and engagement, and offers practical strategies for integrating humor into teaching. Jason emphasizes the importance of thoughtfully planning humor and understanding student dynamics, while Dr. Lenters discusses how improvisation can create a playful and engaging learning environment. They also highlight the potential challenges of humor in the classroom, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and appropriate use.Resources:Lenters, K., & Smith, C. (2018). Assembling improv and collaborative story building in language arts class. The Reading Teacher, 72(2), 179–189. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1689Lenters, K. (2018). Comedy in the classroom? How improv can promote literacy. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/comedy-in-the-classroom-how-improv-can-promote-literacy-89900The Awkward Yeti by Nick Seluk: The Awkward Yeti The Far Side by Gary Larson: The Far Side Comic Strip by Gary Larson - Official Website | TheFarSide.comFey, Tina. Bossypants. Reagan Arthur Books/Little, Brown and Company, 2011. TED. "Tina Fey’s Rules of Improvisation Will Change Your Life | TED." YouTube, 6 Jan. 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmafmRIeet0.Celik, B., & Gündoğdu, K. (2016). The effect of using humor and concept cartoons in high school ICT lesson on students’ achievement, retention, attitude and anxiety. Computers & Education, 103, 144-157. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2016.10.008

In this episode of The Podclass, Dr. Sunaina Sharma, Lecturer and Practicum Advisor at Brock University, discusses the evolving relationship between digital technology, student engagement, and classroom well-being. She advocates for a thoughtful integration of technology to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and autonomy, moving away from blanket cell phone bans. Dr. Sharma emphasizes co-creating technology use norms with students, using tech for knowledge construction, and teaching responsible tech management. She underscores the importance of understanding student perspectives to enhance engagement and well-being in the classroom.Sharma, S. (2024). Fostering academic integrity in the digital age: Empowering student voices to navigate technology as a tool for classroom policies. Brock Education Journal, 33(3). 99-121. https://doi.org/10.26522/brocked.v33i3.1180Shama, S. (2023). Inquire, connect and disconnect: Technology implementation to (re-)engage post-pandemic students. Forum on Public Policy. https://www.forumonpublicpolicy.co.uk/_files/ugd/553e83_1733cf309fed4c8cba447250f9febf9e.pdfSharma, S. (2023, July 5). Supporting student engagement with technology. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-technology-support-student-engagementSharma, S. (2022, Fall). Cellphones in the classroom. Canadian Teacher Magazine. https://canadianteachermagazine.com/2022/09/27/11426/Sharma, S., & Parr, M. (2018). Technology and student engagement: What educational leaders and teachers need to know. CAP Journal: Technology Leader or Leading Technology, Fall, 17–20. https://mzpinc.ca/ebooks/CAP/PDFs/CAP-T0318.pdfSharma, S. (2018). An exploration of the relationship between digital technology use and student engagement in a grade 11 English class: A classroom ethnography. [Doctoral Dissertation, Nipissing University]. TSpace Repository. https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/100568/1/exploration%20of%20the%20relationship%20between%20digital%20technology%20use.pdf

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of hope in enhancing school health and well-being. Host Elizabeth Tingle and guests Chelsea Hobbs, Natalie Kuhn, and Amy Badger discuss how hope can empower students and teachers. They share personal well-being practices like "hope walks" and creative activities and explain how they integrate hope into their classrooms to build resilience. The conversation emphasizes hope's impact on mental health and its practical application in education, highlighting its importance in fostering a positive learning environment and personal growth.

In this episode of The Podclass, Health and Wellness Consultants from Ever Active Schools, Tracey Coutts and Shauna Shaker, emphasize the significance of promoting active transportation within school communities. They underscore the importance of establishing safe and accessible routes, engaging parents and the community, and customizing travel plans to suit each school's specific needs. Additionally, Tracey and Shauna explore the advantages of integrating walking field trips and school travel planning into curricula, highlighting the connection between active school travel and cross-curricular learning. Throughout the conversation, collaboration, creativity, and flexibility are highlighted as essential components in successfully implementing active school travel initiatives.

In this episode of The Podclass, we delve into the pivotal role of school trustees in fostering well-being within educational environments. Kristina Larkin, a trustee with the Lethbridge school division, highlights trustees' responsibilities in Alberta's education system, from advocating for schools and students to ensuring alignment with legislative objectives. We explore challenges and opportunities for collaboration, with a focus on policy development and amplifying marginalized voices.