What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use

In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams talks with Patty McGee, traveling teacher and author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar, about how parents and teachers can rethink the way children learn grammar.For many adults, grammar brings up memories of worksheets, red pens, and feeling corrected or left behind. Patty offers a different vision: grammar as a creative tool writers use to build meaning, shape sentences, and communicate clearly.Peyten and Patty discuss why shame-based grammar instruction often does not work, how children develop as writers, and why grammar play can be more effective than grammar drills. Patty shares simple, low-pressure ways parents can support writing at home through sentence games, word cards, magnetic poetry, Mad Libs, and everyday conversation.They also explore early writing development, including invented spelling and “scribble writing,” and how parents can respond in ways that build confidence instead of discouragement.One of Patty’s most helpful strategies is to notice a strength, then offer the next step: “Because you can do this, you are ready to try this next.” That small shift helps children see writing as a path toward growth, not constant correction.This episode is especially helpful for parents, teachers, homeschool families, and anyone who wants children to become confident writers without fear, shame, or the grammar police.Patty McGee is a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, educator, and author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar.Connect with Patty:Website: www.pattymcgee.orgInstagram: @pmgmcgeeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-mcgee-36507926/

Seventh grade can feel like a rollercoaster for both kids and parents. In this episode of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, Peyten Williams sits down with Shazeen Porbandarwala, a seasoned seventh-grade math teacher and grade chair at The Westminster Schools, to unpack the unique challenges and incredible growth that define this pivotal year. With warmth, wisdom, and insight drawn from years in the classroom (and her own parenting journey), Shazeen shares what really goes on in the minds and hearts of seventh graders. You'll walk away with practical advice, developmental insights, and the reassurance that you're not alone in navigating this exciting (and sometimes baffling) stage of parenting. Shazeen currently serves as the 7th Grade Chair at The Westminster Schools, where she has taught for 12 years. She also teaches Algebra. Shazeen holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Emory University, graduate degrees from Georgia State University and Lincoln Memorial University, and she is pursuing a doctorate in education at Johns Hopkins University, focusing her research on cumulative low math achievement and mindset. Shazeen also serves on the Board of Trustees at Trinity School. Outside of work, Shazeen has two children and enjoys playing pickleball, traveling, and cooking.

Kids will mess up. They’ll lie, cheat, forget their homework, lose their lunchbox, and sometimes do something that makes you wonder, What were you thinking? But great teachers know: these are teachable moments, not final verdicts. In this episode, veteran educator Maryellen Berry from Whitefield Academy shares how the best teachers respond when kids fall short—not with shame or lectures, but with strategies that build accountability, trust, and character. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold your child accountable without crushing their spirit, this episode is for you. Real stories, practical tools, and a whole lot of hope await.Tune in and learn how to turn mistakes into momentum.

Raising a child who might be wired a little differently? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to guess your way through it.This week on What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, I sit down with Wrenn Baldwin from the Wardlaw School at Atlanta Speech School to talk all things neurodiversity, particularly dyslexia and dysgraphia, and how early pink flags might be worth paying attention to.We cover:✔️ How to spot early signs of neurodiversity in preschool & early elementary✔️ How to support big feelings and reduce family stress✔️ Why collaboration between parents and teachers is key✔️ How to advocate for your child with confidence✔️ Tools schools use that can also work wonders at homeWhether your child has a diagnosis or you just have questions, this conversation will help you feel empowered, hopeful, and equipped to raise a thriving child of character.

Want to raise confident, capable kids? Great teachers know that setting high expectations leads to greater student achievement—and the same is true for parenting! In this episode, I sit down with Emily Gromoll, Chief Learning Officer of⁠ R.E.A.L. Discussion⁠ and mom of three young boys (ages 9, 6, and 4), to explore the research behind high expectations.We’ll break down:✔️ How to set high (but realistic) expectations for your child✔️ The balance between motivation and perfectionism✔️ Practical ways to scaffold your child’s experiences for successWhether you’re navigating school challenges, building independence at home, or just wondering how to encourage your child without pressure, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for parents of all ages. Plus, teachers will love the references to Jeff Cohen, David Yeager, Carol Dweck, and John Hattie!🎧 Tune in now to learn how to help your child rise to the challenge!A former History teacher and instructional coach, Emily's career in education has focused on how to design learning environments and nontraditional pathways for all students to succeed.

In this episode with third-grade teacher Pia DeLeon, we discuss the highs and lows of being a third grader. From reading to social awareness, Pia covers the gamut of what parents can expect and gives some solid recommendations! Mentioned in this episode: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Graphic Novels The Week Bridge to Terabithia *Note, I earn a small commission from Amazon purchases if you use these links.

In episode 6 of What Great Teachers Know That All Parents Can Use, second grade expert teachers, Anna Kate Foley and Ann Tedesco, share what's to love about the 2nd grade year. If you've got a second grader, or you've got one coming up, this episode will feed your soul!

Join expert educators Laura Arledge and Tiaya Daniels for a deep dive into who 1st graders are, what they need, and how parents can use specific strategies to connect with their children, help them thrive, and capitalize on this fun time of childhood learning. For resources mentioned in this podcast, check out bowbendconsulting.com Bios: Until her recent retirement, Laura Arledge taught Pre-First and First Grade at The Westminster Schools for 25 years. After earning a BS-ED and MED – Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia, she began her career by working in elementary education for five years in the Gwinnett County Public School System. She then joined the preschool programs at Peachtree Presbyterian Church and The Cathedral of St. Phillip while starting her family. During her time at Westminster, Laura has been recognized as an outstanding member of the faculty, respected by her peers and loved by her students. She received the Schoen Family Award in recognition for her passion displayed in working with children and their families, and the School Family Award for Excellence in Teaching. In addition, Laura completed special instruction and training in the Reggio Emilia teaching method held at the prestigious Loris Malaguzzi International Centre in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Laura and her husband enjoy traveling, cooking, college football and spending time with their family, five sons and six grandchildren. Tiaya Daniels is an educator with experience teaching grades K-8. She is passionate about developing her students' language and literacy skills, in particular. Tiaya has a vast wealth of knowledge relating to professional learning, having taught in Atlanta Public Schools and various private schools globally, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, and Singapore. Tiaya recently completed her doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a focus on collective teacher efficacy and continues to advocate for best practices for the unique needs of her students.