Best Empowering Neurodiverse Students Podcasts (2025)

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101. STEM Made Simple: Creative, Hands-On Learning with Expert Dena Scoullos 37:58

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3d ago37:58

37:58

STEM doesn’t have to be one more thing on your overflowing to-do list, it can actually make learning more fun, engaging, and hands-on (three things we are all about here at Rainbow Sky Creations). In this energising episode, Ash chats with educator and STEM advocate Dena Scoullos about how classroom teachers can easily integrate STEM (Science, Tech…

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Accommodation vs. Integration: Why Your Neuro-inclusive Program Isn't Working w/ Gabriela Tardea 1:03:23

7d ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Mike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela breaks down how to bridge the gap between good intentions and real, embedded change. We Also Cover: Brid…

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Ep. 244: From Burnout to Balance: Supporting Parents Raising Neurodivergent Kids with Leslie Forde 39:45

8d ago39:45

39:45

Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Leslie Forde! Leslie is the CEO and Founder of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® and soon-to-be published Author of Repair with Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs. Her business provides evidence-based tools to help moms reclaim their time and well-being from the neve…

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100 Episodes of Rainbow Skies for Teachers: Ask Us Anything! 37:38

10d ago37:38

37:38

We’re popping the confetti because Rainbow Skies for Teachers has hit 100 episodes! To celebrate this massive milestone, we are answering your burning questions in a special “Ask Us Anything” edition. From classroom chaos to content creation, we’re pulling back the curtain on our journey, favourite tools, and everything in between. This episode is …

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Self-Preservation Isn’t Selfish: ADHD and SUD w/ Lisa Modur 46:06

14d ago46:06

46:06

Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting. We Also Cover: ADHD and specialized schooling Feeling “less than,” comparison,…

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99. AI in the Classroom: Empowering Teachers and Supporting Students 1:02:44

17d ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Today we sit down with educator and tech thinker Matt Esterman to unpack the current and future role of AI in education. From low-risk ways to explore AI tools to fostering student AI literacy, they dive deep into how teachers can harness AI for planning, differentiation, admin support, and more. Together, we tackle big-picture topics like ethics, …

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Beyond Borders: A Cross-Cultural Look at Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves 37:49

21d ago37:49

37:49

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis …

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Ep. 243: From Inclusion to Belonging: Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools with Amanda Morin 39:20

22d ago39:20

39:20

We are happy to welcome Amanda Morin to the show this week! Amanda is a neurodivergent advocate for neurodiversity, an award-winning author of six books, an early childhood expert, and a nationally recognized speaker who is passionate about building accessible and inclusive spaces for neurodivergent people. Drawing on her background in learning and…

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98. Teaching Diverse Classrooms: Simple Tweaks for Big Impact 34:32

24d ago34:32

34:32

In this rich and encouraging chat, we explore how teachers can meet the needs of every student, without feeling like they need to do everything. Dr Maggie offers real-life, research-backed strategies for creating inclusive, emotionally safe, and engaging classrooms with just a few thoughtful tweaks. In this episode, we explore: What diverse student…

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Every Brain Belongs: Teaching The Twice-Exceptional w/ Mandi Davis Skerbetz 53:20

28d ago53:20

53:20

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or …

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97. Game On! 10 Clever Classroom Games 27:21

1M ago27:21

27:21

Ready to turn play into powerful learning? In this episode, we are diving into creative and cost-effective ways to repurpose familiar games for classroom learning. From Jenga to Connect 4, we explore how teachers can use everyday games to boost student engagement and reinforce essential skills across maths and literacy. Whether it's picking up seco…

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Parenting Through the Courts: Special Needs, Divorce, and Justice w/ Dr. Margaret 'Pegi' Price 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

Chaya and Mike speak with Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price, a distinguished professor, legal expert, and program director at National University, about her journey blending personal experience as a parent with her career in family law. Dr. Price shares some eye-opening insights from her book, The Special Needs Child and Divorce, and explains how small cha…

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Ep. 242: How One Woman Rewired Her Brain and Created a Path for Struggling Learners with Barbara Arrowsmith-Young 40:11

1M ago40:11

40:11

Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Barbara Arrowsmith-Young! Barbara is a pioneering author and innovator in neuroeducation, known for applying neuroplasticity to improve cognitive function. Since 1978, her work has helped individuals with learning difficulties, brain injuries, addiction, and age-related decline, …

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96. Function First, Fancy Later: Jamiela's Guide to Classroom Organisation 36:36

1M ago36:36

36:36

Feeling overwhelmed by classroom clutter? In this episode, we're joined by classroom organisation expert Jamiela, who shares her powerful journey from chaos to calm. Once an unorganised teacher herself, Jamiela now empowers educators to embrace simplicity and function-first thinking through her FAVS principles: Functionality, Accessibility, Visibil…

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Restless Minds, Clear Patterns w/ Priya Chanduraj 54:27

1M ago54:27

54:27

Mike and Chaya sit down with Priya Chanduraj, the founder and CEO of FinTeam One, who discusses how her ADHD became an asset in the world of finance. Priya shares her experience of being a "challenged child" in India and how discovering her passion for economics allowed her to excel, and the freedom that comes from finding what you're good at. We A…

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95. Teacher Well-Being: Teaching Shouldn't Be a One-Woman Show 27:42

2M ago27:42

27:42

Feeling like you're constantly running on empty or that everything is falling on your shoulders? You're not alone, and teaching was never meant to be a solo performance. In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’re sharing five empowering strategies to help reduce teacher overwhelm and protect your well-being. From curating your very own “g…

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Knowing Your Why: Capacity is Key w/ Jane Singleton 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

Mike and Chaya sit down with Jane Singleton, a learning specialist, executive coach, and founder of Launchpad for Life. With over a decade of experience in education, Jane shares how her early experiences advocating for people with disabilities ignited her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. She discusses the gaps in traditional …

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Ep. 241: How to Be a ‘Screen-Smart’ Parent with Jodi Gold, MD 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

We are very excited to welcome Jodi Gold, MD of The Gold Center to the show this week. Dr. Jodi Gold is a board-certified pediatric and adult psychiatrist with expertise in child and adolescent pharmacology, reproductive psychiatry, psychotherapy for mood and anxiety disorders, and the impact of digital technology. She has earned multiple awards fr…

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94. Neurodiversity Without the Overwhelm 38:18

2M ago38:18

38:18

What happens when a psychologist and a seasoned teacher team up to support neurodivergent learners? Insight, experience, and heart—all rolled into one conversation. In this episode, Ashleigh sits down with Lisa and Lianne, the passionate duo behind Elevated Teachers, to explore the powerful ways educators can better support neurodiverse students—wi…

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Late-Realized, Loud and Leading w/ LaToya Hinton, PhD. 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. LaToya Hinton, an autistic, ADHDer, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent women in leadership. With her experiences as a late-diagnosed adult, LaToya dives into the mental toll of masking, perfectionism, and how accessible environments can unlock untapped potential. She shares strategies for fostering authentic…

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93. Creative Measurement Lesson Ideas 21:42

2M ago21:42

21:42

In this episode we’re showing you how a deck of UNO cards can become one of your most versatile teaching tools, especially for measurement! From comparing lengths in Kindergarten to converting units in Year 4, we’re sharing fun, hands-on activities that make maths more meaningful and less worksheet-heavy. We also take a trip down memory lane with s…

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Your Child Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time, They’re Having a Hard Time w/ Christian Vinceneux 51:57

2M ago51:57

51:57

Mike and Chaya sit down with Christian Vinceneux, ADHD advocate, coach (Life Guide Coaching), and former occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent families. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Christian reflects on growing up as a neurodivergent child in France, navigating challenges without the tools or wor…

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92. Differentiation Secrets that are Simple, Smart, and Supportive 53:20

2M ago53:20

53:20

Today we’re joined by the fabulous Julia - an experienced classroom teacher who brings a calm, clear-eyed approach to differentiation that will leave you feeling capable, confident, and ready to make small changes with big impact. Together we explore what differentiation really looks like in action, and spoiler alert, it doesn’t have to mean rewrit…

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Boundaries, Burnout, and Belonging /w Michelle Markman 50:11

2M ago50:11

50:11

Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practic…

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Ep. 240: Using the Summer Months to Advance Reading Skills with Dr. Steve Truch & Devan Kublik 38:33

2M ago38:33

38:33

We have not just one but two guests for you this week - Dr. Steve Truch and Devan Kublik! Steve has over 50 years of experience in education, beginning as a junior high school English teacher and then working as a school psychologist, ultimately founding The Reading Foundation clinics across North America to provide one-on-one therapy for students …

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91. How to Make Math Joyful & Student-Centred with Kelsey Sorenson 46:36

2M ago46:36

46:36

This week Ashleigh flips the script as the guest, chatting with Kelsey Sorenson from Educate & Rejuvenate about all things maths, mindset, and making learning joyful. Ashleigh opens up about her personal maths journey (yes, her dad was a maths teacher!), shares easy ways to bring creativity into the classroom, and offers teacher-tested strategies t…

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Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil 1:01:57

3M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude a…

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90. 5 Outdoor Math Games That Kids Will Love 23:32

3M ago23:32

23:32

In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’re sharing practical, fun ways to take your maths lessons outside. From number relays to times table soccer, we talk through simple activities that help students move, collaborate, and build confidence in their mathematical thinking. We also dive into the benefits of outdoor learning—from improving …

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Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network) 58:18

3M ago58:18

58:18

Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental h…

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Ep. 239: Balancing Summer Rest and Learning Support for Diverse Learners with Ashley Harding 41:59

3M ago41:59

41:59

We are happy to welcome Ashley Harding to the podcast this episode. Ashley is a fourth-generation educator and is deeply committed to educational equity. She holds degrees from USC and Tufts University in Child Development, and her career spans more than a decade, during which she has supported students and families in private and independent schoo…

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NAIDOC Week. The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy 18:56

3M ago18:56

18:56

In this special collaborative episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we honour NAIDOC Week 2025 by exploring this year's theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. We are joined by five inspiring educators, each sharing their unique perspectives on how these pillars can be acknowledged and celebrated in the classroom. Our guests delve i…

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Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles 50:58

3M ago50:58

50:58

Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his vo…

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88. Outdoor Classrooms: Big Benefits, Simple Steps 43:16

3M ago43:16

43:16

This week we venture beyond the traditional classroom with Victoria Hackett from Outdoor Classrooms, an expert in weaving nature, play, and purpose into everyday teaching. With over a decade of experience championing outdoor education, Victoria shares how learning gardens and nature-based activities can do wonders for student wellbeing, regulation,…

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Creativity That Calms: A New Way to Support Autistic Kids /w Jay Goth 40:35

3M ago40:35

40:35

Mike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from ancient storytelling traditions, Jay explains how Burble’s innovative storytelling tents combine soun…

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Ep. 238: Dismantling DEI and the Department of Education: How Changes Impact Your Child with Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie 40:05

3M ago40:05

40:05

We are excited to welcome back guests Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie of the Inclusive Education Project. Vickie Brett is a bilingual attorney who advocates for families' legal rights via the Inclusive Education Project, with a focus on empowering monolingual Spanish-speaking families. Dedicated to supporting clients facing challenges in the educat…

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87. Let’s Get Squishy: 8 Playdough Activities to Supercharge Your Maths Lessons 19:37

3M ago19:37

19:37

Think playdough is just for the early years? Think again! In this episode, we explore how playdough can become your secret weapon for teaching maths concepts in Grades 3–6. From creating number lines to measuring angles, they share 8 classroom-ready ideas that will make your maths block more hands-on, differentiated, and downright irresistible. Thi…

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Cut From Chaos: Shane Currin’s Story of Bipolar, Addiction, & Purpose 57:17

3M ago57:17

57:17

Mike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, …

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86. The Veteran Principal breaking all the “rules” - An Interview with Principal Lamb 45:57

4M ago45:57

45:57

Get ready to meet the principal who’s rewriting the rulebook - one hallway conversation at a time. In this energising chat, we’re joined by Jared Lamb (commonly known as @principal_lamb), the dynamic school leader known for ditching the principal’s office in favour of a rolling cart, 20,000 steps a day, and a relentless commitment to connection. We…

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Ep. 237: Beyond Accommodations: How Neurodivergent Students Can Thrive in College with Eric Endlich, Ph.D 40:10

4M ago40:10

40:10

Joining us this week is returning guest Eric Endlich, Ph.D. Dr. Endlich is a clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants®, which specializes in guiding neurodivergent students through the college application process. An advocate and expert in the field and a neurodivergent adult himself, he co-teaches a UC Irvine course for educati…

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85. 6 Strategies to Help Your Students Love Math 15:38

4M ago15:38

15:38

Are your students groaning when it’s maths time? Let’s change that—starting today! In this energising episode, we dive into six tried-and-true strategies for turning your maths block into one of the most engaging parts of the school day. If you are looking for fresh inspiration, these tips will empower you to create lessons that are hands-on, inclu…

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84. Breaking Down Barriers In Teaching Students With Autism 47:59

4M ago47:59

47:59

Breaking down barriers starts with small shifts, big heart, and the belief that every child deserves to thrive. In this empowering episode, we explore what it really takes when it comes to teaching students with autism—with real-life strategies, heartfelt stories, and a whole lot of teacher-to-teacher encouragement. We sit down with educator and au…

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Ep. 236: Beyond Racial Stress: Empowering Teens to Navigate Cultural Identity and Build Resilience with Dr. Ryan DeLapp 33:52

4M ago33:52

33:52

We warmly welcome Dr. Ryan DeLapp to Diverse Thinking Different Learning to discuss how to help teens manage and overcome racial stress. Dr. Ryan C.T. DeLapp is a licensed psychologist and the founder of the REACH program at The Ross Center, specializing in helping individuals cope with racial and cultural stress. With more than ten years of resear…

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83. Becoming a Classroom Champion with Aaron Johnston 42:14

4M ago42:14

42:14

In this energising episode, we sit down with classroom champion and education leader Aaron Johnston to explore what it really takes to thrive as a teacher, especially when navigating the challenges of composite classes and high expectations. Aaron brings his signature practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement as we chat about his career in teach…

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82. Work Smarter, Not Harder When Writing Report Cards 18:12

5M ago18:12

18:12

Report card season doesn't have to mean late nights and coffee-fuelled stress! In this episode, Ash and Alisha are diving into practical, time-saving strategies to make report writing smoother, more efficient, and—dare we say it—more enjoyable. From creating systems that actually work, to harnessing the power of assessment books and AI tools, this …

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Ep. 235: Why Stress Sabotages Learning and How Parents and Educators Can Help with Jerome Schultz, PhD 37:00

5M ago37:00

37:00

We are happy to welcome Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Schultz to Diverse Thinking Different Learning this week. Dr. Schultz is a clinical neuropsychologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School with nearly four decades of experience working with children and young adults with learning and behavioral challenges. A former special education teacher and author o…

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81. 10 Tips for Staying Sane When It Comes To School Politics 25:26

5M ago25:26

25:26

Let’s be honest—school politics can be a lot. Whether it’s gossip in the staffroom, unclear power dynamics, or just the unspoken rules of the workplace, navigating it all can take a toll on even the most passionate teachers .In this episode, we are getting real about school politics. They’re sharing practical, mindset-focused strategies to help you…

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Honoring Dr. Cheryl Green 11:47

5M ago11:47

11:47

The podcast episode honors Dr. Cheryl Green, who passed away on April 23, 2025, after serving as President of Governor State University for four years. Dr. Green, a passionate educator with over 30 years of experience, received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Commitment in Education Award in 2023 and the Women in Excellence in Educati…

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Ep. 234: Understanding and Addressing Math Anxiety with Aditya Nagrath, PhD 35:35

5M ago35:35

35:35

This week on Diverse Thinking Different Learning, we welcome Dr. Aditya Nagrath. Dr. Nagrath is the founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy and helps students overcome math anxiety, rapidly advancing their skills with just ten minutes of practice a few times a week. He holds a PhD in Mathematics and Computer Sciences and has over three dec…

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80. Brain Breaks That Work with James Robinson from Amplify 40:03

5M ago40:03

40:03

How often do you pause during the school day to give your students (and yourself!) a chance to reset? In this energising episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’re joined by the wonderful James Robinson from Amplify to talk all things brain breaks—what they are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively in your classroom. James shares prac…

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Reimagining Learning in the Digital Age with Laurie Hendrickson 40:24

5M ago40:24

40:24

In this episode, we talk to Laurie Hendrickson, a former middle school teacher and current educator. Hendrickson discusses the importance of student participation and technology integration in education. She emphasizes the need for technology to be used within the curriculum with a specific purpose, such as creating digital stories that enhance lea…