Play is not just a fun activity for young children, it’s the foundation for their learning and development. In this episode, I dive into how play shapes social, emotional, and academic growth in PreK learners, with insights from some of Detroit Country Day Prek4 teachers who share their unique perspectives and classroom strategies. My guests: Marta Krussman, Jordan Woodley, and Carrie McDonald explore the balance between structured and unstructured play, and how these experiences foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration among children. The conversation highlights the importance of creating an environment where children feel safe to express themselves, navigate their emotions, and build relationships with their peers. Join us as we unpack the transformative power of play in early childhood education and why it matters so much for our youngest learners.

Slowing down and being present in the moment can significantly enhance our creativity, and that's the core message we explore with Dr. Jill Walsh in this mini episode. Recorded right after her keynote at Detroit Country Day School, Dr. Walsh—a sociologist from Boston University—shares her insights on how over-scheduled students often turn to technology to fill their downtime, missing out on the benefits of personal connection and finding creativity in pause. This episode features a thought-provoking discussion with Celeste Mahabir, Detroit Country Day School's Upper School Academic Dean, where we emphasize the importance of creating classroom environments that allow students to reflect, engage, and just be present. We dive into how taking the time to pause and disconnect from technology can lead to deeper thoughts and greater self-discovery. Join us as we reflect on the crucial role of presence in meaningful learning experiences and the impact it has on student creativity.

The heart of this podcast episode revolves around the integration of physical and mental wellness in education, encapsulated in Detroit Country Day School’s motto, "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano," which translates to "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body." We dive into how educators at DCDS are actively fostering a culture that prioritizes the holistic development of students, ensuring they thrive both in and out of the classroom. By sharing stories supported by Mind Brain Education from various classrooms, we explore how movement, play, and community engagement are essential for learning. Our guests: Kathleen Pernick and Katie Maisonville - a PreK team, Chelsea Larsen - middle school theatre teacher, and Henry Upton - upper school history teacher offer insights on mind–body connection, balance and well-being, multimodal learning, and classroom community. Join us as we unpack the practical applications of this philosophy and its impact on student growth and success.

This episode dives into how the "Engineer Your World (EYW)" curriculum is engaging high school students in authentic engineering experiences and inspiring them to embrace an engineer’s habits of mind. Laura Beachum and I along with mentoring EYW teachers and faculty from the University of Texas at Austin explore the challenges students face when they encounter new concepts for the first time, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, teamwork, reflection and perseverance in overcoming discomfort. We all reflect upon our own experiences from a recent EYW Professional Development Summer Institute and how Laura and I plan to implement the human-centered engineering projects at Detroit Country Day School. The discussion highlights the necessity of creating a supportive environment where students can thrive and learn from failure, reinforcing the idea that education is not just about finding the right answers but about the journey of discovery and understanding. Join us as we unpack practical strategies that bring brain science to life in the classroom and make learning meaningful for every student.

Today, we are celebrating Stacy Penkala, a beloved figure in Detroit Country Day School's Counseling Program. Stacy reflects on her nearly three decades of experience, reminding us that every student deserves to feel seen and valued. Our guests, Andrew Callery and Josh Greenwald from the Detroit Country Day School College Counseling Department, share their insights on building meaningful relationships with students, emphasizing that it’s not just about getting into college but about understanding each student’s unique story and aspirations. We dive into the evolving landscape of college counseling with a focus on how personal connections make all the difference for students navigating their academic journeys. We all discuss the shift from a transactional approach to one that prioritizes individual growth and self-discovery, highlighting the importance of knowing students beyond their academic achievements. Join us as we explore how this relational depth is crucial in today’s educational environment, ensuring that school truly matters for every student.

Takeaways:

• In today's digital age, fostering deep relationships with students remains crucial for meaningful growth and learning experiences.
• The shift from a transactional college counseling approach to a relational one helps students become the storytellers of their own academic journeys.
• Starting college counseling in ninth grade allows students to develop their identities and skills before they enter the college application process.
• Every student defines success differently, which encourages a more tailored approach to college counseling, focusing on their individual needs and aspirations.

Today, we are exploring the transformative power of the Global Exchange Program at Detroit Country Day School, highlighting how immersion can ignite a passion for language acquisition and cultural understanding. Our guests, including upper school French teacher Liz Lebovic, Spanish teacher Fernanda Gabaldon, and recent alumna Megan Kenny, share personal insights about their experiences and the profound impact these exchanges have on students. Megan reflects on her own journey from hesitance to enthusiasm as she prepares for her upcoming study abroad trip to Valencia, Spain, inspired by her previous exchange. We discuss how such programs not only enhance language skills but also foster lasting relationships and cultivate a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures. Join us as we unpack the invaluable lessons learned through these immersive experiences and how they shape students into global citizens ready to navigate an interconnected world.

Takeaways:

• The importance of immersion in language learning was highlighted by Megan's experience in Spain, emphasizing how real-life interactions can enhance fluency.
• Megan's journey reflects the transformative power of participating in exchange programs, leading to a deeper understanding of cultural nuances and language acquisition.
• The Global Exchange Program at Country Day fosters open-mindedness and cultural perspectives among students through immersive experiences.
• In addition to building language skills, global exchange programs also build empathy, resilience, and a global perspective in students.
• Megan's enthusiasm for studying abroad illustrates the lasting impact of early exposure to different cultures and languages on students' academic paths.

Curiosity is key to fostering a rich learning environment, and in today’s episode, we dive deep into how we can cultivate that curiosity in our second-grade classrooms. The Detroit Country Day Second Grade teaching team share experiences and strategies for creating an inclusive classroom culture where every child's thoughts and ideas are valued. We also hear directly from second graders about their learning experiences, which highlights how collaborative learning and peer support play a vital role in their educational journey. Join us as we explore how to transform traditional teaching methods into a vibrant, engaging experience that truly makes school matter for every student.

Takeaways:

• Teaching from an inquiry stance is essential; we must nurture it instead of stifling it.
• Creating an inclusive classroom culture fosters community among students and teachers.
• Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning leads to deeper engagement and understanding.
• Flexibility in teaching and classroom setup empowers students to express their own learning styles.
• Peer support among students enhances their ability to overcome challenges and learn collaboratively.
• Understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process helps build resilience in students.

We explore the powerful intersection of storytelling, identity, and community in this episode, featuring two Detroit Country Day School alumni from the class of 1974. Harry Davis, the director of the documentary "Fast Dreams," shares insights from his 17-year journey chronicling Olympic gold medalist Bianca Knight's life, emphasizing themes of perseverance and the importance of representation in sports. Meanwhile, Bill Snyder discusses his co-authorship of "Cultivating Communities of Practice," a pivotal work on collaborative learning and community engagement. Together, they encourage us to reflect on how narratives can shape our understanding of ourselves and others, highlighting the role of education in fostering resilience and connection. As we dive into their stories, we also consider how Detroit Country Day School can continue to evolve as a community that values service, character, and inclusion.

The podcast dives deep into the educational philosophies of Detroit Country Day School (DCDS), emphasizing a holistic approach that balances academic rigor with athletics and the arts. We explore the importance of creating a sound mind and body, where students are encouraged to engage in multiple sports while receiving quality education from dedicated professors. The discussion highlights the school's unique structure, which fosters freedom within a supportive framework, allowing students to thrive. The episode features insights from notable alumni, Harry Davis and Bill Snyder, who reflect on how their experiences at DCDS shaped their character and career paths, particularly in relation to community building and storytelling. Through their narratives, we understand how DCDS not only nurtures individual talents but also emphasizes the importance of collective effort and resilience, echoing the school's mission to uplift both individuals and communities through education.

The dialogue particularly focuses on the documentary 'Fast Dreams,' directed by Harry Davis, which chronicles the life of Olympic gold medalist Bianca Knight. The film explores themes of perseverance and identity, resonating deeply with the students who have viewed it. This leads to a broader conversation about how education can utilize storytelling as a powerful tool to connect students with their own experiences. Bill Snyder's work on communities of practice is also discussed, emphasizing the significance of learning collaboratively and the role of social contexts in enhancing educational outcomes. By reflecting on these themes, the episode encourages listeners to consider how they can contribute to their communities and the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in educational settings.

Listeners are invited to reflect on their own educational journeys, considering how the lessons learned at DCDS can be applied to current challenges. The conversation ultimately highlights the necessity of building trust and vulnerability within educational communities, illustrating how these elements can lead to more meaningful learning experiences. As the episode wraps up, it serves as a call to action for educators and students alike to embrace the complexities of learning, acknowledging that growth often stems from challenges and shared narratives.