Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, host Kim Dully interviews author Christine Devane about her children's book, Elephant Beach. Christine shares her journey from being a shy child to becoming a teacher and author, emphasizing the importance of understanding different personality types, particularly introverts and extroverts. The conversation explores the writing process, the significance of community support, and the challenges of navigating grief through literature. Christine also discusses her future projects and the impact of storytelling on children, encouraging patience and acceptance for shy kids.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Elephant Beach
• 02:00 The Inspiration Behind the Story
• 04:51 Understanding Shyness and Personality Types
• 07:20 Finding Your Voice and Overcoming Shyness
• 09:33 The Importance of Feedback in Writing
• 12:50 The Process of Writing a Children's Book
• 15:40 The Journey to Publication
• 18:07 Connecting with Young Readers
• 22:27 Engaging with Children in Classrooms
• 23:52 Future Writing Projects
• 25:55 Books on Grief and Loss
• 28:46 Navigating Grief in Children
• 31:28 Understanding Shyness in Children
• 38:14 Encouraging Individuality in Kids

Episode Highlights:

• Christine Devane wrote Elephant Beach to address the experiences of shy children.
• The book features a shy girl who learns to embrace friendship with elephants.
• Storytelling can help children understand their emotions and personalities.
• Community support is crucial for writers, especially in children's literature.
• Writing a children's book involves careful consideration of language and structure.
• Perseverance is key in the journey of publishing a book.
• Engaging children through interactive storytelling enhances their learning experience.
• Literature can be a tool for discussing difficult topics like grief.
• It's important for parents to accept their children's personalities without pressure.
• Children can learn to navigate social situations at their own pace.

Learn more about Christine Devane:

• Purchase Elephant Beach on Amazon
• Purchase Lola and Sophie’s ABC Adventure on Amazon
• Follow Christine on Instagram

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Allison McKee, the owner of WonderEd, a micro school that emphasizes project-based learning. They discuss the innovative approaches to education that WonderEd employs, including community engagement, student choice in curriculum, and the importance of parental involvement. Allison shares her journey from traditional public schooling to founding her own micro school, highlighting the challenges and rewards of this transition. The conversation also touches on the significance of hope in education and the impact of creating a supportive learning environment for students.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to WonderEd and Micro Schools
• 02:46 Project-Based Learning in Action
• 05:48 Curriculum Flexibility and Student Choice
• 08:31 Community Engagement and Parental Involvement
• 11:21 Navigating the Education Landscape
• 14:06 Allison's Journey and Advice for Educators
• 16:53 The Importance of Hope in Education

Episode Highlights:

• WonderEd is a private-based micro school focused on project-based learning.
• Students engage in real-world work experiences through community partnerships.
• Curriculum flexibility allows students to choose what they want to learn.
• Parental involvement is crucial for the success of the micro school.
• Allison emphasizes the importance of exploring what students don't like.
• The school aims to prepare students for real-life challenges and responsibilities.
• Allison's journey reflects resilience and adaptability in the education field.
• Hope is a central theme in education, helping students rise from challenges.
• Rolling enrollment allows for flexibility in student admissions.
• Creating a supportive community is essential for student success.

Learn more about Mountaineer Academy of Excellence:

• Fran to help you with enrollment 727-645-1409
• Allison McKee to talk to about the school 240-406-9098
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ALJaEqnXi/
• Website: https://wonderedk12.com/index

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Cindra McCoy, the founder of Guide Dots, an innovative art education program designed to empower children through creativity. Cindra shares her journey from art educator to entrepreneur, discussing the importance of fostering artistic confidence in children, especially those who are neurodiverse. The conversation explores the decline of artistic expression in children, the significance of choice in learning, and the balance between structure and freedom in art education. Cindra emphasizes the need for resilience and problem-solving skills in young artists, advocating for a multi-passionate approach to learning that encourages children to embrace their creativity without limitations. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of asking for help and the role of creativity in fostering hope and empowerment in education.

Episode Highlights:

• Cindra McCoy founded Guide Dots to empower children through art.
• Art education can significantly impact neurodiverse children.
• Children often lose their love for art as they grow older.
• Creativity is essential for problem-solving skills.
• Art should be valued as much as core subjects in education.
• Guide Dots provides a structured yet flexible approach to art education.
• Encouragement is crucial for building children's artistic confidence.
• Children can be multi-passionate and excel in various areas.
• Asking for help is a vital skill for both children and adults.
• Art fosters resilience and self-expression in children.

Learn more about Guide Dots:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidedotart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guidedots/
• Website: https://guidedots.com/

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.