Shows
Falling for Learning PodcastIntegrating AI into the Writing Process | ReplaySend us a textTD Flenaugh discusses integrating AI into the writing process, using tools like otter.ai and chat GPT. Chat GPT assisted in categorizing expenses for taxes and creating a book cover. Flenaugh emphasizes responsible AI use, particularly in education, through a collaborative project with the California Writing Project. Students use AI to enhance their writing, but Flenaugh stresses the importance of maintaining personal intelligence over AI-generated content. The approach involves using AI for revision and feedback, while ensuring students understand the value of their own creativity and critical thinking skills. Flenaugh also promotes the "...
2026-02-0822 minFalling for Learning PodcastCritical Media Literacy (Part 2) | ep. 128Send us a textEpisode 128 – Critical Media Literacy (Part 2)Welcome to the Falling for Learning Podcast! In this episode, host TD Flenaugh is joined by resource specialist teacher Christina Johnson.The special segment contributor, Tiffany Curry, discusses the importance of critical media literacy and ways to empower children as thoughtful, creative, and critical consumers of media.AI Toolshttps://www.magicschool.ai/AI tool for creating lessons; specific website/platform unclear—search for "Magic School AI" for related resources)Sora - https://sora.chatgpt.com - AI tool for gener...
2026-01-1831 minFalling for Learning PodcastMake Every Morning Awesome | ReplaySend us a textTD Flenaugh and guest Lauren Moseley discuss strategies for a strong start to the day, emphasizing the importance of setting a positive tone for learning. Moseley, a national board-certified teacher, shares her "Strong Start" program, which includes morning greetings, goal-setting, purposeful partnering, community-building activities, breathwork, and sending love. She highlights the impact of parental behavior on children's moods and the importance of physical activity and outdoor time. Mosley also reflects on her journey from criminal justice to teaching, influenced by the need to inspire and support students. The conversation underscores the role of...
2026-01-0438 minFalling for Learning PodcastEpisode Replay - Fun Family Activities | ep. 75Send us a textIn this episode replay, we're sharing fun activities we can build into our holidays to strengthen family bonds and teach children about culture. We'll explore various family time ideas and fun family activities to create quality time together. Our goal is to help you in building strong family relationships through engaging and memorable experiences.Flenaugh promotes her books, "The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method" and "The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method Workbook," to help children improve their writing skills.Support the show
2025-12-2729 minFalling for Learning PodcastReflect, Refuel, & Rise | ep. 126Send us a textIn this final episode of the Falling for Learning podcast for 2025, TD Flenaugh reflects on personal milestones, including her birthday and the completion of her book. She emphasizes the importance of modeling life transitions for children, finishing strong in endeavors, and honoring the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed. The episode concludes with a call to celebrate achievements and a look ahead to future podcast collaborations and content.Support the showWe drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram...
2025-12-2121 minFalling for Learning PodcastTeaching Your Child Stamina & Perseverance | ep. 125Send us a textIn this episode of the "Falling for Learning" podcast, host TD Flenaugh delves into the themes of perseverance and stamina, drawing from personal experiences while writing the book "Little Mobile Home on the Tundra." TD shares insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and the value of persistence in achieving long-term goals. The episode offers practical advice for parents and educators on how to support children in building resilience and staying committed to their pursuits, even when faced with setbacks and boredom.Pre-order...
2025-12-1426 minFalling for Learning PodcastCelebrating Wins: Reflecting on the Journey | ep. 124Send us a textIn this episode of the Falling for Learning podcast, TD Flenaugh reflects on personal growth, resilience, and the importance of celebrating wins. She shares her journey of renewing her national board certification, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Flenaugh emphasizes the significance of modeling resilience for children, celebrating achievements, and understanding that setbacks are part of the growth process. She also discusses her upcoming novel, which explores themes of generational healing and the importance of personal work in overcoming challenges.Support the showWe drop...
2025-12-0724 minFalling for Learning PodcastEpisode Replay: Easy Tips to Help Your Child Read BetterSend us a textTD Flenaugh discusses the importance of decodable passages and repeated readings to build reading fluency in children. Decodable passages contain spelling patterns children have learned, such as "cr" and "fr." Flenaugh emphasizes the need for multiple reads to help children recognize and sound out words. She suggests marking up the text with different colors or symbols to highlight patterns. Flenaugh also mentions the importance of reading like speaking and modeling expression. Additionally, she plans to explore the health risks of synthetic hair and its impact on children, highlighting the broader goal of education...
2025-11-2924 minFalling for Learning PodcastSilent & Solo: Helping Kids to Learn Independently | ep. 123Send us a textIn this episode of the Falling for Learning podcast, TD Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley discuss the upcoming Thanksgiving break and the various school events leading up to it. They explore classroom dynamics, student engagement, and the importance of communication skills in education. The conversation also touches on instructional strategies, the balance between independence and support in learning, and the implications of technology in education. Throughout the discussion, they reflect on the growth of their students and the significance of fostering critical thinking and conversation skills.Support the showWe...
2025-11-2331 minFalling for Learning PodcastEpisode replay: Restorative JusticeSend us a textTD Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley discuss the importance of service learning and restorative justice in education. They highlight "Quilters," a Netflix documentary about inmates in a Missouri prison who learn to quilt and create weighted vests for foster children and those with autism, emphasizing the transformative power of giving back. They relate this to service learning projects in schools, where students engage in community service, often required before graduation. The conversation also explores the importance of natural consequences and restorative justice, emphasizing that students should understand the impact of their actions and learn...
2025-11-1634 minFalling for Learning PodcastNurturing Future Stars | ep. 122Send us a textIs your child the next big thing? Parents and educators can use these simple strategies to help children reach their full potential! TD Flenaugh and guest Albert Bramante discuss strategies for nurturing children's talents and overcoming self-doubt. Albert, a talent agent and performance coach, emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity and involvement in various activities. He shares his journey from aspiring clinical psychologist to talent agent, highlighting the impact of 9/11 on his career path. Albert's book, "Rise Above the Script," addresses self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-sabotage, offering practical tips like deep breathing and reframing...
2025-11-0926 minFalling for Learning PodcastWe Answer Parent Questions | ep. 121Send us a textTD Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley discuss strategies for parents to support their children's learning. They emphasize the importance of discussing academic progress, not just behavior, during parent-teacher conferences. They advise parents to create a print-rich environment at home and to communicate their children's interests to teachers. They highlight the need for balance between school and home learning, suggesting that parents allow children to read what they enjoy while also encouraging grade-level texts. They also address practical issues like teaching children to tie their shoes and managing minor health issues in the classroom, stressing...
2025-11-0247 minFalling for Learning PodcastEpisode Replay| Whippings Are Making Things WorseSend us a textIn this compelling episode of the Falling for Learning Podcast, our insightful host T.D. Flenaugh engages in a transformative conversation with Latoya Nichole Stewart, a conscious parent coach and author of Putting Down the Belt. Together, they delve into the profound shift from corporal punishment to thoughtful parenting centered on love and consequences.Latoya Nichole shares her journey of moving away from the discipline methods she experienced as a child and transitioning into a more conscious, loving approach. She introduces her book, Putting Down...
2025-10-2632 minFalling for Learning PodcastEpisode Replay | Insight from a School SuperintendentSend us a textTD Flenaugh revisits an interview with Mark Bielang, a superintendent from Portage Public Schools in Michigan, discussing his journey from trades to education and his commitment to career and technical education (CTE). Bielang emphasizes the importance of CTE, noting a $100 million donation for a new CTE center. He highlights the need for a supportive culture in schools. Bielang advises parents to understand their children's learning styles and encourages them to support diverse educational opportunities, including extracurricular activities that build confidence and skills.Support the showWe drop new episodes...
2025-10-1927 minFalling for Learning PodcastHands-on Reading Activities to Help Struggling Readers | ep. 119Send us a textLauren Moseley discusses her experience fostering dogs through Three Little Pitties, a Texas-based rescue. Visit https://www.threelittlepittiesrescue.org to learn more. Moseley shares the process of finding homes for them. She shares her personal journey of fostering a pregnant dog named Anise and the challenges and rewards of fostering. T.D. and Lauren discuss Ms. Moseley's transition from self-contained to departmentalized teaching, focusing on language arts and social studies. They both emphasize the importance of systematic reading programs and the use of various teaching tools and strategies to help struggling r...
2025-10-0541 minFalling for Learning PodcastCreative Math Fun that Activates Achievement | ep 116Send us a textReach out to Dave Cole on his website - https://davecolebooks.com/T.D. Flenaugh interviewed Dave Cole, a math enthusiast since third grade, who shared his journey from loving math puzzles to a career in engineering and computer science. He emphasized the importance of making math fun and engaging for children. Cole discussed his summer math camp for elementary school kids. He also highlighted the series of math-themed mystery books that he authored for kids. Cole advised parents to incorporate math into...
2025-09-1438 minFalling for Learning PodcastAI: Preparing Kids for the Future - Part 1| Ep. 114Send us a textTD Flenaugh and Tarquinn Curry discuss the impact of AI on education and career preparation. Curry, an educator and parent, emphasizes the importance of teaching students to use AI responsibly and effectively. He shares his journey from teaching biology to robotics and film production, highlighting the practical benefits of hands-on learning. Curry introduces AI tools like ChatGPT and prompts, stressing the need for students to develop critical thinking and creativity. He also mentions his role in promoting AI in schools and his recognition as an AI innovator. The conversation underscores the necessity of...
2025-08-3131 minFalling for Learning PodcastThe Dyslexic Professor: Teaching Kids to Overcome Reading Difficulties | Ep. 111Send us a textJoin us on the Falling for Learning podcast as TD Flenaugh and Russell Van Brocklen, the dyslexic professor, delve into effective strategies for supporting students with dyslexia. Russell shares his innovative approach, emphasizing the importance of leveraging students' special interests and teaching from the specific to the general. Learn how word analysis followed by articulation can transform learning experiences and empower students to overcome challenges. This episode is packed with practical insights for educators and parents aiming to foster success in dyslexic learners.Reach out to Russell Van Brocklen Website...
2025-08-1040 minFalling for Learning PodcastThey Can Do It - Even with Special Needs | Ep. 110Send us a textTD Flenaugh and Michelle Steiner discuss overcoming learning disabilities. Michelle shares her struggles with math and social acceptance, having been diagnosed with a learning disability in kindergarten. Despite setbacks, she found support in a writing group and advocated for herself, achieving a bachelor's degree. Michelle emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, accommodations, and self-advocacy. She highlights her blog, Michelle's Mission, and upcoming projects. Michelle advises parents to encourage self-advocacy and support their children in finding activities that spark joy. TD Flenaugh underscores the need for parents to help their children access necessary accommodations...
2025-08-0331 minFalling for Learning PodcastHow Can We Help Kids With Special Needs Succeed? | ep. 109Send us a textJoin Myneedsnetwork.orgCheck out the research that fueled this project in the Journal of Participatory Research Methods:Fafard, M., Lukens-Bull, K., Pinard, M., & Bautista, M. (2025). My Needs Network: How a Community-Based Participatory Research Process Morphed Into a Sustainable Community-Driven Networking Platform. Journal of Participatory Research Methods, 6(2), 1–27TD Flenaugh interviews Mark Fafard about the challenges of supporting children with special needs and disabilities, emphasizing the importance of connecting them with necessary resources. Mark Fafard introduces the My Needs Network, a nationwide tool designed to help...
2025-07-2725 minFalling for Learning PodcastSolutions for Children with Trauma Response | ep. 108Send us a textWork with Core Methods! Go to https://www.thebehaviorbootcamp.com for more information about Behavior Boot Camp or Dr. Bilodeau's book Ease the Pain in the Classroom T.D. Flenaugh and Dr. Bethany Bilodeau discuss strategies for addressing trauma and violent behavior in children. Dr. Bilodeau, an expert in behavioral support, emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of these behaviors, which often stem from feelings of unsafe and dysregulation. She highlights the effectiveness of her program, Core Methods, which provides customized support to schools and families, often...
2025-07-2037 minFalling for Learning PodcastFun Math Tips Every Parent Should Try! | ep. 107Send us a textTD Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley discuss strategies for making math enjoyable and ensuring children are on track for success. They emphasize the importance of fostering a positive math mindset, suggesting various activities like counting collections and using real-life examples to teach math concepts. They highlight the shift from rote learning to understanding math processes and the role of parents in supporting their children's math education. They also discuss the significance of real-world applications, such as understanding percentages and fractions, to enhance children's math skills.Support the showWe drop...
2025-07-1334 minFalling for Learning PodcastRestorative Justice: Speaking Affirmation into Troubled Students' Lives | ep. 106Send us a textTD Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley discuss the importance of service learning and restorative justice in education. They highlight a Netflix documentary about inmates in a Missouri prison who learn to quilt and make weighted vests for children with autism, emphasizing the transformative power of giving back. They relate this to service learning projects in schools, where students engage in community service, often required before graduation. The conversation also explores the importance of natural consequences and restorative justice, emphasizing that students should understand the impact of their actions and learn to repair harm. They...
2025-07-0634 minFalling for Learning PodcastSmall Progress, Big Dreams: Celebrating Your Learning Journey | ep 105Send us a textTD Flenaugh celebrates the premiere of Season 3 of Falling for Learning Podcast, reflecting on her journey as a solo podcaster and the importance of consistency over perfectionism. Despite a busy schedule, she emphasizes the need for rest and self-care. TD announces the addition of a third guest and a seasoned educator, Lauren Moseley, to enrich discussions. She also shares personal updates, including her daughter moving out, which allowed her to create a dedicated studio space. TD encourages listeners to celebrate incremental progress and to prioritize their well-being, promising exciting new resources and guest...
2025-06-2921 minFalling for Learning PodcastBooks that Raised Me | ep103Send us a textTD Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley discuss the importance of fostering a love of reading in children. They share personal anecdotes about their favorite childhood books, such as "Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss and "I Can Read" books. They emphasize the value of making reading fun and relatable, suggesting libraries and bookstores as affordable resources. TD recalls the impact of Judy Blume's books on her understanding of personal growth, while Lauren highlights the joy of poetry and the creative process. They also discuss the benefits of integrating reading with creative activities, like...
2025-06-1541 minFalling for Learning PodcastTop 5 Skills for Learning Beyond the Classroom | Ep 102Send us a textTD Flenaugh discusses five skills to help children avoid summer learning burnout while gaining a competitive advantage. First, she emphasizes teaching children to tie their shoes, using scaffolding techniques. Second, she suggests baking or cooking to develop life skills like measurement and sequencing. Third, she advises on organizing, starting with small tasks like packing a lunch box. Fourth, she recommends building concentration through non-digital activities like jigsaw puzzles and chess. Lastly, she highlights the importance of caring for living things, such as pets or plants, to foster responsibility and natural consequences. These skills...
2025-06-0832 minFalling for Learning PodcastHow To Make Your Mornings Awesome Every Day! | Ep. 100Send us a textTD Flenaugh and guest Lauren Moseley discuss strategies for a strong start to the day, emphasizing the importance of a welcoming and productive morning routine. Moseley, a national board-certified teacher, shares the "Strong Start" program, which includes morning greetings, goal setting, purposeful partnering, community-building activities, breath work, and sending love affirmations. She highlights the impact of positive morning routines on student engagement and emotional well-being. Moseley also reflects on her journey from criminal justice to teaching, influenced by the need to inspire and support children. She advises parents to be mindful of their...
2025-05-2538 minFalling for Learning PodcastPerfectionism - How to Get out of the Loop | Ep 99Send us a textTD Flenaugh discusses perfectionism, sharing personal experiences and strategies for parents to help their children. Perfectionism can lead to stress, burnout, and unrealistic standards. Flenaugh emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, providing clear guidelines, and encouraging progress over perfection. She suggests using checklists, setting deadlines, and delegating tasks to help children manage their workload. Flenaugh also highlights the need for self-compassion and recognizing that mistakes are part of the learning process. She advises parents to support their children in balancing their work ethic with a good quality of life.Support the...
2025-05-1826 minFalling for Learning PodcastTeacher Appreciation: Teachers Who Shaped My Future | Ep. 98Send us a textT.D. Flenaugh celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week by highlighting four influential teachers who shaped her life. She praises Mr. Beu for instilling potential and honesty, Ms. Nelson for treating students as scholars and preparing her for college, Ms. Coerr for fostering a love for nature and journaling, and Ms. Byler for her meticulous editing of scholarship essays and introducing her to Zora Neale Hurston. Flenaugh emphasizes the importance of teachers in preparing students for life and encourages parents to support their children's education. Support the showWe drop new e...
2025-05-1132 minFalling for Learning PodcastEasy Ways to Boost Your Child's Concentration | Episode 97Send us a textTD Flenaugh discusses the importance of stamina for children's academic success, particularly during end-of-year testing. She emphasizes the need for children to develop the ability to focus for extended periods, suggesting incremental practice starting from early grades. Flenaugh recommends daily reading sessions, think-aloud activities, and tracking progress with charts. For middle schoolers, she advises book talks and timed reading sprints. High school students should engage in practice tests and structured study sessions. She also highlights the significance of perseverance and the use of brain breaks and note-taking systems to enhance concentration and learning...
2025-05-0429 min