The Parent’s Guide to Public School

Little Bookworms: How bedtimes stories help your child become a successful reader.

Join host Miriam Brown as she delves into the significant role bedtime stories play in developing children's reading and language skills. 
In this episode, discover how simple activities like reading aloud, counting words, and discussing story elements can enhance your child's reading comprehension and fluency.
for transcripts visit my website publicschoolsuccess.com
 
Citations
Soto, C., Gutierrez de Blume, A. P., Rebolledo, V., Rodríguez, F., Palma, D., & Gutiérrez, F. (2022). Metacognitive monitoring skills of reading comprehension and writing between proficient and poor readers. Metacognition and Learning, 18(1), 113–134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11409-022-09317-8 
Stone, J., & Smollin, M. (2004). The monster at the end of this book. 1st Big Little Golden Book ed. New York, Golden Books.
 

Pinching Pennies: Teaching Kids to Count to 100

Miriam Brown shares how teaching her kids to handle money not only improved their financial responsibility but also helped them master the crucial kindergarten skill of counting to 100. Through real-life examples, she explains how counting money can help kids grasp the base 10 system and the concept of cardinality.
Tune in to understand how these hands-on activities not only prepare your child for kindergarten but also foster a deeper connection between numbers and real-world applications.
If you find this episode helpful, please share it with other parents and leave a review on your podcast player to help more families succeed in public school. Visit the website at publicschoolsuccess.com for transcripts and past episodes.

My Three Wishes: If I could change Standards, Standardized Testing, and Standardized Curriculum

In this episode, host Miriam Brown, a seasoned teacher with a background in psychology and curriculum instruction, delves into the intricacies of educational standards, standardized testing, and pre-made curriculum. Miriam clarifies the often-confused terms and explains their impact on students and teachers alike.
She discusses the Common Core standards, the rationale behind standardized tests, and the challenges posed by pre-made lesson plans. Miriam also shares her thoughts on the unrealistic goals set by current educational standards and offers practical advice for parents to help their children succeed in public school.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or just interested in the education system, this episode provides valuable insights on the complexities of public schooling.

How to Raise Great Listeners

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and strategies of teaching children to listen and follow directions. Evelynn Brown shares a humorous anecdote about her mom's unique way of encouraging tidiness, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on why kids have such a hard time listening.
We explore practical tips for parents to help their kids develop the ability to follow instructions, starting with simple chores at a young age. Special guest Erin Coppin provides insights Learn how routines and single-step directions can make a big difference, especially for children with auditory processing issues or ADHD.
Simple games like Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light that can also enhance your child's listening and impulse control.
Join us as we uncover the keys to helping your child become a better listener, setting them up for success at home, school, and beyond.

Advantages of ADHD: Helping Your Child Shine

In this episode, Miriam Brown and Erin Coppin, a mother of two children with ADHD,  explore how ADHD can be a superpower rather than a disability. Through personal stories and practical advice, they discuss creative ways to help children with ADHD thrive.
Discover how Erin's children turned their ADHD into a blessing, leveraging their unique strengths in creative projects and forming meaningful friendships. Learn actionable tips on finding the right teachers and extracurricular activities to support your child's interests and emotional well-being. This episode is a must-listen for parents and educators aiming to unlock the full potential of children with ADHD.

ADHD Allies: Communicating with Teachers for Classroom Success

In this episode, host Miriam Brown, a seasoned public school teacher with a background in psychology and curriculum, teams up with Erin Coppin to discuss effective strategies for creating a supportive classroom environment for children with ADHD. Learn how to navigate 504 plans, advocate for your child's needs, and foster strong, empathetic relationships with teachers.
Erin shares her experiences as a parent, highlighting the importance of communication, empathy, and collaboration with educators. Miriam offers insights from the teacher's perspective, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of accommodating students with ADHD. Together, they provide practical advice for parents and teachers alike, aiming to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive in school.

Inside the Homework Battle: ADHD Part 3

In this episode, host Miriam Brown and PA Erin Coppin delve into the complexities of helping children with ADHD tackle their homework. They discuss strategies and routines that can make a significant difference. From setting up consistent homework times to knowing when to be flexible, this discussion offers valuable insights for parents struggling to balance academic responsibilities with their child's unique needs.
Listeners will learn about the importance of organization, managing emotional outbursts, and the delicate balance between academic work and extracurricular activities. This episode also emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children's confidence and helping them develop successful study habits over the years.
If you find these tips helpful, don't forget to share this episode with others who might benefit. Stay tuned for the next episode, which will focus on collaborating with teachers to enhance your child's educational experience.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate? That is the Question: ADHD Part 2

In this episode, host Miriam Brown and PA Erin Coppin dive deep into the complexities of medication for treating ADHD in children. They explore the pros and cons of medication, discussing its impact on academic performance, social behavior, and self-esteem.
Erin shares her personal journey as a mom balancing her medical knowledge with her parental instincts, and the challenges her children faced with ADHD medication. The episode also covers alternative treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and occupational therapy, weighing their effectiveness compared to stimulant medication.
Whether you're a parent grappling with treatment decisions or an educator seeking insights, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on helping children with ADHD thrive.

The ADHD Brain: Diagnosis and Overdiagnosis

Host Miriam Carey Brown interviews, Erin Coppin, a medical practitioner and mother of children with ADHD. Erin discusses her journey from initial suspicions to formal diagnosis, highlighting the challenges and revelations along the way. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinct differences in behavior and brain function between children with ADHD and their neurotypical peers.
Miriam and Erin also touch on the importance of early intervention, to help children with ADHD succeed. This episode is part of a series aimed at shedding light on ADHD, breaking down misconceptions, and offering practical advice for parents.

Boredom Busters Part 2: Responding to boredom without screens.

In the 2nd half of this episode I discuss what to say when your child complains of boredom. Evelynn, Stella, Zaide and Yogi talk about what kids can do to entertain yourself when you don't have any screen time. I also talk about how to help a child who is misbehaving in school or refusing to attend because of boredom.