K-8 Collaborative Podcast

On this episode, Jordan Grumet and Carly Andrews are joined by JD Pirtle of Depth and Light and Jim Leesch, middle school teacher at Baker Demonstration School. Both are teaching in the Design Engineering program in Baker’s 2020 Virtual Summer Camp. We discuss principles of Design Thinking, Engineering, the Maker movement, and Game Design and the ways this work supports students’ growth in creative and critical thinking.

On this episode, Jordan Grumet and Carly Andrews are joined by Kirk Greer, Baker parent and head of the upper school at The Latin School of Chicago, Laura Cinat, Chair of the Baker Parent Organization, and Rachel Yantis, Director of Advancement and Parent Engagement at Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette, Illinois, in a conversation about parenting in the pandemic. Their discussion explores the stressors of the pandemic, the challenges of working from home with the children, and the unique ways Baker parents are staying healthy and supporting their children through this time.

On this episode, Jordan Grumet and Carly Andrews are joined by Aimee Frank, middle school Math teacher, Melissa Makagon, first grade teacher, and Kerah Sandler, 5th grade teacher at Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette, Illinois, in a conversation about Project-Based Learning (PBL). Their discussion explores the nature of PBL, why it matters, and the unique ways Baker teachers are developing student projects.

On this episode, Jordan Grumet and Carly Andrews are joined by Andrew Marikis, Drama teacher, Rachael Chase, middle school Physical Education teacher, and Sarah Mohr, 5th grade Math and Science teacher at Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette, Illinois, in a conversation about progressive teaching and learning in a virtual environment. Their discussion includes ways they are adapting their experiential, hands-on curriculum to a virtual environment, adaptive technology supporting this process, and ways we are reimagining schooling at this time.

On this episode, Jordan Grumet and Carly Andrews are joined by Stephanie Osler, LCSW and director of the Mental Health service line at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia, and  Cynthia Suarez Eudy, LCSW at Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette, Illinois, in a conversation about supporting children during the coronavirus pandemic. Their discussion includes ways children experience trauma, how families can support a child’s resilience, and ways that our communities can support our youngest members amidst this new reality.  (credit: Washington Post)

On this episode, Jordan Grumet and Carly Andrews discuss the coronavirus. Their discussion includes ways parents can support children during this unprecedented time, how families can best handle the stresses of this transition in their lives and work, and ultimately how a child’s growth can continue amidst this new reality.

On this episode, Jordan Grumet and Carly Andrews discuss progressive schools. Their discussion includes a basic overview of the history of the progressive education movement in the United States, the practices of a progressive school, and ultimately how this tradition prepares children to be life-long learners. 

On this episode, Jordan Grumet and Carly Andrews discuss why independent schools matter. Their discussion includes a basic overview of what an independent school is, how it works, and what it ultimately means for children to be part of a school that is guided by mission.