Podcasts about middle school matters

If you are a regular listener to The Peaceful Parenting Podcast you know that at the end of every Guest Expert interview, I ask them if they could go back in time and give advice to their younger parent self, what advice would they give themselves? There are so many gems of wisdom that come from that question that I thought it would be fun to end 2024 with a mashup of all of the advice from our guests of 2024. We talk about: 3:00 Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Casey Ehrlich 4:13 Understanding and Loving Spicy Kids with Mary Van Geffen 5:23 Find Your Unicorn Space with Eve Rodsky 5:54 From Strict Disciplinarian to Peaceful Parenting Dad and Coach with Kyle Wester 8:32 Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids with Stephanie Pinto 13:17 When Your Child is Different with Sonali Vongchusiri 15:21 Neurodivergent Insights with Dr. Megan Anna Neff 17:31 Parenting Middle Schoolers with Phyllis Fagell 21:00 Conscious Parenting with Destini Davis 22:01 Ruth Whippman Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys- BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood 24:05 ADHD and Feeding/Eating Challenges with Dr. Roberto Olivardia 24:42 How to Help Kids Manage Stress and Difficulty with Ned Johnson 30:08 Greg Santucci on Sensory Processing 33:10 Kristen Day Play Based Learning: Or Why You Don't Need to Get Your Child Ready For Kindergarten 36:33 Why Is Parenting So Hard with Yolanda Williams 38:28 Sexism and Sensibility: Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls in the Modern World with Jo Ann Finkelstein 40:19 School Avoidance and Anxiety with Lynn Lyons 44:32 Strong-Willed Kids with Vivek Patel 46:32 Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues with Luciana Rosu-Sieza and Alexis Sauls Ramos 48:51 How to Help Our Little Ones Sleep with Kim Hawley 52:49 When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic with Jennifer Wallace   Download the episode transcript HERE    Resources mentioned in this episode: Casey Ehrlich https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/episode139/  Mary Van Geffen https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/episode138/  Eve Rodsky https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/episode30/ and Eve's book Find Your Unicorn Space Kyle Wester https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/episode141/  Stephanie Pinto https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/episode-144-raising-emotionally-intelligent-kids/ and Stephanie's Book- From Chaos to Connection  Sonali Vongchusiri https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/episode-146-when-your-child-is-different-with-sonali-vongchusiri/  Dr. Megan Anna Neff https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/neurodivergent-insights-with-dr-megan-anna-neff-episode-147/ and Dr. Neff's book Dr. Megan Anna Neff's book Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask!  Phyllis Fagell https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/parenting-middle-schoolers-with-phyllis-fagell-episode-151/ and Phyllis' books Middle School Matters and Middle School Superpowers Destini Davis https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/conscious-parenting-with-destini-ann-episode-153/ and Destini's book Very Intentional Parenting: Awakening the Empowered Parent Within   Ruth Whippman https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/raising-emotionally-healthy-boys-boymom-reimagining-boyhood-episode-155/ and Ruth's book BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity Ned Johnson https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/how-to-help-kids-manage-stress-and-difficulty-with-ned-johnson-episode-156/ and Ned's books What Do You Say with Ned Johnson and William Stixrud  and Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud (PhD) and Ned Johnson  Dr. Roberto Olivardia https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/adhd-and-feeding-eating-challenges-with-dr-roberto-olivardia-episode-149/  and Dr. Olivardia's book The Adonis Complex: How to Identify, Treat and Prevent Body Obsession in Men and Boys by Dr. Roberto Olivardia Greg Santucci https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/greg-santucci-on-sensory-processing-and-live-qa-with-my-membership-community-episode-157/  Kristen Day https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/play-based-learning-or-why-you-dont-need-to-get-your-child-ready-for-kindergarten-episode-159/  Yoland Williams https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/why-is-parenting-so-hard-with-yolanda-williams-episode-160/  Jo Ann Finkelstein https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/sexism-and-sensibility-raising-empowered-resilient-girls-in-the-modern-world-with-jo-ann-finkelstein-episode-164/  and Jo Ann's book Sexism & Sensibility Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls In The Modern World Lynn Lyons https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/school-avoidance-and-anxiety-with-lynn-lyons-episode-166/ and Lynn's book Anxious Kids Anxious Parents by Lynn Lyons Vivek Patel https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/strong-willed-kids-with-vivek-patel-and-qa-with-membership-episode-168/  Luciana Rosu-Sieza and Alexis Sauls Ramos https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/disordered-eating-and-body-image-issues-with-luciana-rosu-sieza-and-alexis-sauls-ramos-episode-170/  Kim Hawley https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/how-to-help-our-little-ones-sleep-with-kim-hawley-episode-172/  Jennifer Wallace https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/when-achievement-culture-becomes-toxic-with-jennifer-wallace-episode-173/ and Jennifer's book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic- and What We Can Do About It Connect with Sarah Rosensweet:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup YouTube: Peaceful Parenting with Sarah Rosensweet @peacefulparentingwithsarah4194  Website: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com   Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/newsletter  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php 

I learned today that I still have a lot of internal tendencies from middle school.

Andrew Ravin is the Founder and Head of School at Workshop Middle School. For nearly 25 years, he's worked as a social worker, classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school leader. Andrew is an award-winning educator, mentor, and researcher. Most recently, he was named one of the Top 100 Innovators in American Education. Andrew founded Workshop Middle School to be the change he believes in. A movement of small, innovative, and progressive schools that can change the world. What else does he believe in? His family. Hard work. Bicycles. Poetry. And honest conversations about things that matter. Denise Daniels is Co-Founder and Director of Learning at Workshop Middle School. She has more than 22 years of experience in education as a teacher, staff developer, curriculum designer, instructional coach, and school leader. She received a BA from The City College of New York and a Masters of Science in Teaching from Fordham University. Denise is an award-winning educator, speaker, and international trainer that is continuously inspired by the wonder of learning. Denise is an avid reader, an aspiring martial artist and a huge game night fan. Join us for this insightful conversation about the history of middle school, why middle school matters, and what changes we can make to help students move from surviving to thriving during these crucial years. In this episode, we cover: Why only investing in early childhood education is building a bridge to nowhere Shifting from surviving to thriving in the middle school years The history of middle schools and what doesn't work Creating diverse classrooms Education being more than what exists right now Making small changes to support adolescent learning needsHelping parents understand the benefits of alternative learning options Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Visit Workshop Middle School to learn more about the work they are doingGet your copy of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination MeetLearn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project libraryVisit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here Follow Rebel Educator on FacebookEnjoying the show? Leave us a review and help more people find us! https://bit.ly/ RebelEducatorApplePodcasts More about the Rebel Educator podcast: In each episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, I deconstruct world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents. Join me as we discuss how to shift the classroom, the learning environment, the mindset, and the pedagogy, to resist tradition, reignite wonder, and re-imagine the future of education. This podcast is dedicated to all of the educators who work thankless hours to make our next generation the best it can be. It was designed to begin conversations on how we can redesign education for the future of work and the success of our students. It is meant for teachers, students, administrators, homeschoolers and anyone who interacts with and teaches youth.Original Air Date: January 7th, 2022 We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year. 

In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, I talk with Phyllis Fagell, a licensed clinical counselor, school counselor, and author of two books. We discuss how to parent Middle Schoolers (9-15 year olds) and focus on staying curious and coaching them through challenges with friends.   We talk about: 3:55 Why middle school is parents' “Last best chance”  5:42 Some differences based on gender during Middle School 7:35 Fitting in vs. Belonging 10:00 Our role as parents when witnessing friend conflicts 15:10 Balancing accepting kids as they are and helping with social skills 20:00 How to lead with curiosity when our kids are unkind  25:11 Characteristics of bullying 28:22 What to do if your child is being bullied 36:00 FOPO (Fear of Other People's Opinions) 40:45 How to know if your child needs additional support 42:36 How did COVID affect middle schoolers   Download the episode transcript HERE    Resources mentioned in this episode: Middle School Matters https://amzn.to/4brcCbo  Middle School Superpowers https://amzn.to/3y8eeZp  The Congruence App (voice activated self coaching for teens)- Email service@congruence.app for a free month. Include the name “The Peaceful Parent Podcast” in the subject of the email https://phyllisfagell.com/ IG @pfagell   Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/newsletter Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php 

Puberty can be a very confusing and transformative time, full of physical and emotional changes that can be both exciting and challenging to navigate. As your children go through this phase, they may need your support and guidance more than ever. Joining us for a conversation all about all things puberty are Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett, the coauthors of national bestseller, This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained. If you are the parent of children who are approaching or already going through this time of rapid growth and development, Cara and Vanessa's science-based explanations, compassionate and realistic advice on talking to tweens about difficult topics from mood swings to pornography, along with in-depth knowledge on understanding teen culture are sure to validate and empower you in your parenting journey.  Listen and Learn:  In Cara and Vanessa's expert opinion, what are the biggest obstacles that parents face during puberty? How are the early emotional and physical changes of puberty different for boys and girls?  Why is modern-day puberty different than before?  The importance of self-forgiveness when you mess up as a parent during the stormy stages of puberty  How to approach the topic of pornography with your kids How much are parents affected by the social messaging around gender, and how can you bring that into your parenting? Why teens in puberty feel emotions differently than adults  Are empathy and showing a way forward your best moves when your kids are at the mercy of their hormones? Can hunger sometimes be a major culprit for pubescent mood swings? Resources: Order of Magnitude website This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained The Puberty Podcast Follow Cara and Vanessa on Tik Tok and YouTube @spillingthepubertea About Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett Cara Natterson, MD is a pediatrician and New York Times bestselling author; Vanessa Kroll Bennett is a puberty educator and writer. Together, they host The Puberty Podcast; run Order of Magnitude, the leading brand dedicated to flipping puberty positive; and are co-authors of the bestselling This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained (Rodale Books, Oct 2023). Cara and Vanessa can be found on Instagram and TikTok @spillingthepubertea. Perhaps their biggest cred, however, is that between them, they parent six teens. Related Episodes: 332. Middle School Superpowers with Phyllis Fagell 319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with Emily Edlynn 317. Growing Up in Public with Devorah Heitner 304. The Emotional Lives of Teenagers with Lisa Damour 272. Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell 240. Talking to Kids and Teens with Big Feelings with Adele LaFrance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Middle school can be such a stressful experience for kids, their parents, and educators alike. It's a time of change, pressure, and uncharted territory that can be extremely overwhelming. In this conversation, Emily Edlynn speaks with the author of Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times, Phyllis Fagell, who has crafted a science-backed and compassionate resource for parents and educators to support middle schoolers through the most challenging situations. You will learn why this particular age group has the capacity for remarkable growth and resilience and why adults should not be afraid of this stage of life—instead, concentrate on the strengths and skills that can be cultivated during it. We invite you to listen to this episode for actionable strategies and skills to help your tweens thrive and become more resilient in a world that can be chaotic and anxiety-inducing. From managing rejection, friendships, and self-regulating emotions to academic performance and recovering from setbacks, Phyllis' advice is invaluable.  Listen and Learn:  What Phyllis enjoys most about working with and writing about the middle-school age group Why Phyllis wrote a book to help parents better understand and support middle schoolers Tips to help provide a foundation of security for kids in these chaotic and scary times Common parenting concerns during middle school and how using different superpowers can help with such challenges  How being a middle school counselor, writing about middle school, and being a parent at the same time has been a gift and a liability for Phyllis Resources: Phyllis Fagell's website Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times About Phyllis Fagell  Phyllis Fagell is a practicing school counselor, a psychotherapist who works with children and teens in private practice, and an author and journalist. She is the author of "MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS, The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help," and her most recent book that we're discussing today: "MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPERPOWERS, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times." Phyllis is a frequent contributor to publications such as The Washington Post and CNN, and her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times, NPR, The Chicago Tribune, and The Atlantic. Phyllis has three children and lives in Bethesda, MD. Related Episodes: 272. Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell 324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace 319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with the AMAZING Emily Edlynn 202. The Addiction Inoculation with Jess Lahey 213. Back To School! How To Talk With Kids To Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance and A Happy Home with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson 293. Quit with Annie Duke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We explore the unique world of tweens, who are at a critical juncture in their lives, grappling with identity, independence, and transition. Our guest is Phyllis Fagell, an advocate for strengths-based support. She and Emily talk about tween superpowers, the challenges and discoveries of navigating middle school, and how to help neurodivergent tweens recognize and use their unique abilities for personal growth. It's all on episode 196. Don't forget to pick up your pod swag! Our t-shirts, mugs, tote bags and more make great gifts for the upcoming holidays, and it's a great way to help support our efforts. Check our merch page to see the full selection. Phyllis Fagell is a school counselor and therapist who works with children and teens. She's the author of “Middle School Matters” and her newest book, “Middle School Superpowers”. In addition, Phyllis is a journalist and frequent contributor to the Washington Post, and freelances for Psychology Today, CNN, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report, and Your Teen. Her ideas have been shared widely on a number of well-known news outlets as well. Phyllis lives in Bethesda, MD with her husband and three children. BACKGROUND READING Instagram X (formerly Twitter) Facebook LinkedIn

In This Episode, We Chat About: The transitions both into and out of middle school. A counselor's advice for middle schoolers and their parents. The importance of mental health and the signs to look out for.   Resources + Links: Get your copy of Middle School Superpowers by Phyllis Fagell on Amazon |  https://amzn.to/3RmnKQi   Learn more about our coaching services & upcoming events: https://www.girlsmentorship.com/ Connect with us on Instagram: Girls Mentorship | @girlsmentorship Jill Petersen | @jillphxsen Mary Frances | @msmaryfran   Join our Facebook Community | Girls Mentorship   Show Notes: Don't fear the middle school years! Joining us this week is the ultimate authority on all things related to middle school, Phyllis Fagell! Phyllis is a licensed clinical professional counselor, certified professional school counselor, and journalist who authored Middle School Matters and Middle School Superpowers. She's here to guide us through the middle school journey, sharing crucial advice on how we can support our kids as they navigate these pivotal educational years. Together, we'll break down the transitions both into and out of middle school, dive into the advice she offers to middle schoolers and parents, as well as touch on the importance of mental health and the signs of decline we should be aware of. By the end of this episode, you'll gain a new perspective on middle school and how you can effectively communicate with your kiddo through it all. Tune in and help your kid thrive through middle school and beyond! 00:00 Say hello to the queen of middle school, Phyllis Fagell, a professional counselor, journalist, and author! 03:00 What led you to counseling? 08:30 What are the difficulties when transitioning into middle school? 10:05 How can parents support their kids during this time? 13:00 Friendships in middle school. 15:25 How do you counsel kids feeling left out? 20:25 Why do we need to be aware of how we communicate? 24:15 Setting boundaries between friends. 26:05 What are the signs of declining mental health in middle schoolers? 29:10 How can we set positive communication examples as parents? 34:40 What happens beyond middle school? 37:35 How does social pressure affect mental wellbeing? 41:55 Why are these tools so important to raise the next generation?  

Students in high-achieving schools across America are facing increased rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm due to intense pressure to succeed. This leads educators, parents, and community leaders to grapple with a difficult question: how can we encourage excellence while avoiding overwhelming our children? In this episode, co-host Emily Edlynn interviews award-winning reporter Jennifer B. Wallace about her book, 'Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-And What We Can Do About It'. Jennifer draws importance to the framework of “mattering” as a healthy way to motivate success and shares key findings from her three-year investigation into the root of anxieties and fears parents have regarding their children's success in today's world. Additionally, she sheds light on the impact of economic scarcity and intensive parenting and offers practical strategies to combat a toxic achievement culture at home. This is a conversation not to be missed!  Listen and Learn:  Why The Varsity Blues scandal inspired Jennifer to write about toxic achievement culture  What is toxic achievement culture? What Jennifer learned from spending three years with families struggling with achievement culture while researching for her book and how it affected her on a personal level The risks that toxic achievement cultures pose for children and teenagers  How to buffer against achievement culture at home by using the Puppy Dog Principle to minimize criticism and prioritize affection The ways in which economic scarcity contributes to achievement pressures The impact and experience of achievement pressure on families of color versus white families How to lead with mattering in your parenting to give your kids healthy, sustaining motivation The consequences of sacrificing your own mattering for the sake of your children's needs How Jennifer sees intensive parenting contributing to toxic achievement culture and what we can do about it Understanding grind culture and how it intersects with what Jennifer calls an ‘increasingly narrow definition of success' What you can do to prioritize rest and moderation over productivity and achievement Resources:  Visit Jennifer's website Go check out The Mattering Movement  Order your copy of Jennifer's book 'Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-And What We Can Do About It' Follow Jennifer on Facebook and Instagram About Jennifer Wallace  Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestselling book Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It.  She is a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post and appears on national television to discuss her articles and relevant topics in the news.   After graduating from Harvard College, Wallace began her journalism career at CBS “60 Minutes,” where she was part of a team that won The Robert F. Kennedy Awards for Excellence in Journalism. She is a Journalism Fellow at The Center for Parent and Teen Communication at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Jennifer serves on the board of the Coalition for the Homeless in New York City, where she lives with her husband and their three children. Related Episodes 319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with the AMAZING Emily Edlynn 306. Screaming on the Inside: The Challenges of American Motherhood with Jessica Grose 275. Work, Parent, Thrive with Yael Schonbrun 272. Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell 146. Parental Burnout with Lisa Coyne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shellee and Phyllis discuss: - How to help your teens find who they are and what they're strengths are - The importance of allowing teens to explore different activities to find their strengths - Making sure your teens know they can talk to you and how to get the conversation started About Phyllis: Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC is a nationally board certified counselor at a school in Maryland, a psychotherapist who works with children and teens in private practice, and an author and journalist. She is the author of "MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS, The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help," and "MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPERPOWERS, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times." Phyllis is a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and freelances for publications such as Psychology Today, CNN, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report and Your Teen. Her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Edutopia, Mindshift, The Chicago Tribune, and NPR. She has three children and lives with her husband in Bethesda, Maryland. Connect with Phyllis: Website- Www. Phyllisfagell.com Instagram- @pfagell Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, we are joined by Phyllis Fagell. Phyllis is a licensed mental health therapist and a nationally board certified school counselor. She's currently a counselor at Landon School and a therapist in private practice at Chrysalis Group in Bethesda, Maryland. Phyllis is the author of the bestselling books "MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS, The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help," and the recently released "MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPERPOWERS, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times." Through her work, she brings us the 12 superpowers you want your kids to have and the vulnerability and work it takes to get there. This conversation is honest, humble, and hugely helpful for those of us parenting or about to parent this precious phase of life.   Find out more about Phyllis Fagell at her website, phyllisfagell.com

I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Pre-order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans https://draliza.com/pre-order/Middle school can be a time of immense change, growth, and challenges, both academically and emotionally. In this episode, we delve into the fraught world of middle schoolers and how parents can empower them for success with renowned author, school counselor, and parenting expert, Phyllis L. Fagell. Join us as we sit down with Phyllis to gain invaluable insights into navigating these formative years and setting our middle schoolers on an easier path.Phyllis Fagell brings her years of experience as a licensed clinical professional counselor and school counselor to the forefront, providing practical advice and strategies for parents, guardians, and anyone involved in the lives of middle school students. Drawing from her best-selling book, "Middle School Matters," Phyllis shares her deep understanding of the unique needs, concerns, and aspirations of middle schoolers.Subscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: draliza.substack.comFollow me on Instagram for more: @raisinggoodhumanspodcastSponsored bySkylight Cal: www.skylightcal.com code HUMANSBetterHelp: www.betterhelp.com/humansPillsbury: Me and my kids were thrilled about this sponsor- Find more weeknight dinner recipes at Pillsbury.comTrust and Will: Gain peace of mind today with Trust and Will. Get 10% off plus free shipping of your estate plan documents by visiting trustandwill.com/HUMANS.Produced by Dear MediaThis episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I had such a great discussion with Phyllis Fagell for this episode. Phyllis just released a brand new book, Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times. We haven't specifically talked about middle schoolers on the show before, and I knew Phyllis would be just the right person to tackle this with. She's a parenting author and speaker – and I had to laugh when I saw on her website: “Phyllis has lived through middle school three times: first for herself, then with her kids, and now as a counselor.” She's a school counselor in Washington, DC, and her first book Middle School Matters could be likened to “what to expect when you're expecting a middle schooler.” -=-=-=-=- Thank you sponsors & partners: Help Texts - Grief support text messaging service. Tips and support delivered all year long, personalized based on your loss. Listeners get $10 off: https://helptexts.com/jennylisk BetterHelp - Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online. Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/widowedparent Support the show - Buy Me a Coffee -=-=-=-=-

In this episode we are joined by Phyllis Fagel. Phyllis is a school counselor, she's has a private practice serving teens and adults, she a journalist making frequent contributions to the Washington Post, she writes a weekly column for PDK International, has also contributed to the New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and many more. She is also the author of Middle School Matters and her newest book that has just been released “Middle School Super Powers”.Topics Covered:1. It's important that we understand strategies to self regulate so that we can teach them to our students. 2. Only one percent of friendships stay intact from 7th grade to 12th grade. 3. Look to understand the temperament of the students that you are working with.4. Let students know that they will experience tough times and that is normal.5. Share social stories with students that have gone through similar experiences. 6. Anticipatory Decision Making - talk about different options with the students.7. Talk with students about the fact that you don't always know if getting what you want is a good thing or a bad thing.8. Use visualization to help students try new things.9. Imaginable exposure - walk through a situation. What do you see? What do you hear?10. Walk students through the worst case scenario. Talk about what they could do if this happened. 11. Help students feel the feelings ahead of a situation as this will help students prepare for those emotions.12. The way you extinguish anxiety is through exposure. 13. Scaffold risk taking for students. 14. Students feel empowered if they know there is something that they can do in stressful situations. 15. Students who are aggressors often haven't acquired proper social skills. 16. How we phrase things to our students matters.17. Rough Draft Thinking18. Remember that students often want to do the right thing. 19. Help students focus on what they can control and the actions that they can do going forward. 20. Validate a child's feelings.21. Help students think expansively.22. Self Talk 23. Reference yourself in the third person. This will help with self talk.24. Podcast recommendation - Ed's Not Dead25. Book - Action Mind's Workbook26. Make sure you incorporate self care strategies into your own life.Books:Middle School Superpowershttps://www.amazon.com/Middle-School-Superpowers-Resilient-Turbulent-ebook/dp/B0BP2JMBY2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Q1A99UDD0MQ9&keywords=Phyllis+Fagell&qid=1691161671&sprefix=phyllis+fagell%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-1Middle School Mattershttps://www.amazon.com/Middle-School-Matters-Beyond-Parents-ebook/dp/B07L2W2HFQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1Q1A99UDD0MQ9&keywords=Phyllis+Fagell&qid=1691161671&sprefix=phyllis+fagell%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-2Connect:Twitter: @PfagellWebsite:https://phyllisfagell.com

Ever wondered why middle school can feel like a turbulent ride not just for kids, but for parents too? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of middle schoolers with our special guest, Phyllis Fagell. Phyllis, a seasoned middle school counselor, shares her unique insights into the complexities of adolescence, identity formation, and the pivotal role that parents and educators play. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the intricacies of this developmental stage, this episode offers a fresh perspective. Phyllis debunks some common misconceptions about the middle school experience and provides valuable strategies to navigate this often misunderstood phase.Timeline Summary[0:00] How to talk with kids to build motivation, stress tolerance, and a happy home.[6:38] Middle school is a phase of enormous growth and development, not suffering.[10:51] What should we look for when we see bullying.[15:00] Being different makes you a target in middle school, it's associated with bullying.[20:52] How to talk to your kids so they don't feel like they're disappointed in you.[22:47] Where do we get the crazy idea that in order to help kids do better, we have to make them feel worse?[26:21] What is it about the brains of kids at this age?[33:52] When children identify with a core value, it improves academic performance in a way that persists.[37:43] The importance of having male influences in a boy's life.[43:03] Why is it so hard for parents and schools to help kids with racial and ethnic differences?[48:46] What's the difference between a real apology vs. a “sorry”?[57:03] Why is it so hard for parents to love their kids for who they are?Links & Resources- Phyllis's website: phyllisfagell.com - Phyllis's book, Middle School Matters: phyllisfagell.com/middle-school-matters/I hope you enjoy this episode of "The Self-Driven Child". If you found our conversation with Phyllis Fagell insightful, please take a moment to rate and follow our podcast, share this episode with others, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us bring more meaningful content to you. Thanks for tuning in!If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

Parenting books and research on kids often lump middle schoolers together with young elementary school kids or older adolescents. This obscures the fact that middle school is its own distinct phase. Join Jill as she talks with therapist, school counselor, and middle school expert, Phyllis Fagell, about the unique challenges middle schoolers face and how parents can help them build key skills to thrive. Fagell sees middle school as parents' “last best chance” to influence their kids at a time when they are still impressionable and still really care what their parents think.  Listen and Learn: ·      What Yael's friends and son shared were their greatest middle school challenges ·      Why middle school matters—what is unique about this development stage and why we should attend to it ·      How we can encourage critical thinking in middle schoolers using hypothetical scenarios ·      The importance of purpose, what purpose really means, and how to help kids connect with theirs ·      Why kids tell lies and how to handle it when they do ·      How to manage tough questions about sex, drugs, and other challenging topics ·      The difference between bullying and other interpersonal challenges and when to intervene vs letting kids work things out on their own About Phyllis Fagell Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC is the school counselor at Sheridan School in Washington, DC, a therapist who works with kids and families in private practice, and an author and journalist. She's the author of “Middle School Matters” and a frequent contributor to the Washington Post. She also freelances for publications including Psychology Today, CNN, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report and Your Teen, and her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times,The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Edutopia, Mindshift and NPR. Phyllis currently is working on her next book, "Middle School Superpowers, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times," (Hachette, August '23). She lives in Bethesda, MD with her husband and three children. Resources: Phyllis's website and sign up for her newsletter: https://phyllisfagell.com Phyllis's twitter: @pfagell Related Episodes ·       Episode 79. Thriving in Adolescence with Louise Hayes ·       Episode 113. Self-Compassion for Parents with Susan Pollak ·       Episode 159. Challenging Time During Adolescence with Louise Hayes ·       Episode 214. How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Jerks ·       Episode 240. Talking to Kids and Teens with Big Feelings with Adele LaFrance ·       Episode 265. Social Justice Parenting with Traci Baxley ·       Episode 267. You Are Not a Horrible Parent with Carla Naumburg Offers and Events: The way we approach and treat trauma has been evolving – even in just the last several years. The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM) has interviewed the top experts in the treatment of trauma and narrowed down hours of interviews to a carefully curated training program. Each week, all the experts focus on a single topic in trauma treatment. It's free to watch the weekly course broadcasts, you just have to sign up at TraumaMasterSeries.com/POTC Or, you can purchase the Gold Package to own the complete program (with transcripts, video and audio downloads and bonuses) at 50% off the normal price! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Talk to Middle Schoolers about What Matters Most This podcast will focus on the key skills kids need to thrive in middle school and beyond as well as how parents and educators can help. In this interview with school counselor and psychotherapist, Phyllis Fagell, LCPC, author of Middle School Matters, we discuss how […] The post How to Talk to Middle Schoolers about What Matters Most with Phyllis Fagell, LCPC – ReRelease appeared first on drrobynsilverman.com.

Special guest: Phyllis Fagell, LCPC Middle school is a time of seismic shifts—everything is changing from friendships and relationships to hormones, expectations and not to mention the physical, intellectual, moral, social and emotional growth your child is experiencing in just a short amount of time. Fundamental questions are floating around the heads of adolescents such as “who am I?” “Am I normal?” and “do I fit in?” Middle schoolers are thrust into a changing environment where adult involvement is reduced and their own skills become vital as they figure out exactly what they are going to allow to be their social and personal currency. Skills such as making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, considering other people's perspectives, cultivating their own passions and recognizing limitations and of course, making responsible, healthy, ethical choices. Yes, there is a lot to this middle school experience that bridges the gap between childhood and teenhood—and thankfully, we don't need to go it alone. Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC, is the author of “Middle School Matters,” the counselor at Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., a psychotherapist at The Chrysalis Group and a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and other national publications. She is also a regular columnist for the Association for Middle Level Education and Kappan magazines, and she consults and speaks throughout the country. Phyllis graduated with honors from Dartmouth College, received a master's degree in journalism from the Medill School at Northwestern University, and earned her master's degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She tweets @pfagell and blogs at www.phyllisfagell.com The post How to Talk to Middle Schoolers about What Matters Most with Phyllis Fagell, LCPC – ReRelease appeared first on drrobynsilverman.com.

Special guest: Phyllis Fagell, LCPC Middle school is a time of seismic shifts—everything is changing from friendships and relationships to hormones, expectations and not to mention the physical, intellectual, moral, social and emotional growth your child is experiencing in just a short amount of time. Fundamental questions are floating around the heads of adolescents such as “who am I?” “Am I normal?” and “do I fit in?” Middle schoolers are thrust into a changing environment where adult involvement is reduced and their own skills become vital as they figure out exactly what they are going to allow to be their social and personal currency. Skills such as making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, considering other people's perspectives, cultivating their own passions and recognizing limitations and of course, making responsible, healthy, ethical choices. Yes, there is a lot to this middle school experience that bridges the gap between childhood and teenhood—and thankfully, we don't need to go it alone. Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC, is the author of “Middle School Matters,” the counselor at Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., a psychotherapist at The Chrysalis Group and a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and other national publications. She is also a regular columnist for the Association for Middle Level Education and Kappan magazines, and she consults and speaks throughout the country. Phyllis graduated with honors from Dartmouth College, received a master's degree in journalism from the Medill School at Northwestern University, and earned her master's degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She tweets @pfagell and blogs at www.phyllisfagell.com The post How to Talk to Middle Schoolers about What Matters Most with Phyllis Fagell, LCPC – ReRelease appeared first on drrobynsilverman.com.

How to Talk to Middle Schoolers about What Matters Most This podcast will focus on the key skills kids need to thrive in middle school and beyond as well as how parents and educators can help. In this interview with school counselor and psychotherapist, Phyllis Fagell, LCPC, author of Middle School Matters, we discuss how […] The post How to Talk to Middle Schoolers about What Matters Most with Phyllis Fagell, LCPC – ReRelease appeared first on drrobynsilverman.com.

Welcome to TigerCast: A podcast designed to tell the story of Warsaw Schools and inform our community about the great things happening to serve our students.Episode 5: Middle School MattersThe transition to middle school can be challenging. Some might even describe it as scary. Aimee and Kyle welcome two middle school teachers, Mrs. Angie Kleopfer and Mr. David Cook, to further discuss the middle school transition. Learn more about why middle school can seem scary, but more importantly, why it is a critical formative period in a child's life.

Middle school boys may seem messy and mysterious, but they're also entertaining, challenging, and inspiring, says Braden Bell. The middle school years are "a wonderful, magical moment," says Bell, an experienced educator, father, and grandfather. "It's important to keep in mind that we are not raising 6th graders, we are not raising 7th graders -- we are raising future adults who currently happen to be in 6th or 7th grade." Keeping that long view in perspective is helpful because if we stop the metaphorical film at any moment, we're likely to feel stress because a lot of change happens during the tween and teenage years. But "if we realize that's a natural part of becoming an adult, that gives us a little more space and freedom to model grace and resilience ourselves," Bell says. A parent's role is to provide love, encouragement, guidance, and empathy. "Our job is not to solve their problems," Bell says. "We don't want our children to face their first problems alone when they're 25 or 30." Giving middle school boys agency to tackle their problems allows them to develop the skills and stamina they'll need to problem-solve as adults. And the beauty of tweendom and adolescence is that boys don't know what they can't yet do! During their tween and teenage years, they're more apt to set and attempt to achieve audacious goals than at most other parts of life. "I think that if we start with the assumption that our child can probably do far more than we think they can, that is almost always going to be true," Bell says. However much you think your child can do, he almost certainly can do more. But, he cautions, it has to be on your son's time. You can't push him, force him, or incentivize him. Bell's (borrowed from a 14-year-old) advice, to both middle school boys & their parents: Choose the kindest possible response in every situation. In this episode, Jen, Janet, & Braden discuss: Why middle school boys need struggle Backing off so boys can tackle their problems & set & strive for goals How autonomy builds competence, confidence, and self-respect Boys & tech Collaborative rule-setting Nurturing boys' strengths - while giving them time & space to mature Respecting boys' development Helping boys cope with school Dealing w your sons' teachers Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode: Parent-Teacher Conference: A Teacher-Dad on Parenting Teens — Braden's newsletter (Don't miss "My Parents Refused to Intervene. It Remains One of Their Most Enduring, Precious Gifts to Me.") Honoring Dads on Father's Day (& Always) -- ON BOYS episode featuring Braden Managing Screen Time -- ON BOYS episode featuring Devorah Heitner (mentioned at 16:32) Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell -- ON BOYS episode BACK TO SCHOOL is happening around the globe and that carries it's own set of challenges. Join Amy McCready for the BACK TO SCHOOL SurTHRIVAL training.  End homework hassles, put the responsibility where it belongs (your kiddo…) and more.  Go to:  https://boysalive.com/school for program details. (this is an affiliate link) Need help with your boys? Subscribe to Jen's newsletter, Building Boys Bulletin Join Janet Allison's real-time, monthly group coaching program, Decoding Your Boy 

As a seasoned school counselor and mother of three, Phyllis Fagell knows exactly how fraught — and potentially how fabulous — adolescence can be. Her latest book, Middle School Matters, equips parents with tools and guidance to navigate the tween years.   Fagell joins Dr. McBride on this episode of Beyond the Prescription with practical advice and personal anecdotes on tolerating distress and approaching the school year with optimism.    Join Dr. Lucy McBride every Tuesday for a new episode of Beyond the Prescription on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you catch your podcasts. Find her at lucymcbride.com/podcast. Get full access to Are You Okay? at lucymcbride.substack.com/subscribe

A calm classroom with students on task is what we all want. In this discussion, two teachers, two psychologists, and a school superintendent unanimously agree that current events outside of the classroom are impacting our ability to reach and teach our students.  What follows is a  refreshingly honest and insightful discussion about what it takes to create a calm climate for learning during exceptionally stressful times.  The result is a practical guide for every educator and school leader. Follow on Twitter: @LDamour @pfagell  @JYooBrannon @KFelicello  @Jonharper70bd @bamradionetwork Dr. Lisa Damour is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, and writes about teenagers for the New York Times, appears as a regular contributor to CBS News, and works in collaboration with UNICEF. She is the author of two New York Times best sellers, Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood and Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls. Dr. Damour graduated with honors from Yale University and worked for the Yale Child Study Center before earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan. drlisadamour.com. Dr. Damour co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast,. Dr. Kris Felicello has been in the field of education for over 25 years as a Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and he is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in the North Rockland Central School District in Rockland County, New York.  Kris obtained his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from St. John's University in 2011. Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC is the school counselor at Sheridan School in Washington, D.C. and a therapist at The Chrysalis Group. Phyllis frequently writes columns on counseling, parenting and education for The Washington Post, and she's the author of Middle School Matters (Hachette, 2019). Phyllis blogs at phyllisfagell.com. Jennifer Yoo-Brannon is a teacher and instructional coach in El Monte, California, with over 16 years of experience teaching high school students, mentoring teachers, and designing and facilitating professional learning. Jennifer's passions include: building collective teacher efficacy, designing meaningful professional learning, and fostering emotional resilience among all educators. She is an Edsurge Voices of Change Writing Fellow and has written for Edsurge and The California Educator. .

As parents and educators prepare for the start of the new school year, middle schools everywhere are welcoming a new crop of excited, nervous, and sometimes unprepared kids. On episode 136 we talk about the middle school transition, and the changes parents can expect to see as their kids adapt to their new surroundings. Guest Phyllis Fagell is the author of Middle School Matters, and she joins us with ideas and advice. (This conversation is also featured in episode 38.) Here's the link to pre-order Strategies for Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students for independent study. Anyone can take the course, and if you register now you'll receive 20% off the tuition. ABOUT THE GUEST Phyllis Fagell is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Professional School Counselor and journalist. She has worked in both public and private schools with students in grades K-12, focusing on middle school for the last several years. She currently works full time as the school counselor for Sheridan School in Washington, D.C. Sheridan School has been named a 2017 National School of Character. Phyllis also provides therapy to children, teens and adults in private practice at the Chrysalis Group, Inc. As a journalist, Phyllis writes regular columns for The Washington Post on counseling, parenting and education. She writes a weekly advice column for PDK, Intl. for educators, and she blogs for a number of highly-respected national education associations and counseling publications, including AMLE (Association of Middle Level Educators) and Character.org. Her articles often are syndicated by Bloomberg, and they also are reprinted by newspapers throughout the world. BACKGROUND READING Phyllis's website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Middle School Matters book You can support the podcast at www.patreon.com/neurodiversity. The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com Thank you for caring about neurodivergent people.

Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the retired VCS Middle School principal We want to start by acknowledging that our school is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and it's on this land that we are grateful to live, work, and play. Here were some highlights from our last two weeks of the school year: Grade 6 Class Trip to Stanley Park Grade 8 Class Trip to Centennial Beach Wednesday, June 22: Last half day for K-8, MS final assembly Wednesday, June 29: MS teachers sharing circle (affirmations of Mary, highlights of the year, plans for summer) All-staff praise and worship, devotional from Jeremy about sabbath Upcoming Dates for Parents: Tuesday, September 6th: First (Half) Day of School for Students Extended Interview with Mary Let's start by looking back on this final school year. How would you summarize it? Now let's look back on your entire career. What do you think was one of the hardest challenges or experiences you faced, and how did you overcome it? If you could go back and talk to rookie-teacher-Mary, what would be one piece of advice you would give yourself? Zooming back to 2022, what is one piece of advice you would give rookie teachers today? What is one piece of advice that you would give to rookie administrators and developing leaders? Looking back on your career, what have been some of the biggest changes in education that you've observed over those years? Following that up, how is teaching and learning today better than it was three decades ago? You've been committed to the philosophy of Christian education for your whole career, and Canadian society has evolved a lot during those years. Do you think the mission of Christian education looks different in 2022? If so, how? Shifting gears back to the present, what's your early verdict on the retired life so far? Do you feel like you've fully recovered yet? How will you remain connected with VCS in the coming year? How can listeners get a hold of you going forward? Final Words Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We'd encourage you to subscribe so that you don't miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Contact us at any time at mdavis@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. We're humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we'll talk to you again next weekend! Talk to ya later, parents.

For Friday, June 17, 2022 Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal We want to start by acknowledging that our school is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and it's on this land that we are grateful to live, work, and play. Here were some highlights from the week: Monday: Bump competition for Grade 7 boys Wednesday: Grade 7 class trip to Cates Park Thursday's House Team Winner Event In the gym: The Purple Barneys spent an hour of fun on two inflatable obstacle courses: The 2-lane Bungee Obstacle Course and the Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course. Even Ms. Cheng and Mr. Tang got in on the fun after the students were dismissed back to their classes. On Friday we celebrated our soon-to-be-married teachers and YOU (Mary) with some game shows, fun videos Upcoming Dates: June 21: Grade 6 Class Trip to Stanley Park + Grade 8 Class Trip to Centennial Beach June 22: Last half day for K-8, MS students to be dismissed to the back field Grade 8 parents are organizing a lunch at Boston Pizza for Grade 8 students. This is not an official school event and VCS staff will not be present, but we encourage parents to consider allowing their child to take part. INTERVIEW with Mr. Wes Liu, Our HS Vice-Principal Our next scheduled staff interview will be with Vanessa Neufeld, our K-8 Educational Support Service Coordinator. Spinning the Wheel: One Lucky Listener WINS Our Summer Prize Pack! Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack is going to happen right now! . We're humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we'll talk to you again next weekend!

For Friday, June 10, 2022 Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal We want to start by acknowledging that our school is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and it's on this land that we are grateful to live, work, and play. Here were some highlights from the week: Monday: Tim's devotional message: Let's finish our race WELL. Grade 8 boys bump competition - E. won Tuesday: Grade 7 ultimate team competed in a tournament at Empire Field In the gym: Relay Races with the Grade 7s! Then the final ANNOUNCEMENT. Purple Barneys WIN! Thursday night: band concert Friday: Beach Day Chapel: Mary Reading with Grade 7s and 1s Upcoming Dates: June 22: Last half day for K-8 Grade 8 parents are organizing a lunch at Boston Pizza for Grade 8 students. This is not an official school event and VCS staff will not be present, but we encourage parents to consider allowing their child to take part. Our next scheduled staff interview will be with Wes Liu, our HS VP. Final Words Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June. We're humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we'll talk to you again next weekend! Stick around to hear bits and bytes from our wonderful middle school community. Talk to ya later, parents. Tim: Good-bye!

*This episode was originally recorded on May 27, 2022 Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal We want to start by acknowledging that our school is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and it's on this land that we are grateful to live, work, and play. Here were some highlights from the week: Tuesday: Grade 6-7 immunizations House Team Games of the Week In the gym: Relay Races with the Grade 6s! Basketball, wheelbarrow, hula hoop, shoe scramble. In the classroom: Wikipedia Race Chapel: Ms. Chou, strings performance House Team Scoring Update Upcoming Dates: Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm June 22: Last half day for K-8 Other Items We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab). Mr. Cavey's Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately? Interview: Mr. Joel Wedemire, Director of Technology Final Words Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.

Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Here were some highlights from the week: Monday: Grade 7 girls bump competition Thursday: Walkathon Chapel: Mrs. Voo (Thank You, I'm Sorry, Tell Me More) Friday: House Team Carnival Competition Major thanks to all our parent volunteers! House Team Scoring Update Blue Cheese: 459 Green Zombies: 392 Purple Barneys: 537 Red Dragons: 403 Upcoming Dates: Monday, May 23: Victoria Day (no school) Tuesday, May 24: Immunizations for Grade 6s Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm June 22: Last half day for K-8 Other Items We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. We are also looking for a Resource Teacher in a 50% position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab). Mr. Cavey's Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately? From 7B Science: A couple of video posts showed simple motors, connections between magnetism and electricity Mina Chan Interview Final Words Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June. Bits & Bytes: Catch a few moments from Mrs. Voo's chapel talk.

Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Here were some highlights from the week: Last Week was Teacher Appreciation Week - thanks to the Mok family for making it special Tuesday: Congratulations to our Grade 8 badminton players for winning their tournament at Deer Lake last week! Outdoor Trips: Grade 7s went to Stave Falls, Grade 8s went to Lynn Canyon House Team Game of the Week: Dodgeball with Basketball Rescue for Gr. 7s Chapel: Mr. Cavey: Finding Faith in the Face of Fear (David and Goliath, personal stories) House Team Scoring Update Blue Cheese: 418 Green Zombies: 363 Purple Barneys: 502 Red Dragons: 344 Upcoming Dates: Wednesday, May 18: Annual Walk-A-Thon Friday, May 20th: Elementary Sports Day in the morning and House Team Carnival Competition. We have 27 parents who have already signed up as volunteers to help us with our Carnival event. That is so exciting!! Monday, May 23: Victoria Day (no school) Tuesday, May 24: Immunizations for Grade 6s Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm June 22: Last half day for K-8 Other Items We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. We are also looking for a Resource Teacher in a 50% position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab). Mr. Cavey's Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately? 6Ta Science: Egg Drop Experiment Debbie Harvey Interview (our next staff interview will feature Miss Mina Chan). Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June. Bits & Bytes from the Middle School Featuring Grade 6 Science and clips from our strings concerts.

Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! Here were some highlights from the week: House Team Game of the Week: Scattergories + Grade 6 Dodgeball in the Gym Today was Holiday Day! Chapel - featuring a VCS parent Grade 8 badminton players won third place in their badminton tournament. House Team Scoring Update Blue Cheese: 291 Green Zombies: 287 Purple Barneys: 373 Red Dragons: 262 Upcoming Dates: Monday, May 2 - Friday, May 6: Teacher Appreciation Week Thursday, May 5: MS/HS Strings Concert in the Lower Gym begins at 7 pm Wednesday, May 18: Annual Walk-A-Thon Friday, May 20th: Elementary Sports Day in the morning and House Team Carnival Competition. We have 24 parents who have already signed up as volunteers to help us with our Carnival event. That is so exciting!! Monday, May 23: Victoria Day (no school) Tuesday, May 24: Immunizations for Grade 6s Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm Other Items We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. As well, we are looking for a Resource Teacher in a 50% position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab). Mr. Cavey's Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately? From 6L in French: Le bistro des animaux Our next scheduled staff interview will be with … Karen Kwong! Final Words Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June. Bits & Bytes from our students

For Thursday, April 14th, 2022 Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom): Lightning Strike and Thunder Boom House Team games: Pictionary Easter chapel - Mary's story The start of cross-stitching club House Team Scoring Update Blue Cheese: 98 Green Zombies: 108 Red Dragons: 142 Purple Barneys: 112 Upcoming Dates: Thursday, April 21: Parent Education Series: The Tech-Wise Family from 7:00-8:00 pm Monday, April 25th: Professional Development Day for K-12 (no classes) Thursday, May 5: MS/HS Strings Concert in the Lower Gym begins at 7 pm Friday, May 20th: Elementary Sports Day in the morning and House Team event in the afternoon Thursday, June 9: MS Band and Choir Concert begins at 7:30 pm Other Items We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab). We are also looking for parent volunteers at our upcoming May 20th middle school House Team Carnival Competition. Mr. Cavey's Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately? From 7T: The Most Dangerous Writing App: Fiction Composition Under Pressure (5 minute maximum)

Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom): House Teams Winner for Jan-Feb were the Red Dragons who get ice cream treats next week It's Ultimate season and practices and games are on Hosted a Badminton Scrimmage with Maple Ridge Christian today Upcoming Dates: Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school Monday, April 25th: Professional Development Day for K-12 (no classes) Friday, May 20th: Elementary Sports Day in the morning and House Team event in the afternoon Other Items We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab). The job description can also be found here: https://vancs.org/downloads/sb_vancs/MSHumanitiesTeacher1.pdf 4 Tips for Parents from Common Sense Media: How to Embrace Your Child's Screen Time Show interest in what they're doing online. Help them recognize their screen time habits. Talk about their emotional health. Talk about what to do when they have negative feelings or want to set new screen time habits. Mr. Cavey's Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately? From 7C: In this unit in science, students have been learning about how climate change impacts people around the world, and how people are responding to climate change (i.e. mitigation, adaptation). Students were given a climate change profile of a real person around the world, and learned how to think like them and speak like them. Students interviewed and were interviewed by 6 other students, to learn about how climate change impacts people differently. Students then compared and contrasted these profiles with this graphic organizer. (Previously featured: 8P, 8C) Mary: Up next on the show, it's time to hear a little bit more from one of our awesome Grade 8 teachers, Mrs. Karen Prinsloo! Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We'd encourage you to subscribe so that you don't miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June. We're humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we'll talk to you again next weekend!

Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Upcoming Dates: Monday, March 28th: Back to School Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school Monday, April 25th: Professional Development Day for K-12 (no classes) Friday, May 20th: Sports Day Other Items We are looking for a middle school teacher for next year! This is a full-time, permanent, humanities position. If you or someone you know is interested in joining a fun, progressive teaching team that loves to learn together, please check the VCS website (see Careers under the Contact tab). Here's a link to the position description: https://vancs.org/downloads/sb_vancs/MSHumanitiesTeacher1.pdf Tim: Our next scheduled staff interview will be with … Karen Prinsloo on April 1st. Mary: Thank you again to YOU, our dear listeners, for your constant encouragement and feedback! As always, your emailed feedback earns you a spot on the prize wheel, so please continue to let us know what you are enjoying about the show and how we can improve. Final Words Mary: Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. Tim: We'd encourage you to subscribe so that you don't miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June. Tim: We're humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we'll talk to you again next weekend!

Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Highlights from this week included THEME WEEK: Life in the 1800s! Our students had so many fun workshops to experience and learn from. Upcoming Dates: Monday, March 14th: Spring Break Begins Monday, March 28th: Back to School Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school Mr. Cavey's Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately? March 10th - from 8C: Theme Week Reflections 1️⃣ What is one thing that you LEARNED today? 2️⃣ What is one thing that you LIKED about your learning activities today? 3️⃣ What is one QUESTION that you have about the day's learning?

For Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Before we get rolling, we just want to take a moment to say that we are watching the situation in Ukraine unfold each day and like all of you our hearts are heavy for our friends and relatives there. We pray for peace in Ukraine. It's Mary's Birthday on Friday, March 4th! Happy birthday, Mary. Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom): Monday: Inside Out for students in the morning followed by a personal reflection on social-emotional health, managing our emotions Thursday house teams: Grade 8s in cross-court basketball Friday: Twin Day Upcoming Dates: Monday, March 7th: Start of 1800s Theme Week Workshops on topics like The Pony Express, The Invention of the Automobile, 1800s Handiwork, Indoor and Outdoor Games of the 1800s and many other relevant topics We will have a chance to connect via video with Inspiration Republic, as we watch a presentation called "You, Me, Us." This powerful virtual presentation takes a look at Historical African Canadian figures who have made substantial contributions in the Black community and Canadian Culture. Friday will be Western Wear Day so you'll find us in cowboy/girl hats and boots, bandannas, jeans, and possibly some big buckle belts! Monday, March 14th: Spring Break Begins Monday, March 28th: Back to School Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school Mr. Cavey's Seesaw Update: What learning have students been sharing lately? March 3rd - from 8P: Genius Hour Projects Dog training Video creation and animation Craft making and sales Wood carving Research on the healthy properties of green tea Necklace design Piano performance Pixel art Cake baking Up next on the show: let's get to know one of our amazing Grade 8 teachers, Miss Michaela Mulder! Our next staff interview will be with … Mrs. Michelle Davis on Thursday, March 10th. We are going to get to know our next middle school principal … very exciting! It's now time for our prize pack draw. One lucky listener who shared their feedback with us is about to win a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, and SET, the family fun game of visual perception. And our winner is ... Joanne Ng! Congratulations, Joanne. Thanks for supporting the podcast. Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our final "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen in June.

Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom): Grade 7s took part in their Poetry Cafe and some of our Grade 8s presented their TED Talks Wednesday was Pink Shirt Day House Teams: Purple Barneys had a great day (Gr. 6 basketball AND Trivia Plaza points) This morning our Middle School Chapel was back in person We heard from Immanuel Chicanot, a former VCS student Upcoming Dates: Friday, March 4th: Twin Day Monday, March 7th: Start of 1800s Theme Week Monday, March 14th: Spring Break Begins Monday, March 28th: Back to School Friday, April 15th: Good Friday, no school Monday, April 18th: Easter Monday, no school Other Items Mary: yesterday we did some speed dating with some teacher candidates from TWU Tim: I was hoping to interview YOU (Mary) today but we will postpone that conversation to a later date. Tim: Our next staff interview will be with … Miss Michaela Mulder on March 4th. We Final Words Thank you for listening! We so appreciate your support. We'd encourage you to subscribe so that you don't miss a future episode, and encourage other parents to do the same! Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our next "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen on Friday, March 4th will include a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, and some other fun family items. We're humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we'll talk to you again next weekend!

For Friday, February 11th, 2022 Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Here were some highlights from the week: Love is Like … a fun compilation of student similes. See the VCS app for the link to this fun video! Upcoming Dates: Friday, February 18th: Professional Learning Day (no classes) Monday, February 21st: Family Day (no classes) Monday, March 7th: Start of 1800s Theme Week Monday, March 14th: Spring Break Begins Monday, March 28th: Back to School Other Items Monday, February 14th - Grade 8 boys vs staff basketball game Mary: That was such a great conversation with Tim. One thing I appreciate about Tim is his dedication to our democratic right to vote. Every time we have a federal or provincial election, Tim takes on the task of organizing the Middle School student vote. Our students are becoming well-informed about the election process in the hopes that they will take on their civic responsibilities when they become eligible voters. Tim: We are taking a couple of weeks off on the staff interview line-up as our teachers focus all of their energy on completing the next reporting period. Our next staff interview will be with … Miss Michaela Mulder on March 4th. Mary: Now we'd like to share a shoutout to our listeners! This week's shoutout goes to Dian Moon who works in our VCS business office. She told us in person how much she appreciates the podcast and especially the interviews with our MS staff. We'll be adding your name to the "spin it to win it" wheel, Dian! Final Words Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our next "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen at the end of February and will include a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, and some other fun family items. Tim: We're humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve your children each day. Have a great week, and we'll talk to you again next weekend!

For Friday, February 4th, 2022 Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Here were some highlights from the week: Sunshine is coming back … maybe? Monday and Tuesday Lunar New Year was Tuesday (lion dance, teachers had dim sum) Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences were yesterday Upcoming Dates: Tuesday, February 8th: MDI Survey for Grade 8s Friday, February 18th: Professional Learning Day (no classes) Monday, February 21st: Family Day (no classes) Other Items Social media trends (read parts of letter to Grade 6 parents) Staff Interview: Miss Anika Brandt Final Words Bits & Bytes

Welcome back to the Teacher Goals Podcast! In today's episode, we are super excited to bring you our guest Phyllis L. Fagell. As she is interviewed by Erica Terry, she shares strategies that not only teachers can implement, but also parents in order to help middle school students thrive. Phyllis L. Fagell  is the author of Middle School Matters, a full-time, practicing school counselor and psychotherapist, and a frequent contributor to publications including The Washington Post, CNN, U.S. News & World Report, Psychology Today and Working Mother. Her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker and NPR. Phyllis lives in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband and their three children.Get ready to learn how to empower middle school students to take academic risks! Visit our website to read the transcript and download additional resources or, join our Facebook group here to connect with other teachers, engage in LIVE Q & A's with the TeacherGoals Podcast guests and discuss podcast episodes.You can connect with our host Erica Terry on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Be sure to check out her website www.healthywealthyeducators.com  to learn more about different strategies to achieve your teaching goals!You can connect with the TeacherGoals community on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter. If you'd like to engage in Q&A with our guests during the live interview or interact with a rockstar community of educators, then you are going to definitely want to join the TeacherGoals Facebook group.

Welcome back to our Middle School Matters podcast! My name is Tim Cavey, and I'm the VCS Middle School vice-principal My name is Mary DeBoer, and I'm the VCS Middle School principal Here were some highlights from the week (see MS Community Classroom): The week of Fog (in more ways than one) Today was Culture Day Chapel Speaker: Jenny Shantz from Inner Hope Youth Ministries Upcoming Dates: Ongoing: Your child should make a date with you to walk you through their presentation of learning (Google Slides or Sites) Thursday, February 3rd: Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences 1 - 8 pm Tuesday, February 8th: MDI Survey for Grade 8s Friday, February 18th: Professional Learning Day (no classes) Monday, February 21st: Family Day (no classes) Our next staff interview will be with … Anika Brandt Mary: Now we'd like to share a shoutout to our listeners! This week's shoutout goes to Laura Campa, who wrote “Hi Mary, Just wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed the middle school matters podcasts. It's great being able to hear from the teachers, through interviews, as we haven't had the opportunity to do that in person (thanks Covid). Thanks for making the time and effort to bridge this gap!” Final Words Mary: Contact us at any time at mdeboer@vancs.org or tcavey@vancs.org. Remember to send us your comments and feedback about the show. Our next "spin it to win it' draw for a family prize pack will happen at the end of February and will include a $60 gift card for Boston Pizza, the book, How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years, and some other fun family items. By the way, if you are a student listening in to our podcast, we'd love to hear from you as well. Let us know what you are enjoying about the pod!

Andrew Ravin is the Founder and Head of School at Workshop Middle School. For nearly 25 years, he's worked as a social worker, classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school leader. Andrew is an award-winning educator, mentor, and researcher. Most recently, he was named one of the Top 100 Innovators in American Education. Andrew founded Workshop Middle School to be the change he believes in. A movement of small, innovative, and progressive schools that can change the world. What else does he believe in? His family. Hard work. Bicycles. Poetry. And honest conversations about things that matter. Denise Daniels is Co-Founder and Director of Learning at Workshop Middle School. She has more than 22 years of experience in education as a teacher, staff developer, curriculum designer, instructional coach, and school leader. She received a BA from The City College of New York and a Masters of Science in Teaching from Fordham University. Denise is an award-winning educator, speaker, and international trainer that is continuously inspired by the wonder of learning. Denise is an avid reader, an aspiring martial artist and a huge game night fan. Join us for this insightful conversation about the history of middle school, why middle school matters, and what changes we can make to help students move from surviving to thriving during these crucial years. In this episode, we cover:  Why only investing in early childhood education is building a bridge to nowhere Shifting from surviving to thriving in the middle school years The history of middle schools and what doesn't work Creating diverse classrooms Education being more than what exists right now Making small changes to support adolescent learning needs Helping parents understand the benefits of alternative learning options   Resources and links mentioned in this episode:   Visit Workshop Middle School to learn more about the work they are doing Learn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project library Visit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here Enjoying the show? Leave us a review and help more people find us! https://bit.ly/RebelEducatorApplePodcasts   MORE ABOUT THE REBEL EDUCATOR PODCAST: In each episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, I deconstruct world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents. Join me as we discuss how to shift the classroom, the learning environment, the mindset, and the pedagogy, to resist tradition, reignite wonder, and re-imagine the future of education. This podcast is dedicated to all of the educators who work thankless hours to make our next generation the best it can be.  It was designed to begin conversations on how we can redesign education for the future of work and the success of our students.  It is meant for teachers, students, administrators, home schoolers and anyone who interacts with and teaches youth.

Phyllis Fagell, a K-8 school counselor in Washington, DC, a psychotherapist, and the author of Middle School Matters, shares her insights and strategies for supporting students as they navigate this Fall's return to school in unusual times.For more info, visit: https://tiltparenting.com/session267Support the show

Keeping up with the pace, load, and challenge of learning requires emotional and self-management skills – best described as Executive Function. However, when these skills are either delayed, under-developed, or absent it is easy to question the child's motivations and intentions. The truth of the matter is that some kids simply need more support, scaffolding, and a greater appreciation for their differences. On this episode, counselor, author, Washington Post contributor, and freelance writer, Phyllis Fagell, discusses how Executive function skills are the skills that help build check-and-balance systems and backup methods that help students stay on top of their own work. When adults involved in helping and guiding children focus on becoming a non-anxious presence, the children themselves are likely to understand how to stay calm, which in turn can help them focus and feel relaxed enough to learn. About Phyllis FagellPhyllis is the school counselor at Sheridan School in Washington, DC, a therapist who works with kids and families in private practice, and an author and journalist. She's the author of “Middle School Matters” and a frequent contributor to the Washington Post. She also freelances for publications including Psychology Today, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report and Your Teen, and her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker and NPR. Phyllis lives in Bethesda, MD with her husband and three children.Website:www.phyllisfagell.comBook:Middle School MattersAbout Host, Sucheta KamathSucheta Kamath, is an award-winning speech-language pathologist, a TEDx speaker, a celebrated community leader, and the founder and CEO of ExQ®. As an EdTech entrepreneur, Sucheta has designed ExQ's personalized digital learning curriculum/tool that empowers middle and high school students to develop self-awareness and strategic thinking skills through the mastery of Executive Function and social-emotional competence.Support the show (https://mailchi.mp/7c848462e96f/full-prefrontal-sign-up)

On this episode we are joined by licensed clinical professional counselor, certified professional school counselor, journalist, and podcast host Phyllis Fagell to talk about the current challenges students are facing as they begin the process of transitioning from middle school to high school during the pandemic. Her book Middle School Matters: the 10 Key Skills Needs to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond - and How Parents Can Help gives actionable steps for students, parents, and teachers to develop the important skills necessary to grow inside and outside the classroom. Phyllis also shares her own memorable 9th grade experiences and parental advice from two of her own children's journey through freshmen year. To get your own copy of Middle School Matters from Let's Play Books in Emmaus, Pa go to: https://www.letsplaybooks.com/book/9780738235080 To read the Washington Post article referenced in the interview go to: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/resilience-pandemic-kids/2021/01/25/d4037b12-5c1a-11eb-b8bd-ee36b1cd18bf_story.html Follow Phyllis On the web: https://phyllisfagell.com/ On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pfagell

Kathryn interviews Journalist & Certified Professional School Counselor Phyllis Fagell LCPC, author of “MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS: The 10 Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond and How Parents Can Help.” The middle school years are arguably those most fraught with transformation and are the most confounding to parents. Fagell, a school counselor and a therapist in private practice, is syndicated by Bloomberg, featured in The Atlantic, The NYTimes and writes regular columns for The Washington Post. Kathryn also interviews President and Founder of National Gun Victims Action Council Elliot Fineman. Universal background checks are inherently flawed says Fineman. His bold plan, We are Done Asking, will harness the economic power of 170 million Americans to force systemic change. Guns are big business in America and the fight for gun safety comes down to money. He is been the host of It is the Guns Stupid on WPWC radio in Washington D.C. and has appeared on CNBC, CNN and Fox News.

Kathryn interviews Journalist & Certified Professional School Counselor Phyllis Fagell LCPC, author of “MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS: The 10 Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond and How Parents Can Help.” The middle school years are arguably those most fraught with transformation and are the most confounding to parents. Fagell, a school counselor and a therapist in private practice, is syndicated by Bloomberg, featured in The Atlantic, The NYTimes and writes regular columns for The Washington Post. Kathryn also interviews President and Founder of National Gun Victims Action Council Elliot Fineman. Universal background checks are inherently flawed says Fineman. His bold plan, We are Done Asking, will harness the economic power of 170 million Americans to force systemic change. Guns are big business in America and the fight for gun safety comes down to money. He is been the host of It is the Guns Stupid on WPWC radio in Washington D.C. and has appeared on CNBC, CNN and Fox News.

Special guest: Phyllis Fagell, LCPC Middle school is a time of seismic shifts—everything is changing from friendships and relationships to hormones, expectations and not to mention the physical, intellectual, moral, social and emotional growth your child is experiencing in just a short amount of time. Fundamental questions are floating around the heads of adolescents such as “who am I?” “Am I normal?” and “do I fit in?” Middle schoolers are thrust into a changing environment where adult involvement is reduced and their own skills become vital as they figure out exactly what they are going to allow to be their social and personal currency. Skills such as making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, considering other people's perspectives, cultivating their own passions and recognizing limitations and of course, making responsible, healthy, ethical choices. Yes, there is a lot to this middle school experience that bridges the gap between childhood and teenhood—and thankfully, we don't need to go it alone. Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC, is the author of “Middle School Matters,” the counselor at Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., a psychotherapist at The Chrysalis Group and a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and other national publications. She is also a regular columnist for the Association for Middle Level Education and Kappan magazines, and she consults and speaks throughout the country. Phyllis graduated with honors from Dartmouth College, received a master's degree in journalism from the Medill School at Northwestern University, and earned her master's degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She tweets @pfagell and blogs at www.phyllisfagell.com The post How to Talk to Middle Schoolers about What Matters Most with Phyllis Fagell, LCPC appeared first on drrobynsilverman.com.

Special guest: Phyllis Fagell, LCPC Middle school is a time of seismic shifts—everything is changing from friendships and relationships to hormones, expectations and not to mention the physical, intellectual, moral, social and emotional growth your child is experiencing in just a short amount of time. Fundamental questions are floating around the heads of adolescents such as “who am I?” “Am I normal?” and “do I fit in?” Middle schoolers are thrust into a changing environment where adult involvement is reduced and their own skills become vital as they figure out exactly what they are going to allow to be their social and personal currency. Skills such as making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, considering other people's perspectives, cultivating their own passions and recognizing limitations and of course, making responsible, healthy, ethical choices. Yes, there is a lot to this middle school experience that bridges the gap between childhood and teenhood—and thankfully, we don't need to go it alone. Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC, is the author of “Middle School Matters,” the counselor at Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., a psychotherapist at The Chrysalis Group and a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and other national publications. She is also a regular columnist for the Association for Middle Level Education and Kappan magazines, and she consults and speaks throughout the country. Phyllis graduated with honors from Dartmouth College, received a master's degree in journalism from the Medill School at Northwestern University, and earned her master's degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She tweets @pfagell and blogs at www.phyllisfagell.com The post How to Talk to Middle Schoolers about What Matters Most with Phyllis Fagell, LCPC appeared first on drrobynsilverman.com.