What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous Stride, Inc.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful learning devices. Not only does it play a role in a child’s language and cognitive development, but it can also teach them about the world around them.
What are the benefits of storytelling? How can children’s literature help develop important skills? And how can we encourage a love of storytelling in our students? 
In this episode, Jesse Byrd joins Kevin to discuss the importance of storytelling for children.  
Meet Jesse
Jesse Byrd is an award-winning children’s book author and the youngest African American NPR Foundation Board Member.
Jesse has performed readings of his children’s books to over 25,000 kids and partnered with Airbnb Experiences to provide families and corporations with virtual storytime experiences during the pandemic.
This is, What I Want to Know.

Studies show that every school year almost 3 million public school students receive one or more out-of-school suspensions, while more than 100,000 students are expelled. 
Along with doing little to reduce children’s misconduct, one out-of-school suspension increases a child’s chance of dropping out of school and increases their chances of entering the juvenile justice system. 
How can we keep students out of the school-to-prison pipeline? How can trauma-informed teaching benefit students and schools? And what can we do to help schools address the needs of youth?
In this episode, Dr. Tammy Hughes joins Kevin to discuss what teachers and school leaders can do to combat the school-to-prison pipeline.
Meet Tammy
Dr. Tammy Hughes is a school psychologist and professor. She has devoted her life’s work to keeping kids in school and out of jail. 
This is, What I Want to Know.

Research finds that mindfulness can help decrease stress and anxiety while strengthening resilience and emotional regulation in adults and children. This is why the use of mindfulness programs in schools is becoming more and more popular. 
What exactly is mindfulness? What are the benefits of mindfulness on students? And how can we incorporate mindfulness into the classroom?
In this episode, Linda Ryden joins Kevin to share how we can incorporate mindfulness into the classroom.
Meet Linda:
Linda Ryden is the founder of Peace of Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping children with mindfulness tools. 
Linda is also a teacher and the author of six mindfulness-based children’s books. 
This is, What I Want to Know. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math are projected to grow by almost 11 percent by 2031 much faster than non-STEM occupations.
While numerous students are interested in STEM careers, many do not feel prepared to pursue jobs in the field. 
Why is it important for students to understand science? What opportunities are available for students interested in STEM? And how can we make science fun for kids?
In this episode, Dr. Kate Biberdorf shares how we can make science fun.
Meet Kate
Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a chemist, science entertainer, best-selling author, and professor at The University of Texas. 
Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, Dr. Biberdorf is breaking down the image of the stereotypical scientist while reaching students who might otherwise be intimidated by science.
This is, What I Want to Know.
 

According to the CDC, guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens.  From mass shootings to isolated incidents, gun violence has emerged as a tragic issue continuously plaguing our schools.  
How can we identify the signs of violence? How can students, parents, and educators safely intervene? And how can we prevent violence in schools? 
In this episode, Nicole Hockley, CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, joins Kevin to discuss how we can prevent violence in schools. 
Meet Nicole
Nicole Hockley is the co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. 
After her youngest son, Dylan, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, Nicole transformed her grief into action. She works every day to protect children from gun and school violence. 
This is, What I Want to Know.

According to the Entertainment Software Association, 76% of kids play video games. With their ability to build problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills video games are starting to make their way to the classroom.
What are the benefits of video games? What role should parents have in choosing the games their child plays? And how can video games be used as tools for learning?
In this episode, Stanley Pierre-Louis joins Kevin to discuss how video games can be used as a tool for learning.
Meet Stanley:
Stanley Pierre-Louis is the President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, an organization dedicated to being the voice and advocate for the video game industry. 
With more than two decades of entertainment and media experience, Stanley leads ESA’s efforts to showcase the impact the video game industry has on business, entertainment, and culture. 
This is, What I Want to Know.