Falling for Learning Podcast

TD Flenaugh
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This podcast supports educators, parents, and caregivers in gaining the tools and information needed to keep the next generation on track for learning and on track for success! New episodes released Saturdays at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us:      Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/.    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/.   

  1. 5 hr ago

    These Kids Can't Write

    Season 4, episode 11 Replay Show Notes These 12th Graders Can't Read or WriteA Texas teacher’s viral reaction to finding 12th graders unable to complete a simple sentence frame sparks a larger conversation about literacy, expectations, and what schools can do when students are far behind. T.D. Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley unpack why the frustration is real, but also why giving up or over-scaffolding is not the answer.In this episode, they focus on how to assess students honestly at the start of the year, how to use scaffolds without keeping them forever, and how creativity, choice, and consistent practice can help older students close literacy gaps. Episode Highlights00:19 - Why a Texas 12th grade literacy meltdown went viral 03:23 - What scaffolding means in practice 08:24 - Why beginning-of-year assessment matters more than immediate scaffolding 14:33 - Telling students where they need to be without shaming them 16:32 - Grade-level standards and asking students to articulate them 19:28 - How a five-page narrative helped eleventh graders succeed 22:44 - Why choice helped get 100 percent work completion in some tasks 26:12 - Setting a 10-minute writing goal and increasing expectations over time 32:22 - Pulling back sentence frames as students improve 40:33 - Why the conversation will continue with reading as well as writing 41:02 - Closing advice: release scaffolds, raise expectations, and keep practice fun

  2. 5 Sept

    Teaching Civic Engagement: How to Think, Vote, and Lead

    Teaching Civic Engagement: How to Think, Vote, and LeadThis episode of Falling for Learning Podcast focuses on civic engagement and why it matters to start early with students. T.D. Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley talk about helping kids think critically, understand rules and laws, and practice participation through voting, writing letters, and solving community problems. In this conversation, they connect classroom routines to bigger democratic habits and share practical ways teachers and parents can help children use their voice without telling them what to think. Timestamps00:00 — Introducing civic engagement and helping students think critically 06:30 — Writing letters and giving children a voice in public concerns 13:13 — Student advocacy and how schools can respond to children’s needs 19:40 — Teaching respectful disagreement, nuance, and civil discourse 26:05 — Community responsibility through animal care and local action 34:39 — Closing encouragement for educators and parents

  3. 29 Aug

    Kids Don’t Know How to Read: Why Phonics Matters

    T.D. Flenaugh unpacks the reading crisis through the lens of a veteran educator, reading specialist, and National Board Certified Teacher. The episode explains why many kids struggle to read, how the science of reading differs from whole language instruction, and what parents and teachers can do right now to help children catch up. In this episode, T.D. Flenaugh shares how her own experience teaching reading began in childhood, why phonics shaped her approach, and why she believes consistent support at school and at home is essential. She also discusses dyslexia, the reading wars, and the importance of making reading practice regular, supportive, and shame-free.Episode Highlights02:16 - How she learned reading through phonics  04:54 - What whole language and three cueing try to do  08:02 - Who gets left behind without explicit instruction  09:28 - What dyslexia means for reading development  11:21 - Why structured literacy builds reading skill  13:16 - The reading wars and how publishing shaped them  18:12 - Reading support as a village effort  19:38 - The summer slide and why kids lose progress  21:00 - Simple things parents can do at home  23:22 - Why 10 minutes a day beats one long weekly session  24:43 - Moving forward with science based reading support  Action itemsReview the alphabet and high frequency words with your child regularly.Use short, daily reading sessions instead of occasional long sessions.Reinforce school learning at home, especially during breaks.Seek help from teachers, reading interventionists, tutors, or library programs if needed.Stay patient and consistent, even if your child is behind.

  4. 23 Aug

    Paula Banks - A Literacy Expert Empowers Young Writers

    In this episode of Falling for Learning, T.D. Flenaugh sits down with Paula Banks, a creative confidence educator, children’s author, and founder of Lit Kids Create. Paula shares how curiosity, reading, and storytelling shaped her path as an educator and how she now helps children discover that their voices matter before they worry about writing perfectly. Key Topics Paula’s educational journey How Lit Kids Create helps children express ideas and build confidenceThe “Books by Me” program and how students become published authorsWhy “confidence before correction” matters for young writersHow a negative early writing experience can affect a child for yearsThe importance of being your child’s “first hype crew”HighlightsPaula explains that children often shut down when adults lead with criticism instead of encouragement. She shares her belief that kids need confidence before correction, and that adults should notice what’s working before pointing out what needs revision.She also describes how her program gives students ownership over their stories, characters, and plot ideas while guiding them through the publishing process. For Paula, the goal is not just writing—it’s helping children feel safe, heard, and valued. ResourcesLit Kids Create: https://litkidscreate.comInstagram: @litkidscreateFacebook: Paula BanksAnthology: I Got a Story to Tell, Volume One

  5. 15 Aug

    These 12th Graders Can't Write

    This episode responds to a viral clip of a Texas high school teacher breaking down because 12th grade students could not complete a short writing task, and uses it as a springboard for a broader conversation about literacy gaps. T.D. Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley discuss what scaffolding is supposed to do, why it should be faded over time, and how teachers and parents can build real reading and writing stamina instead of relying on permanent supports. Key topics In this episode, T.D. Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley unpack the frustration behind the viral Texas classroom video and why the teacher’s tears reflected a serious literacy concern. They explain that scaffolds, like sentence stems and sentence frames, are meant to be temporary supports, not a permanent classroom default. Lauren describes how a basic sentence stem can help students respond at different grade levels, from a one-word answer to a full sentence. T.D. shares that beginning-of-year assessments should show what students can actually do before heavy scaffolds are introduced. They stress that students should be asked to write at grade level, even if they are below level, so teachers can identify the real gap. T.D. gives examples from fifth, sixth, and 11th grade writing tasks, including on-demand paragraphs and five-page narratives. Lauren talks about RTI and data-driven interventions that identify specific skill gaps, such as phonemic awareness, blending, digraphs, and diphthongs. They emphasize that motivation matters and that creativity, choice, and fun can help students re-engage with writing. Both speakers argue that parents need to reinforce reading and writing at home to reduce the long-term effects of the summer slide. They caution against protecting students from independent work, since state tests will require them to perform without help. Timestamps (00:47) Why a 12th grade student struggling to write is alarming (03:22) What scaffolding is supposed to do (06:12) Sentence stems and sentence frames explained (08:23) Why beginning-of-year assessment should come first (09:59) How T.D. assesses writing without over-scaffolding (13:58) Setting expectations without shaming students (17:02) Why first drafts matter and why grade-level rigor matters (20:00) How creativity helps close learning gaps (26:06) Building writing stamina with timed practice (29:18) Bringing fun back into literacy through books and events (31:39) Fading scaffolds so students can work independently (34:19) Lauren on RTI, assessment data, and targeted intervention (39:36) Why independent work is necessary before state testing

  6. 9 Aug

    The Learning Process

    Falling for Learning Podcast: Teaching Kids the Learning ProcessThis episode focuses on how children learn, not just what they learn. T.D. Flenaugh explains why teaching the learning process helps kids build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset that carries into school and life. The message is especially relevant for parents and teachers who want to prepare children for challenges, mistakes, and setbacks. The episode also offers practical examples of everyday learning projects, from tying shoes to cooking to basic life skills. Key topicsIn this solo episode, T.D. Flenaugh explores the learning process as a skill in itself, not just a part of reading, writing, or schoolwork.T.D. Flenaugh connects learning gaps at home with broader educational struggles, including reading challenges and parents who may not have had strong support themselves.The episode explains how learning hard things builds self-esteem, patience, self-efficacy, and resilience.T.D. Flenaugh highlights that children learn best when they discover how they learn, whether through watching, doing, or using visuals.Parents are encouraged to be transparent about their own learning struggles so children see that learning is ongoing for everyone.Real-world examples include selling lemonade, cooking breakfast, tying shoes, driving, learning technology, and hosting Thanksgiving.The central takeaway is that children who understand the learning process are better prepared for school, work, and independent adulthood.Timestamps 00:31 - Why everyday life skills are fading in many families 01:55 - Reading matters, but learning goes far beyond academics 02:53 - Why kids get stuck when they do not understand learning 03:23 - Mistakes, failure, and getting comfortable being uncomfortable 04:48 - How learning builds self-esteem and patience 05:45 - Discovering how each child learns best 09:38 - Fear stops growth, but learning reduces fear 11:03 - Using self-reflection after a task does not go well 12:58 - Learning can take very different amounts of time 14:20 - How learning life skills transfers to reading, math, and writing 15:17 - Why kids who are overwhelmed may act out instead of asking for help 15:45 - Being transparent about your own learning process 19:53 - Teaching children to think through new challenges 23:48 - Growth mindset, persistence, and becoming self-sufficient

  7. 1 Aug

    How to Become a Professional Artist

    Nurturing Creativity, Education, and Community in HarveyHow do young artists start by selling drawings to classmates and elevate to getting work commissioned by celebrities to create album covers, murals, and more! The Wright family of artists discuss how art, family, and community can shape the next generation's love of learning and creativity. This episode features artist siblings Malachi Wright and Amoz Wright and their mother Marguerite Wright, sharing their inspiring journeys and community projects, including a powerful mural for Harvey, their home town in Illinois, that symbolizes hope and healing. Key TopicsThe process and significance behind the Harvey mural project titled "The Wall of Therapy"Stories of young artists selling, getting commissions, and reaching celebritiesBalancing formal education and professional careers in art and designThe impact of art as a form of healing, therapy, and positive community reinforcementEpisode Highlights00:00 - Introduction to the podcast’s focus on education, resources, and family stories 00:45 - The origin of the Harvey mural and community collaboration 01:42 - Welcoming the Wright family, emphasizing the significance of art careers vs. traditional beliefs 06:02 - Malachi shares his journey into becoming an artist and his inspirations 09:00 - Marguerite’s experience as a graphic designer and her artistic journey 09:45 - The importance of supporting children’s passions and families’ roles in nurturing talent 11:26 - Selling art work as a child and how friendships and social media helped 12:45 - Early celebrity commissions and interactions with major artists and entertainers 13:49 - The significance of social media in building art careers and professional relationships 17:09 - Amoz’s journey through sports, scholarships, and choosing to study abroad and in college 18:02 - Upcoming projects, including murals, graphic novels, and a museum centered on motherhood and children’s health 19:58 - Details about the Harvey mural project and community involvement 25:19 - A future of ongoing creative collaborations, media projects, and inspiring youth voices Visit Malachi’s website  https://www.thewrightart.net/

  8. 25 Jul

    How a Children's Bookmaking Workshop Changed Young Authors’ Perception of Power

    Debriefing the Little Authors Bookmaking Workshop at the Obama Presidential CenterJoin us in this special episode as we reflect on the recent Little Authors Bookmaking Workshop—an inspiring event for children ages 8-12, held at the Obama Presidential Center. We discuss the importance of fostering literacy, creativity, and critical thinking in young learners, and share insights from the workshop’s success and future plans. Key Insights:The workshop engaged children in various creative activities, including book making, illustration, and storytelling.Emphasizing that writing is an art form, vital for fostering creativity and self-expression.The importance of early positive reinforcement, including affirmations, to build confidence.Using real-world events and community partnerships to inspire and empower children.The challenge and rewards of organizing educational events in prestigious cultural centers.Plans to expand workshops and involve students as leaders in future initiatives.Personal stories of overcoming fear of writing and criticism to embrace creative pursuits.Encouragement for parents and educators to prioritize skill-building that gives children a competitive advantage.Timestamps:01:48 - The significance of building children’s understanding of their voice and agency 05:08 - The importance of teaching children to write for critical thinking and self-expression 08:11 - Addressing AI and digital influences on children's writing skills 09:06 - Interactive segment with Angela Bradley, founder of Nia Imani Academy 10:15 - Empowering children through affirmations and self-love 14:17 - Travel journey to the event from California and the determination to participate 22:44 - The role of writing as art and the importance of fostering artistic expression in children

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This podcast supports educators, parents, and caregivers in gaining the tools and information needed to keep the next generation on track for learning and on track for success! New episodes released Saturdays at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us:      Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/.    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/.   

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