Falling for Learning Podcast

TD Flenaugh
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This podcast supports 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. 8h ago

    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

  2. Jul 18

    The Hidden Lessons Learned from Discovering New Passions

    In this episode of Falling for Learning, Lauren Moseley and T.D. Flenaugh delve into the importance of engaging in personal projects to foster growth, creativity, and resilience. They share their own experiences with summer projects, emphasizing how self-directed learning and creative pursuits can rejuvenate educators, parents, and students alike. If you're looking for inspiration to start your own summer adventure or how to support kids' learning beyond the classroom, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement.**Key Topics Covered: Embracing and sharing the chaos of everyday life as part of authentic learningHow projects can inspire creative thinking and problem-solving in childrenThe benefits of self-selected professional development for educatorsUsing creative projects to model growth and curiosity for studentsThe therapeutic and educational potential of horses in health and stress managementHow sharing personal projects can benefit others and foster community connectionsTimestamps:  00:00 - Introduction: Navigating life's ups and downs through projects 01:15 - Caring for Ellie Mae, the horse, as a summer learning adventure 04:35 - The therapeutic potential of horses in health and stress relief 05:58 - The importance of taking breaks to build patience and avoid burnout 07:23 - Professional development as a selfish, joyful pursuit 13:17 - Using arts and writing projects for self-renewal and healing 17:00 - Preparing for the school year with renewed energy and support 18:26 - The value of taking intentional breaks to reset patience levels 20:23 - Unlocking creativity through Julia Cameron’s "The Artist’s Way" 23:08 - Modeling lifelong learning and creativity for children 27:20 - Planning for community involvement and classroom integration of projects 34:02 - The importance of sharing one’s creative gifts for community benefits 35:22 - Listening to inner voices and trusting instincts in creative pursuits 37:01 - Concluding encouragement to embrace ongoing growth and creativity Resources & Links: Julia Cameron - The Artist’s WayPoetry Foundation Fellowship High Horse Docuseries

  3. Jul 11

    The Hidden Power of Instincts in Protecting Children: Lessons from Nature and Tragedy

    Season 4, Episode 2: In this episode, Lauren and T.D. share their summer activities and reflections on technology’s role in learning. They explore how personal pursuits can enhance teaching and how trusting instincts benefit both educators and students. Main Topics:The transformative power of personal and creative projects for educators and parentsThe influence of technology and screen time policies on student developmentTrusting instincts and promoting self-love, especially around hair, health, and safetyEducational innovations: recreational horseback riding, therapy animals, and community involvementBalancing technology use with traditional learning to foster social and cognitive skillsReflecting on recent travels and cultural learning experiencesImportance of self-care, patience, and intentionality for a fulfilling summer and effective teachingTimestamps:(00:00) - The value of personal projects and summer learning adventures(02:17) - Reflecting on travel to Guam and outdoor adventures(07:41) - Experiencing the challenges and benefits of hiking at Tarzan Falls(10:12) - Embracing natural hair and self-love practices(15:24) - The importance of trusting children’s instincts for safety(20:08) - New policies banning screens for K-1 students and implications for classrooms(24:34) - The potential of horses in therapy, learning, and community projects(27:20) - The impact of technology overuse on social and executive functioning skills(32:33) - Rethinking engagement: slides, Pizzazz, and active learning strategies(35:19) - Balancing technology and hands-on interaction for meaningful educationResources & Links:The Artist's Way by Julia CameronLife360 AppDIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills)Distraction-Free Schools PolicyJulia Cameron’s Creative JournalingTarzan Falls, GuamOptional Highlights:The role of self-care and reflection in maintaining patience and effectiveness in the classroomThe importance of trusting and listening to children’s internal cues for safety and comfortPractical strategies for balancing screen time policies with engaging, meaningful instruction

  4. Jul 1

    Obama Presidential Center Bookmaking Event - Season 4 Premiere

    Season 4 ep 1 - ep 143 Falling for Learning Podcast  PREMIERE OF SEASON 4 FALLING FOR LEARNING PODCAST This episode focuses on the upcoming Lit’l Authors Bookmaking Workshop (https://flowuptoday.com/event) at the Obama Presidential Center on Saturday, July 25, 2026! This workshop is designed for children to craft their own books and boost their confidence. Wanda Lee Florestine collaborated with Falling for Learning Podcast, Flow Up Productions, and I Am Possible LLC for the bookmaking event. Parents, educators, and the community can get involved by joining, donating, and supporting creative expression in young learners. Discover the inspiring journey of Wanda Lee Florestine as she shares her innovative ideas for fostering creativity, confidence, and love for learning in children. She details personal stories of overcoming trauma, and her insights on writing, education, and social justice. Main Topics: The origins of Wanda's Lit’l Authors Bookmaking Workshop and its impactBuilding confidence and voice in children through creative projectsNavigating trauma and systemic challenges in education and lifeThe significance of representation and storytelling in shaping perceptionsHow community and family influence learning and personal growthInsights into Wanda's career journey from community college to leadership in HR and education Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction to Wanda Lee Florestine and her upcoming event (03:37) The conception and origins of the Little Authors Bookmaking Workshop (06:41) Childhood memories of creating books and crafting confidence through writing (12:19) Challenges faced during school and trauma's impact on learning (15:39) Why fostering love for writing and reading sparks lifelong learning (20:20) Navigating school transitions and developing resilience (25:12) Personal stories of writing, humor, and cultural identity (30:30) Wanda’s educational journey from community college to HR leadership (36:30) Addressing unconscious biases and systemic representation (42:39) The importance of positive narratives and self-storytelling (49:00) How to connect with Wanda and participate in her future events Resources & Links: Flow Up Productions (https://flowuptoday.com) — Wanda's platform for ongoing events and resources Fifty Years of Assimilation — Wanda's book on Black identity and societal change Reclaiming the Jungle — Her upcoming psychological exploration of systemic myths Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America (https://youtu.be/yDW5ROyU_fw?si=pPRYFzewTBSGlZKj)

  5. Jun 27

    Reflecting & Repairing: Season 3 Finale

    Summary In the final episode of Falling for Learning's season 3, T.D. Flenaugh reflects on her journey through completing her book, managing responsibilities, and navigating personal and professional challenges. She shares insights on balancing joy and pain, the importance of intentionality. An upcoming workshop at the Obama Presidential Center: The Lit'l Authors Bookmaking Event on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Learn more at https://flowuptoday.com/event. Season 4 will premier on Saturday, July 4 @ 5 PM Pacific! Chapters 00:00 Season Three Reflection and Transition 03:10 The Journey of Writing and Healing 05:54 Navigating Joy and Pain 08:44 Balancing Responsibilities and Relationships 12:36 Podcast Evolution and Future Plans 15:22 Community Engagement and Upcoming Events 17:48 Reflections on Podcast Guests and Content 20:36 Supporting Children's Learning Journeys

  6. Jun 21

    Believing in Your Children's Brilliance

    Building Brilliance and JusticeIn this episode, educator and author Andratesha Fritzgerald shares her inspiring journey of integrating anti-racism with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to transform educational spaces into liberating environments for all students. Gain insights into how community, belief in student brilliance, and strategic advocacy shape equitable learning. Key Topics:Fritzgerald’s personal motivation rooted in legacy and community advocacyThe origins and purpose of her book, Anti-Racism and Universal Design for LearningHow Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be a tool for liberation and equityStrategies for parents and educators to advocate for inclusive, supportive learning environmentsThe importance of fostering student agency and self-advocacyPractical tips for implementing UDL principles at home and in classroomsThe evolving landscape of anti-racism efforts in education and societyUpcoming resources and projects in Fritzgerald’s work, including trauma-informed and anti-racist frameworksTimestamps:00:00 - Embracing advocacy and the power of seed planting in education 00:29 - The role of students leading protests and personal advocacy journey 01:20 - Guest introduction: Andretisha Fritzgerald’s background and work 02:05 - What drew Fritzgerald into education as a child 04:22 - Origin and purpose of her book, Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning 04:39 - The scientific and liberating roots of UDL 05:08 - Writing struggles and the catalyst of societal upheaval in 2020 07:04 - Collaborations with impactful figures like Samaria Rice 07:38 - The importance of integrating anti-racism into everyday educational practices 08:09 - Fritzgerald’s educational path: from engineering to English and beyond 10:47 - The significance of community and connection for under-represented groups 11:15 - The impact of English, women’s studies, and educational leadership studies on her approach 12:14 - Her perspective on lifelong learning and her children’s love for languages 13:01 - Parenting experiences and fostering language development BuildingBlocksOfBrilliance.com 15:22 - Advice for parents supporting children’s learning through UDL principles 17:12 - Preparing children for future success by building their confidence and independence 19:29 - The importance of self-compassion for parents and guardians 22:04 - Mistakes to avoid: over-controlling and under-trusting children’s abilities 28:04 - Starting points for parents reading Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning Resources & Links:Building Blocks of BrillianceFollow Andratesha Fritzgerald on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

  7. Jun 13

    Critical Question Parents Should Ask About Their Child's School Culture

    Send us Fan Mail Join us in this episode as Blain Watson, a seasoned educator, school leader, and parent, shares invaluable insights on how parents can actively support their children's academic and social-emotional development. Discover practical strategies rooted in research and personal experience to create a strong supportive environment for learning and growth. Main Topics:  The importance of building a supportive village around children and the concept of a 'critical mass' of influential adultsKey frameworks like the 40 Developmental Assets for nurturing well-rounded kidsHow to engage actively with school staff and systems to ensure your child's success Practical questions parents should ask about curriculum, school culture, and social-emotional supportsStrategies for advocating for your child, including understanding curriculum mastery and support systems  Resources & Links:   Blain Watson on Twitter  Blain Watson on Facebook   Join Our Live Wednesdays:   Instagram Live, every Wednesday, 5:30 - 6:00 PM, to get your questions answered about fostering learning and success in your children.  Support the show We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/ https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

  8. Jun 7

    3 Ways to Build a Positive Reading Culture for Middle Schoolers

    Send us Fan Mail Discover practical strategies to motivate your middle school child to read regularly and improve their reading skills, especially in the aftermath of disruptions like the pandemic. This episode emphasizes fostering a positive reading environment, selecting engaging texts, and establishing consistent routines to build confidence and love for reading. Main topics: Understanding and defining reading levels (independent, instructional, frustration) Strategies to make reading relevant, fun, and interest-based Tips for scheduling and building a positive reading routine How to assess your child's current reading level Addressing negative attitudes toward reading and resetting their relationship with books In this episode: The importance of matching reading materials to your child's independent reading level How to identify if your child is reading at, below, or above grade level Ways to make reading relevant and engaging based on your child's interests (sports, business, health, etc.) The significance of creating a dedicated and comfortable reading environment Practical tips for establishing a consistent reading schedule Resources for assessing and tracking reading levels, including online tools like NewsElla, IXL, ReadWorks, CommonLit.org How parental attitude and environment influence a child's reading habits Encouragement to be patient and persistent in guiding your child's reading journey Resources: NewsELA – Customized leveled reading texts IXL – Diagnostic and skill practice for reading levels ReadWorks – Reading comprehension resources and assessments CommonLit.org – Free leveled reading passages Connect with TD Flenaugh: YouTube - Falling for Learning Let's help our children fall in love with reading by making it relevant, routine, and positive! Support the show We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Follow us: Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/ https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

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This podcast supports 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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