Edu-Kate

Kate Kowalski

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Education
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Kate, a seasoned classroom teacher, brings you honest, research-backed conversations about early childhood and the schooling system we all navigate. Each week she sits down with leading educators, researchers, policy experts, and advocates to unpack what’s working, what’s broken, and what actually helps kids thrive. Real talk. Real solutions. Real education. New episodes every week.

4d ago

Creating Mathers: Building Confident Mathematical Thinkers with Pam Harris

Today’s special guest is Pam Harris - founder of Math is Figure-Out-Able, teacher educator, author, speaker and podcast host. In this episode Pam teaches us how to open the door to math for more students and equip them with a map of mathematical relationships and connections rather than just giving them a list of directions to follow. Pam encourages us to move away from mimicking steps to complete algorithms and instead become confident “mathers” able to grapple with big numbers and solve problems in the most efficient way that also makes sense. Pam explains exactly what “fake” math is and the pitfalls that it causes. She cautions that "real" math is not slower, in fact this way of teaching and learning actually leads to deeper understanding, saving time and even improving test scores. Freebies: Pam has kindly offered you a free Developing Mathematical Reasoning workshop to see Math is Figure-Out-Able! in action https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/freeworkshop She has also given you free access to her major strategies ebook - https://bit.ly/major-strategies To find out more about Math is Figure-Out-Able go to the website: www.mathisfigureoutable.com Here you will find all of the courses that Pam offers as well as her many books including: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms (K-12) Numeracy Problem Strings (a K–5 series, with separate books for Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.)
Sep 19

Helping Kids Regulate: Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom with Monica Rollins

In today's episode, Kate is joined by Monica Rollins to explore how yoga and mindfulness can support children’s wellbeing and help them develop the skills they need to regulate their emotions and behaviour. They talk about what this can look like in practice, and how simple strategies can be woven into the school day to help children feel calmer, more connected and ready to learn. Contact Monica at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-kaye-rollins/ hello@rootedwellnesscollective.org
Sep 2

Are We Asking Too Much From Kids? with Rae Pica

Are we expecting too much from children, too soon? In this episode of the Edu-Kate Podcast, Kate is joined by internationally recognized early childhood education expert, author, and keynote speaker Rae Pica to explore whether the expectations we place on children actually match what we know about child development and how children learn. We discuss how often children are asked to sit still, focus for long periods, complete academic tasks, or manage behaviours they may simply not yet be developmentally ready for. What happens when adult expectations get ahead of children's developmental needs? Rae and Kate also explore the growing role of screens in childhood, why children need far more opportunities for play and movement, and the importance of protecting children's time to explore, move, imagine, and simply be kids. In this episode, we discuss: Why "earlier" doesn't necessarily mean "better" when it comes to learningThe danger of expecting children to do things they are not developmentally ready forWhy movement is fundamental to children's learning and developmentThe importance of play at school and at homeThe impact of increasing screen use on childhoodWhy expecting young children to sit still for long periods can work against the way they naturally learnHow teachers and parents can create environments that better reflect children's developmental needsWhy protecting childhood matters Rae Pica is an internationally known early childhood education consultant, author, and keynote speaker who has spent more than four decades advocating for developmentally appropriate education and the whole child. She is the author of numerous books exploring child development, movement, play, and education, including What If Everybody Understood Child Development? and What If We Taught the Way Children Learn? Throughout her career, Rae has worked to help educators and parents better understand how children develop and why children need opportunities to move, play, explore, and be children. Website: raepica.com LinkedIn: Rae Pica
Aug 26

Start the School Year Right: 3 Things That Really Matter

In today's short solo episode, Kate shares three key areas that if you get right, you will have a successful school year. 1) Classroom Design 2) Routines 3) Community - creating a sense of belonging She uses advise from previous guests on the podcast to help get you set up for a great year ahead. You do not want to miss this one!
Aug 19

Helping Kids Learn to Read with K.C. Hansen

In this episode, Kate is joined by K.C. Hansen, a reading interventionist based in Seattle. They discuss what is important when trying to support kids learning to read. K.C. shares Lyon's research behind the science of reading and provides practical tips and advice in teaching and assessing how kids read. K.C also highlights common misconceptions amongst parents and educators and points out red flags to look out for in struggling readers. Contact K.C: Instagram: @msdothansen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-c-hansen-a26380213/ ⁠Reid Lyon 10 Maxims⁠:https://readinguniverse.org/article/explore-teaching-topics/big-picture/ten-maxims-what-weve-learned-so-far-about-how-children-learn-to-read-2026
Aug 12

Designing Intentional Classrooms with Carla Dabau Padrosa

As teachers head back to school and begin preparing their classrooms for a new group of learners, international educator and learning environment designer Carla Dabau Padrosa joins the Edu-Kate Podcast to explore how we can design classrooms with greater intention. Drawing on many years of teaching experience across Spain, the Netherlands, the U.S. and Switzerland, Carla shares practical ideas for creating calm, flexible and inspiring learning spaces that support inquiry, collaboration and creativity—while considering the well-being of both students and the teachers who spend their days in them. If you are a teacher looking for tips and tricks to better utilize your learning space, then this is the episode for you! Connect with Carla: https://www.instagram.com/carladabaup https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-dabau-padrosa-986137b2/ Order a copy of Designing Intentional Classrooms: https://www.pearsoncanadaschool.com/pd/products/designing-intentional-classrooms.html
Aug 5

What is the Perfect School?

In this solo episode, Kate explores the question of what is the perfect school? It is clear that this evokes more questions than answers, but it will definitely get you thinking about what it could look like for you and also remind you of why we need things to change. She looks at it from both perspectives of a mother and teacher. Listen in and join the conversation.
Jul 28

Rethinking Inclusion: Building Schools Where Every Child Belongs with Professor Sigamoney Manicka Naicker

What does true inclusion really look like—and how do we build schools where every child genuinely belongs? In this episode of Edu-Kate, Kate is joined by Professor Sigamoney Manicka Naicker, an internationally respected educator, researcher, and advocate for inclusive education. For decades, Professor Naicker has worked to improve educational opportunities for children around the world. He has advised governments, collaborated with UNESCO and UNICEF, and played a significant role in shaping inclusive education policy in South Africa following the end of apartheid. His work continues to influence how schools and education systems think about equity, belonging, and the rights of every learner. Together, Kate and Professor Naicker explore what authentic inclusion looks like beyond policy documents and classroom labels. They discuss why inclusion benefits every child—not just those with identified learning needs—and share practical ways teachers and school leaders can create classrooms where every learner feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. The conversation also explores Professor Naicker's thought-provoking new book, Education Systems in the 21st Century Are Engines of Inequality: From a Pedagogy of Convenience to a Pedagogy of Resilience. In it, he argues that many education systems have become centred on bureaucracy, standardisation, and efficiency—a "Pedagogy of Convenience"—rather than the diverse needs of children. He challenges educators and policymakers to embrace a "Pedagogy of Resilience," where schools are designed to adapt to children's realities, promote belonging, and create equitable opportunities for every learner. Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, parent, or anyone passionate about education, this episode will encourage you to rethink what inclusion really means and inspire you to imagine schools where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Connect with Professor Naicker: LinkedIn - https://za.linkedin.com/in/sigamoney-manicka-naicker-0027113

Trailer

Introduction

Introduction to Edu-Kate

Kate, a seasoned classroom teacher, brings you honest, research-backed conversations about early childhood and the schooling system we all navigate. Each week she sits down with leading educators, researchers, policy experts, and advocates to unpack what’s working, what’s broken, and what actually helps kids thrive. Real talk. Real solutions. Real education. New episodes every week.

Creator

Kate Kowalski
Years Active

2026
Episodes

36
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Kate Kowalski
Show Website

Edu-Kate