Edu-Kate

Kate Kowalski

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Education
Weekly

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.

23h ago

Introducing A.O.B

As Edu-Kate nears its first year, the format will take a slight change - tune in to find out more!
Oct 24

Math Is Everywhere! Bringing Elementary Math to Life with Janice Novakowski

Math is everywhere — but how can we help children recognize it, explore it and develop a genuine love of mathematical thinking? In this episode of Edu-Kate, I'm joined by Janice Novakowski, an experienced mathematics educator and advocate for playful, meaningful and hands-on math learning in elementary schools. Together, we explore how teachers can bring mathematics to life by moving beyond traditional worksheets and creating opportunities for children to discover math through play, exploration and everyday experiences. We discuss the importance of using practical materials, encouraging curiosity and helping children make connections between classroom mathematics and the world around them. From playful investigations to real-world problem-solving, Janice shares insights into how we can build children's confidence, deepen their mathematical understanding and help them see themselves as capable mathematicians. In this episode, we explore: Why mathematics should be meaningful, engaging and connected to children's lives. How play and hands-on experiences support mathematical understanding. Helping children recognize that math is all around them. Moving beyond worksheets to encourage exploration and mathematical thinking. Creating classroom environments where children feel confident, curious and excited about math. Whether you're an elementary teacher, school leader or simply passionate about helping children develop a positive relationship with mathematics, this conversation offers inspiration for bringing more joy, curiosity and purpose into math learning. Because math isn't just something we do in a classroom — it's something we experience every day. Connect with Janice Novakowski: Instagram: @jnovakowski — https://www.instagram.com/jnovakowski/ X (Twitter): @jnovakowski38 — https://twitter.com/jnovakowski38 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/janice-novakowski-7731a3aa Website: https://janicenovakowski.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@janicenovakowski7578
Oct 18

Does Every Piece of Work Have to be Finished?

In today's short, Kate asks the question - does every piece of work have to be finished? What are we valuing: the learning or the task? What could we do instead and how do we encourage kids to see the value in balance? Old habits die hard but it is important to ask these questions to ensure we have the best learning environments for our children.
Sep 30

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

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

39
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Kate Kowalski
Show Website

Edu-Kate