The PHPS Difference

PHPS

5.0 (5)
Education

The PHPS Difference Podcast—an inside glance into how PHPS celebrates students who learn differently. At PHPS, we focus on equipping students with the skills, confidence, and passion to be successful in their futures. Through this podcast we will share resources and expert insights to help families and our community support learners beyond the classroom. We invite families and community members to walk alongside us in supporting extraordinary learners.

6d ago

Hootie’s Story Nest: Coach Green

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Show Notes Hootie’s Story Nest – Episode 3Featuring Coach Green, PHPS Science Teacher Welcome back to Hootie’s Story Nest, part of the PHPS Difference Podcast Summer Series! In this episode, Coach Green, our PHPS Science Teacher, shares an exciting selection from I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 by Lauren Tarshis. Listeners will follow Ben, a young boy visiting Japan, as he experiences one of the most powerful natural disasters in modern history. Through courage, resilience, and determination, this story brings science, history, and storytelling together in an unforgettable way. 🌟 In This Episode A read-aloud from I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 An introduction to the real-life events surrounding the 2011 tsunami in Japan Coach Green's favorite book recommendations: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien A connection between science, history, and storytelling A celebration of courage, perseverance, and resilience 🎯 Our Goal To inspire a love of reading, spark curiosity about the world around us, and help students discover how books can teach us about science, history, and the human experience. 📚 Keep Listening Join us each week as a new PHPS teacher shares their favorite stories and helps keep our students connected to books all summer long. 💛 Special Thanks Before we wrap up, we want to give full credit to the authors, illustrators, and publishers of the books shared in today’s episode. These excerpts are shared to celebrate and support reading. Hootie’s Story Nest is an educational summer series on the PHPS Difference Podcast, created to inspire a love of reading, spark curiosity, and keep students connected to books all summer long.

5 min
Jun 1

Hootie’s Story Nest: Ms. Stewart

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Show Notes Hootie’s Story Nest – Episode 1Featuring Ms. Stewart, PHPS Art Teacher Welcome to the very first episode of Hootie’s Story Nest, part of the PHPS Difference Podcast Summer Series! In this episode, Ms. Stewart, our talented PHPS Art Teacher, shares the beloved story Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson. She brings the story to life with a fun and engaging read-aloud and shares an additional book recommendation to keep students reading and imagining all summer long. 🌟 In This Episode A read-aloud of Room on the Broom A featured recommendation: Possum Magic by Mem Fox A personal summer connection from Ms. Stewart A celebration of creativity, imagination, and storytelling 🎯 Our Goal To inspire a love of reading, spark creativity, and remind students that stories and imagination go hand in hand. 📚 Keep Listening Join us each week as a new PHPS teacher shares their favorite stories and helps keep our students connected to books all summer long. 💛 Special Thanks A special thank you to Carmen for introducing and helping bring Hootie’s Story Nest to life on the podcast. Before we wrap up, we want to give full credit to the authors, illustrators, and publishers of the books shared in today’s episode. These excerpts are shared to celebrate and support reading. Hootie’s Story Nest is an educational summer series on the PHPS Difference Podcast, created to inspire a love of reading, spark curiosity, and keep students connected to books all summer long.

5 min
May 18

Preventing the Summer Slide

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Episode Show Notes Preventing the Summer Slide (Without Turning Summer Into School) In our final episode of Season 1, Becky and Lauren talk about one of the most common summer concerns for families—the “summer slide.” If you’ve ever worried about your child losing skills over the summer, this episode is here to reassure you: summer doesn’t need to feel like school to support learning. Instead, it’s about keeping things simple, consistent, and engaging—especially for students with learning differences. 🌟 What We Cover What the “summer slide” really means (hint: it’s about routines, not ability)What actually counts as reading (it’s more than you think!)Why audiobooks are a powerful tool for confidence and comprehensionEasy, everyday ways kids keep learning without it feeling like schoolSimple, low-pressure tips for reading and math over the summer💡 Key Takeaways A little consistency goes a long wayReading doesn’t have to look traditional to countConfidence and enjoyment matter mostLearning happens in everyday moments🎯 Closing Thought A little reading, a little math, and a lot of joy go a long way. 🎙️ Coming Up Next Tune into our summer series, Hootie’s Story Nest, where our teachers and staff share favorite books and read-alouds to keep students connected to stories all summer long.

17 min
May 5

Getting to Know Our New Middle School Head: Mr. Adler

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Becky and Lauren sit down with Mr. Adler to learn more about his journey in education and what excites him most about leading the PHPS Middle School. This episode takes a fun and engaging turn as some of our amazing 5th grade students join the conversation, putting Mr. Adler in the hot seat with thoughtful and creative questions. From his favorite books growing up to the experiences that shaped him as an educator, listeners get a glimpse into both the leader and the person behind the role. 🧠 What We Discuss Mr. Adler’s path into educationHis vision and excitement for PHPS Middle SchoolWhat middle school was like for himThe importance of relationships and student connectionStudent-led questions that bring out personality and perspective🎬📚 Mr. Adler’s Favorites & Influences Favorite film: The NaturalFavorite books as a kid: Matt Christopher sports book seriesA meaningful recommendation from his grandmother: The Lords of DisciplineA book on education: The Teenage BrainComing Up Next Coming up next: Preventing the Summer Slide - simple, practical ways to keep reading and math skills strong without turning summer into school.

19 min
Apr 13

Student Takeover with Drew Daywalt

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Episode Show Notes Student Takeover with Drew Daywalt In this special episode of the PHPS Difference Podcast, we’re handing the microphones over to our students for a Student Takeover! Fifth graders Penny and Wells lead the conversation as they interview bestselling children’s author Drew Daywalt, known for beloved books like The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home. Joined by fellow students James, Mila, Caroline, and Allie, this episode is filled with curiosity, creativity, and plenty of fun as students take the lead in asking thoughtful—and sometimes surprising—questions. 🧠 What We Discuss How Drew Daywalt comes up with ideas for his booksHis experiences growing up with dyslexia and dyscalculiaWhat school was like for him as a studentThe role of creativity, imagination, and humor in storytellingA behind-the-scenes look at writing and being an author⚡ PHPS Speed Round Our student readers jump in with a fast-paced round of questions, including: Favorite color, snack, and writing spotMorning vs. night writingDogs or catsAnd even… what animal would make the best writing buddy📚 Books & Authors Mentioned The Day the Crayons QuitThe Day the Crayons Came HomeThey Call Me No SamForty the Fortune TellerTony DiTerlizziRutgers and the Water-Snouts🌱 A Moment That Stands Out Drew shares openly about his own experiences with dyslexia and dyscalculia, offering a powerful reminder that learning differences can shape creativity, perspective, and success in meaningful ways. 🎙️ Why This Episode Matters At PHPS, we believe in creating opportunities for students to use their voice, ask questions, and engage with the world around them. This episode is a joyful example of what happens when students take the lead—and a meaningful reminder that different learners can grow into creative, confident adults.

13 min
Apr 1

Understanding ADHD & Executive Function

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Episode Show Notes Understanding ADHD & Executive Function In this episode of the PHPS podcast, we wrap up our three‑part series on learning differences with Leda Owens of the Housson Center. In this conversation, we explore ADHD through the lens of executive function — helping families better understand how attention, organization, working memory, and self‑regulation impact students both in school and in daily life. Dr. Owens offers clear, practical insight into how these challenges show up and how supportive environments can make a meaningful difference. 🧠 What We Discuss How to understand ADHD in clear, everyday languageWhat executive function skills are and how they develop over timeHow ADHD impacts learning, attention, and consistency in schoolCommon misconceptions about ADHD, including attention and hyperfocusPractical ways to support students at home and in the classroomThe importance of scaffolding, patience, and reducing overwhelmStrengths often associated with ADHD, including creativity and adaptability 📚 Resources Mentioned Leda Owens – Learn more about Dr. Owens’ work with students and families through the Housson Center, including support for ADHD and executive function.Theo of Golden – A book Dr. Owens is currently reading and recommends! 🌱 A Message of Encouragement Dr. Owens reminds us that ADHD is not simply about attention — it’s about how the brain manages and organizes tasks. She emphasizes that while there are real challenges, there are also meaningful strengths, including creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and out‑of‑the‑box thinking. With understanding, patience, and the right support, students with ADHD can build confidence, develop their skills over time, and thrive in ways that reflect their unique strengths. 🎙️ Series Wrap‑Up This episode concludes our three‑part series on learning differences. Our hope is that these conversations have provided clarity, encouragement, and practical insight for families and educators supporting students every day. 🎧 Coming Next We’re handing the microphones over to our students for a special student takeover episode, featuring an interview with visiting author Drew Daywalt, best known for The Day the Crayons Quit — a joyful and creative conversation you won’t want to miss.

22 min
Mar 26

Math Learning: Visual‑Spatial Processing & Working Memory

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Episode Show Notes Math Learning: Visual‑Spatial Processing & Working Memory In this episode of the PHPS podcast, we continue our three‑part series on learning differences with Leda Owens of the Housson Center. Together, we explore how visual‑spatial processing and working memory influence math learning and why some students may struggle with math even when they are trying hard. Dr. Owens helps us better understand the thinking skills behind math, how challenges can show up in the classroom, and how thoughtful instruction and support can help students build confidence. 🧠 What We Discuss How visual‑spatial processing supports understanding numbers and solving math problemsThe role working memory plays in holding and organizing information during math tasksSigns a child may be struggling with these skillsWhy “more practice” doesn’t always solve math challengesInstructional approaches that help reduce cognitive overload in math learningHow teachers and families can support students as they build confidence and problem‑solving strategies📚 Resources Mentioned Dyscalculator – A calculator designed to support students with dyscalculia by reducing cognitive load and making math tasks more accessible.Leda Owens – Learn more about Dr. Owens’ work supporting students with ADHD, dyscalculia, and executive function challenges through the Housson Center.🌱 A Message of Encouragement Dr. Owens reminds families that math struggles are often connected to underlying cognitive processes — not effort or motivation. With the right supports and instructional approaches, students can develop strategies that help them succeed and feel more confident in their learning. 🎙️ Coming Next In the final episode of our learning differences series, Dr. Owens returns to talk about ADHD and executive function, exploring how attention, organization, and regulation impact learning and what supportive environments look like for these learners.

17 min
Mar 13

Understanding Dyslexia & Dysgraphia with Dr. Bell

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Episode Show NotesUnderstanding Dyslexia & Dysgraphia with Dr. Nicole Bell In this episode of the PHPS podcast, we kick off our three‑part series on learning differences with Nicole Bell, Head of School at PHPS. Dr. Bell shares insight into two common language‑based learning differences — dyslexia and dysgraphia — and helps families better understand how they affect reading, writing, and learning. Together, we explore how these learning differences show up in the classroom, the importance of early recognition, and how structured, research‑based instruction can help students build confidence and thrive. 🧠 What We Discuss What dyslexia and dysgraphia are and how they differEarly signs families and teachers may noticeHow learning differences can impact a child’s confidence and school experienceWhy phonemic awareness is a critical foundation for reading and writingHow structured, explicit literacy instruction supports students with dyslexia and dysgraphiaCommon misconceptions about learning differencesPractical ways families can support children at home🌱 A Message of Encouragement Dr. Bell reminds families that a learning difference does not define a child’s potential. With understanding, strong relationships, and the right instructional support, students with dyslexia and dysgraphia can grow into confident and successful learners. 🎙️ Coming Next in the Series In Episode 2, we continue the conversation with Leda Owens from the Housson Center as we explore math learning differences, including challenges related to visual‑spatial processing and working memory. 📚Resources The Yale Center for Dyslexia and & Creativity - provides research, resources, and advocacy to help educators and families better understand dyslexia and support students with language‑based learning differences. It also highlights the strengths and creativity often associated with dyslexia. Overcoming Dyslexia-A trusted guide from one of the world’s leading dyslexia researchers, this book helps parents and educators better understand, identify, and support individuals with dyslexia. Updated with the latest research and practical strategies, it offers tools to build strong reading skills and confidence at every age. The Dyslexic Advantage-This book highlights the powerful strengths often found in individuals with dyslexia. Drawing on research and real-life stories, the authors show how dyslexic thinkers often excel in creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking, offering an encouraging perspective for educators, families, and students.

14 min

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

The PHPS Difference Podcast—an inside glance into how PHPS celebrates students who learn differently. At PHPS, we focus on equipping students with the skills, confidence, and passion to be successful in their futures. Through this podcast we will share resources and expert insights to help families and our community support learners beyond the classroom. We invite families and community members to walk alongside us in supporting extraordinary learners.

Creator

PHPS
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

14
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 The PHPS Difference
Show Website

The PHPS Difference