Today’s episode, titled "Rethinking Weapon Play in Classrooms: Balancing Safety, Learning, and Playful Exploration," takes us on a journey through personal experiences, societal implications, and educational strategies around the often controversial topic of weapon play in early childhood settings.

Host Roberto Germán is joined by two distinguished guests: Kisa Marx, an author and anti-racist curriculum developer, and Samuel Broaden, an early education expert and speaker. Together, they bring a wealth of insight from their personal backgrounds and professional experiences.

Kisa Marx shares her childhood experiences growing up amid the crack war and gang violence in Chicago, contrasting with her current perspective as a parent and advocate for mindful play. Samuel Broaden reflects on his rural upbringing and evolving views on toy weapons, influenced by his educational journey and personal connections. Their discussion brings to light the complex layers of safety, racial dynamics, and the developmental importance of imaginative play.

Through this episode, we uncover how children use weapon play to explore power, consent, and kindness, and why it’s essential for educators to approach this subject with empathy and an open mind. We also delve into broader themes of boundaries versus rules in classrooms, the importance of continuous dialogue, and the unique challenges faced by educators today.

Stay tuned as we navigate these intricacies, providing practical insights and strategies for creating a balanced and inclusive learning environment. And don’t miss out on their collaborative work, "Rethinking Weapon Play in Early Childhood: How to Encourage Imagination, Kindness, and Consent in Your Classroom," available widely for those looking to dive deeper into this transformative approach.

Today, we are honored to have Dr. Amira Rose Davis as our special guest. Dr. Davis, an assistant professor specializing in 20th-century American history with a focus on race, gender, sports, and politics, will be joining us to delve into the intricate histories of Black athletes, especially Black women in sports. In this episode, Dr. Davis sheds light on the dualities Black athletes face, the role of historical narratives, and the symbolic yet complex victories on the international stage.

We'll also get an insider’s look into her co-authored children's book, "Go, Wilma, Go," which portrays the extraordinary life of Wilma Rudolph, addressing themes of perseverance amid racial and sexist barriers. From the inspirational highs of Wilma's athletic achievements to the critical social reflections they prompt, Dr. Davis offers us a vibrant and nuanced exploration of history's gray areas.

Stay tuned as we unpack topics from the significance of solidarity among Black athletes, the ripple effects of the Jim Crow era, to the ongoing fight for genuine representation and acknowledgment in sports and beyond. Whether it’s through her book, her podcasts, or her insightful research, Dr. Davis encourages us to celebrate achievements while navigating the complexities behind them.

In this episode, we'll explore the foundational principles of NVC, including the profound understanding that all behaviors are attempts to meet needs. Mike Tinoco shares powerful real-life examples from his teaching career and personal journey, shedding light on how recognizing and addressing unmet needs can reshape interactions and build stronger, more empathetic communities.

We'll also discuss the significant role of self-reflection and emotional awareness in understanding one's needs and emotions. Roberto and Mike will delve into their personal experiences, touching on themes like identity, belonging, and the importance of reclaiming personal stories to reshape identity and culture.

Additionally, Mike will unpack key concepts from his acclaimed book, "Heart at the Center: An Educator's Guide to Sustaining Love, Hope, and Community through Nonviolent Pedagogy." From creating safe and affirming spaces to practicing self-empathy, this conversation is packed with insights to help educators and community builders engage more empathetically and constructively.

In this episode of Our Classroom, Chris Lehman, the visionary Founding Director of the Educator Collaborative, joins to explore the critical importance of partnership in educational leadership, balancing autonomy and rigidity, and the power of co-creation tailored to the needs of schools and districts. Chris sheds light on the significant work the Educator Collaborative is doing to offer accessible professional development and shares inspiring examples from the field. Together, they reflect on the challenges and profound impact of teaching, the importance of responsive leadership, and the joy of contributing to a hopeful future for young learners.

Christopher Lehman is the Founding Director of The Educator Collaborative, a K-12 Literacy think tank and professional development organization, working to innovate the ways educators learn together.

He is an international speaker, literacy consultant, and New York Times best-selling author. He holds degrees from UW-Madison, NYU, and Teachers College, Columbia University. Chris has been a middle-school teacher, high-school teacher, literacy coach, and staff developer. He sits on the Board of Directors of the National Center for Families Learning, is a past Chair of the NCTE Middle Level Section, and past member of the NCTE Executive Committee.

With The Educator Collaborative, Chris is working to innovate the ways literacy educators learn in-person and online, providing professional learning for teachers, coaches, and administrators so students can hold their brightest futures.

Social Media:

@iChrisLehman on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook

@TheEdCollab on YouTube, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook

In this episode of Our Classroom, we're thrilled to present an eye-opening conversation with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, a former 7th and 8th grade math teacher from Boston Public Schools and now a passionate education advocate. This episode dives deep into Kwame's journey from classroom challenges to global experiences in Sierra Leone. Kwame shares his frustrations and realizations about the varying commitments among educators, and he distinguishes between allyship and co-conspiratorship in driving meaningful change.

We'll explore Kwame's new book, "Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom," and discuss the critical difference between "schooling" and "education." You'll hear about Kwame’s personal experiences, insights on identity affirmation, the importance of empowering students, and practical ways for educators to move beyond intellectual discussions to tangible actions. Plus, get a glimpse into alternative educational paths, the financial implications of higher education, and the impact of supportive relationships in academic success.

Join us as we uncover these pivotal topics and invite you to connect with Kwame’s transformative work. Get ready for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that promises to inspire educators and learners alike!

#Education #IdentityAffirmation #InclusiveEducation #Teaching #KwameSarfoMensah #CulturalAffirmation #LearningToRelearn #OurClassroomPodcast #PodcastEpisode #EquityInEducation

Follow: @kwam_the_identity_shaper

Chapters

[00:00 - 05:00] Introduction to Cultural Affirmation in Education

[05:01 - 10:00] Understanding Key Teaching Challenges Today

[10:01 - 15:00] Creating an Inclusive and Affirmative Classroom

[15:01 - 20:00] Building Relationships with Culturally Diverse Students

[20:01 - 25:00] Navigating Systemic Barriers in Education

[25:01 - 30:00] Strategies for Culturally Responsive Teaching

[30:01 - 35:00] Fostering Student Empowerment and Voice

[35:01 - 40:00] Practical Tips for Teachers in Diverse Classrooms

[40:01 - End] Conclusion: The Future of Cultural Affirmation in Education

In today's episode, Roberto reconnects with Tony DelaRosa, a multifaceted educator, poet, and PhD student at UW Madison. It's been nearly three years since their collaborative poetry session, and now they dive deep into the complex impacts of affirmative action bans on education and racial dynamics.

Tony, the author of "Teaching the Invisible Race," shares insights from his extensive research on ethnic studies and race-based policies. Together, Roberto and Tony explore the implications of these policies on Asian American communities, as well as the potential ripple effects on Black and Latinx enrollments.

Throughout the conversation, Tony underscores the importance of cross-racial solidarity and the inclusion of diverse Asian American narratives in education. They discuss proactive educational leadership and the integration of underrepresented stories into the curriculum, using poetry as a powerful tool for emotional and cultural engagement.

Join us as we delve into the nuances of ethnic representation, the importance of solidarity among marginalized groups, and the ongoing efforts to elevate Asian American visibility in our educational systems. Tune in for an episode packed with profound insights and actionable ideas.

In today's episode, we're thrilled to dive into the inspiring world of language education with our special guest, Gretchen Melo. Gretchen is the visionary founder of El Puente Bilingüe, a Spanish language curriculum infused with Montessori principles. Roberto and Gretchen explore the development and impact of this innovative curriculum, which not only fills gaps in traditional Spanish teaching but also engages students through structured and creative activities.

Gretchen reveals her journey from noticing the potential in young learners' grasp of English grammar to creating a comprehensive curriculum that gradually builds linguistic skills through scaffolded learning, starting with basic greetings and progressing to complex sentence analysis.

They also discuss the challenges of developing these impactful materials, the importance of understanding community language exposure, and the valuable role Montessori environments play in fostering language acquisition. Plus, Gretchen shares insights into her online course, which makes her effective teaching methods accessible to a broader audience, including adults.

Stay tuned and learn how Gretchen's work is bridging language gaps in education and creating a community of lifelong language learners.

This episode is sponsored by Corwin.

Corwin provides sustained, job-embedded professional learning that supports educators to strengthen the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and practices that have the greatest influence on student growth and achievement.

Today we're celebrating the vibrancy of Dominican culture and the power of family through literature. Joining us is the inspiring author and poet, Lissette Norman, known for her evocative books like "Plátanos Go With Everything" and "My Feet Are Laughing."

In this episode, Lissette shares her unique writing styles and the journey behind her works, emphasizing the impact of Afro-Latino representation in children's literature. From her use of lyrical storytelling to her dedication to showcasing nurturing father figures, Lissette paints a heartwarming picture of Dominican life. She also offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers, stressing the importance of rewriting and engaging with young readers for honest feedback.

We’ll explore how books can serve as a conduit for cultural stories, and the significant roles they play in affirming children's identities. Whether you're an educator, parent, or aspiring writer, this conversation promises to inspire and expand your understanding of the importance of diverse voices in literature.