The Parent’s Guide to Public School

Making Waves For Science

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:20:56 -0400

Teach your child to be a careful observer and think like a scientist. With simple phrases, you can use everyday conversation to boost their critical thinking skills. You can also plan simple, free activities that help get them excited to explore the world around them.

Counting Past 100

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:46:00 -0300

Math gets more complicated in first grade, but it's easy to help your child at home so they will have an easier time at school. Listen to get ideas for activities to help them visualize quantities up to 120. Understand how to help them with place value using easy crafts and coins and get simple habits to do every day to help them learn to read and write 3-digit numbers.

First Grade Journey (Game Board)

https://publicschoolsuccess.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1st-grade-skills-printer-friendly.jpg

120 Acts of Kindness Chart

https://publicschoolsuccess.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/120-acts-of-kindness.pdf

Sound It Out: Blending and Segmenting Letter Sounds

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:27:47 -0300

This episode, hosted by Miriam Brown, offers insider tips for parents of first-grade children learn how to read. Parents will learn how to use simple guessing games while traveling in the car to help children learn that will support their ability to hear the individual letter sounds that form words. Miriam coaches parents on simple, age-appropriate practices to use during their bedtime story routine to start applying knowledge of letter sounds to read short words. Short spurts of consistent, interactive practice will help children build phonemic awareness and unlock the world of reading.

https://publicschoolsuccess.com/2025/10/08/__trashed/

Making Friends At School

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:52:35 -0300

One of most important reasons to send your child to school is so they will learn to get along with all kinds of people. In this episode, Miriam Brown talks about what can do to increase the chances that your child will be socially ready for elementary school. You will learn about how games, like high-low, and resources like "Mightier" video games, can help teach your child good conversation skills and good sportsmanship.

Mightier Video Games: https://www.mightier.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqv2_BhC0ARIsAFb5Ac_3uZ9OAsHi6dsVBQiZkDp_5T1UlgeT8RpbhHmOp5S6EcuU-eLpjTAaAhwpEALw_wcB

Deep Breathing: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/all-childrens-hospital/services/anesthesiology/pain-management/complimentary-pain-therapies/diaphragmatic-breathing#:~:text=Using%20your%20diaphragm%20also%20activates%20your%20vagus,body's%20stress%20response%20(or%20sympathetic%20nervous%20system).&text=Diaphragmatic%20breathing%20can%20help%20you%20deal%20with,may%20come%20from%20schoolwork%20or%20other%20situations.

High, Low, Buffalo: https://sunshine-parenting.com/highs-lows-buffaloes/

Helpfulness: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/06/09/616928895/how-to-get-your-kids-to-do-chores-without-resenting-it

Confusing b & d

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 15:47:46 -0400

Does your child get confused by the lowercase "b" and the lowercase "d"? This doesn't necessarily mean they have dyslexia. Find out when you should start to be concerned about it and how you can help them learn to distinguish between those tricky letters.

References and Resources

Engage and Inspire with Mrs. Sneider. (n.d.). B & D Reversal Posters, Student Desk Cards, & Student Stickers. Teachers Pay Teachers. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from B & D Reversal Posters, Student Desk Cards, & Student Stickers

Kelly, K., & Margent, R. (2024, August 16). FAQs about reversing letters, writing letters backwards, and dyslexia. Understood.org. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/faqs-about-reversing-letters-writing-letters-backwards-and-dyslexia

NOCO Dyslexia Center. (2022). Why the “Bed” Trick Doesn’t Work to Resolve b/d Confusion for a Dyslexic Student. NOCO Dyslexia Center. Retrieved 14 January, 2024, from https://www.nocodyslexia.com/post/why-the-bed-trick-doesn-t-work-to-resolve-b-d-confusion-for-a-dyslexic-student

Treiman, R., Gordon, J., Boata, R., Peterson, R. L., & Pennington, B. F. (2014, March 11). Statistical Learning, Letter Reversals, and Reading. Sci Stud Read, 18(6), 389-394. National Library of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888438.2013.873937

Family Field Trips

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:19:38 -0400

Your child's background knowledge and vocabulary are key to helping them become proficient readers. Learn how family field trips and simple learning adventures can help them do well in school and develop critical thinking skills.

References

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Disorders of Reading and Writing. ASHA.or. Retrieved 12 20, 2024, from https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/written-language-disorders/disorders-of-reading-and-writing/?srsltid=AfmBOoq7itDoISbJ6OIKUI44UGMGBt00PAB40OMCoJUWpZz31uK0Gw2U

D’Angiulli, A., Runge, M., Faulkner, A., Zakizadeh, J., Chan, A., & Morcos, S. (2013). Vividness of visual imagery and incidental recall of verbal cues, when phenomenological availability reflects long-term memory accessibility. Frontiers in psychology, 4, 1.

Reid Smith, Pamela Snow, Tanya Serry & Lorraine Hammond (2021) The Role of Background Knowledge in Reading Comprehension: A Critical Review, Reading Psychology, 42:3, 214-240, DOI: 10.1080/02702711.2021.1888348

Little Bookworms: Reading Three Letter Words

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:55:39 -0300

Join host Miriam Brown as she delves into the significant role bedtime stories play in developing children's reading and language skills.

In this episode, discover how simple activities like reading aloud, counting words, and discussing story elements can enhance your child's reading comprehension and fluency.

for transcripts visit my website publicschoolsuccess.com

Citations

Soto, C., Gutierrez de Blume, A. P., Rebolledo, V., Rodríguez, F., Palma, D., & Gutiérrez, F. (2022). Metacognitive monitoring skills of reading comprehension and writing between proficient and poor readers. Metacognition and Learning, 18(1), 113–134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11409-022-09317-8

Stone, J., & Smollin, M. (2004). The monster at the end of this book. 1st Big Little Golden Book ed. New York, Golden Books.

Pinching Pennies: Teaching Kids to Count to 100

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 21:24:55 -0300

Miriam Brown shares how teaching her kids to handle money not only improved their financial responsibility but also helped them master the crucial kindergarten skill of counting to 100. Through real-life examples, she explains how counting money can help kids grasp the base 10 system and the concept of cardinality.

Tune in to understand how these hands-on activities not only prepare your child for kindergarten but also foster a deeper connection between numbers and real-world applications.

If you find this episode helpful, please share it with other parents and leave a review on your podcast player to help more families succeed in public school. Visit the website at publicschoolsuccess.com for transcripts and past episodes.

My Three Wishes: If I could change Standards, Standardized Testing, and Standardized Curriculum

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:41:13 -0300

In this episode, host Miriam Brown, a seasoned teacher with a background in psychology and curriculum instruction, delves into the intricacies of educational standards, standardized testing, and pre-made curriculum. Miriam clarifies the often-confused terms and explains their impact on students and teachers alike.

She discusses the Common Core standards, the rationale behind standardized tests, and the challenges posed by pre-made lesson plans. Miriam also shares her thoughts on the unrealistic goals set by current educational standards and offers practical advice for parents to help their children succeed in public school.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or just interested in the education system, this episode provides valuable insights on the complexities of public schooling.

How to Raise Great Listeners

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 02:08:23 -0300

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and strategies of teaching children to listen and follow directions. Evelynn Brown shares a humorous anecdote about her mom's unique way of encouraging tidiness, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on why kids have such a hard time listening.

We explore practical tips for parents to help their kids develop the ability to follow instructions, starting with simple chores at a young age. Special guest Erin Coppin provides insights Learn how routines and single-step directions can make a big difference, especially for children with auditory processing issues or ADHD.

Simple games like Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light that can also enhance your child's listening and impulse control.

Join us as we uncover the keys to helping your child become a better listener, setting them up for success at home, school, and beyond.

Advantages of ADHD: Helping Your Child Shine

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:19:06 -0300

In this episode, Miriam Brown and Erin Coppin, a mother of two children with ADHD, explore how ADHD can be a superpower rather than a disability. Through personal stories and practical advice, they discuss creative ways to help children with ADHD thrive.

Discover how Erin's children turned their ADHD into a blessing, leveraging their unique strengths in creative projects and forming meaningful friendships. Learn actionable tips on finding the right teachers and extracurricular activities to support your child's interests and emotional well-being. This episode is a must-listen for parents and educators aiming to unlock the full potential of children with ADHD.

ADHD Allies: Communicating with Teachers for Classroom Success

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 21:47:14 -0300

In this episode, host Miriam Brown, a seasoned public school teacher with a background in psychology and curriculum, teams up with Erin Coppin to discuss effective strategies for creating a supportive classroom environment for children with ADHD. Learn how to navigate 504 plans, advocate for your child's needs, and foster strong, empathetic relationships with teachers.

Erin shares her experiences as a parent, highlighting the importance of communication, empathy, and collaboration with educators. Miriam offers insights from the teacher's perspective, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of accommodating students with ADHD. Together, they provide practical advice for parents and teachers alike, aiming to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive in school.

Inside the Homework Battle: ADHD Part 3

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:03:09 -0300

In this episode, host Miriam Brown and PA Erin Coppin delve into the complexities of helping children with ADHD tackle their homework. They discuss strategies and routines that can make a significant difference. From setting up consistent homework times to knowing when to be flexible, this discussion offers valuable insights for parents struggling to balance academic responsibilities with their child's unique needs.

Listeners will learn about the importance of organization, managing emotional outbursts, and the delicate balance between academic work and extracurricular activities. This episode also emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children's confidence and helping them develop successful study habits over the years.

If you find these tips helpful, don't forget to share this episode with others who might benefit. Stay tuned for the next episode, which will focus on collaborating with teachers to enhance your child's educational experience.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate? That is the Question: ADHD Part 2

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:30:40 -0300

In this episode, host Miriam Brown and PA Erin Coppin dive deep into the complexities of medication for treating ADHD in children. They explore the pros and cons of medication, discussing its impact on academic performance, social behavior, and self-esteem.

Erin shares her personal journey as a mom balancing her medical knowledge with her parental instincts, and the challenges her children faced with ADHD medication. The episode also covers alternative treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and occupational therapy, weighing their effectiveness compared to stimulant medication.

Whether you're a parent grappling with treatment decisions or an educator seeking insights, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on helping children with ADHD thrive.

The ADHD Brain: Diagnosis and Overdiagnosis

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 19:33:42 -0300

Host Miriam Carey Brown interviews, Erin Coppin, a medical practitioner and mother of children with ADHD. Erin discusses her journey from initial suspicions to formal diagnosis, highlighting the challenges and revelations along the way. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinct differences in behavior and brain function between children with ADHD and their neurotypical peers.

Miriam and Erin also touch on the importance of early intervention, to help children with ADHD succeed. This episode is part of a series aimed at shedding light on ADHD, breaking down misconceptions, and offering practical advice for parents.

Boredom Busters Part 2: Responding to boredom without screens.

Thu, 02 May 2024 23:27:12 -0300

In the 2nd half of this episode I discuss what to say when your child complains of boredom. Evelynn, Stella, Zaide and Yogi talk about what kids can do to entertain yourself when you don't have any screen time. I also talk about how to help a child who is misbehaving in school or refusing to attend because of boredom.

Boredom Busters Part 1: How electronics affect boredom tolerance.

Thu, 02 May 2024 22:19:31 -0300

Being bored is a normal part of public school. Is this good or bad? Elizabeth Solis and I discuss the pros and cons of letting your child use electronic devices to deal with boredom. Every family is different, but if your family would like to reduce their reliance on screens this episode explains how you can do it.

Shapes & Art Shame: Teaching your child basic shapes.

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 19:07:49 -0300

Learning shapes is an important skill to help your child be ready for math in kindergarten. But it can also prepare them for art assignments that require them to draw simple objects. Lets talk about fun ways to help your kids name shapes and use them to make art.

Crayons and Cars: Helping your child to learn their colors.

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:50:35 -0300

Colors are complicated because there are so many different shades and variations. Learn what to expect when you start teaching your child colors. This episode talks about games and activities that can help you get started.

Phonics Phun: Teaching basic letter sounds

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 02:13:34 -0400

When you start to teach your child the sounds that letters make, you need to start simple. Learn which sounds to start off with and get some ideas for games to play to practice these basic phonics concepts.

Dyslexia Bonus Chat Part 2: What do you do if your childis diagnosed with dyslexia?

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 21:14:20 -0400

I speak with Aubrey Merrick about what options are available for treating dyslexia once you have a diagnosis.

Dyslexia Bonus Chat Part 1:Aubrey Merrick talks with me about getting a diagnosis

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 20:41:08 -0400

Does your child seem to be struggling with reading? Does story time end in tears and frustration? This episode, Dyslexia Bonus Chat Part 1 talks about how to find out what the problem could be.

Singing & Spying the Alphabet: Teaching Letters Before Kindergarten

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:45:52 -0400

Your child will do much better in American public schools if they already know the alphabet before they go to kindergarten. In this episode I discuss ways to teach your young children their letters so that they will be ready to learn to read when they go to school.

Bedtime & Books: The benefits of reading to your child before bed.

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 23:40:24 -0400

Sharing bedtime stories with your kid can help develop background knowledge. It has both psychological and academic benefits. Learn how to make bedtime stories easier and more enjoyable for you and your little one.

Vending Machines and Venting: Step four of learning numbers and a surprise.

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:17:23 -0400

Which things should you teach your child before kindergarten and which things should you leave for the school to work on? Learn about writing numbers, fine motor skills, and number sense.

Calendars & Card Games: Learning Numbers Step 3

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 03:59:24 -0400

Now that your child knows how to say numbers in order and understands what they mean, it is time to teach them to read the numbers that they see around them. In this episode, learn about habits and games that will help your kid be a step ahead of the game when they go to kindergarten.

Candy & Collections: Learning numbers step 2.

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:33:18 -0400

When your child can say their numbers, it is time to move on to helping them understand how to count objects. I will show you how to fit this into your daily life so you can teach without spending too much time. You will also learn about a fun game called Catch My Mistake.

Handwashing & Hide and Seek: Learning Numbers Step 1

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:53:35 -0400

Learning numbers and counting is hard work. It is actually several skills put together. Learn some easy and fun ways to make sure your child masters their numbers.

Backgrounds and Word Sounds: Rhyming prepares your child to learn to read.

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:28:07 -0300

Learn how rhyming with your child can help them learn a reading skill called phonemic awareness. It's fun.