The Parent’s Guide to Public School

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.

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 B...

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 routi...

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...

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...

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-port...

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., Gutierre...

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...

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, an...

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, start...

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 fr...

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...

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 ch...

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 w...

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. Mir...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.