If you’ve ever wondered how to really prepare your child for the college essay years before they apply… this one’s for you.

In my podcast conversation with Carter (a college essay coach and reflective writing advocate of https://www.carterosbornetutoring.com), we dive into: – Why students struggle with the “Tell us about yourself” prompt – How AI is tempting, but not a substitute for real thinking – What parents can do now (yes, even with an 8-year-old!)

Spoiler: It’s not about cramming in more activities. It’s about making space for reflection.

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, host Shelley discusses the importance of chores in child development. She emphasizes how chores can help children build independence, responsibility, and a strong work ethic from a young age. Shelley provides age-appropriate chore suggestions and encourages parents to celebrate their children's efforts, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork within the family. Subscribe or check out the Raising Thinkers website for more content.

In this engaging conversation, Shelley Love De Feliu and Beth Vaucher of Inspiring Young Learners explore the importance of supporting multilingual learners. Beth shares her journey as an educator and her passion for helping students embrace their cultural identities while learning new languages. The discussion covers practical strategies for parents and teachers, emphasizing the significance of curiosity, kindness, and connection in fostering a rich learning environment for multilingual children.

Check it out on our website: https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/

Read blog episode:

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/e39-obstacle-courses-building-skills-through-play

Obstacle courses = fun + thinking skills! 🏃‍♀️ They boost problem-solving, creativity & goal-setting—all while getting kids moving! No fancy equipment needed, just imagination.

Rhymes & songs aren’t just fun—they build early reading skills! From phonemic awareness to decoding words, these playful moments lay the foundation for strong readers. Tune in to learn how! #RaisingThinkers #EarlyLiteracy

Full episode: https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/e38-the-power-of-rhymes-and-songs-setting-the-stage-for-reading-success-2/

Blanket forts, stick hideouts, and cardboard castles—fort building isn’t just fun, it’s brain-boosting! Kids develop spatial reasoning, problem-solving & creativity while playing. Embrace the mess & the magic! #RaisingThinkers #FortBuildingFun

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/e37-fort-building-to-develop-thinkers/

In this episode of Raising Thinkers, Shelly discusses the importance of visible thinking routines from Harvard's Project Zero, which can help children develop deeper thinking skills. She explains the history of Project Zero and introduces several effective thinking routines, including 'What Makes You Say That?', 'See, Think, Wonder', and 'Think, Pair, Share'. These routines encourage children to articulate their reasoning, observe their surroundings, and engage in thoughtful conversations, ultimately fostering critical thinking and curiosity in everyday situations. View: https://pz.harvard.edu/thinking-routines

Visit: https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/e36-making-thinking-visible-at-home/

🎄✨ Looking for festive, fun, and budget-friendly ways to keep your kids learning, thinking, and creating this holiday season? From baking to scavenger hunts, advent puzzles, and more, discover 10 meaningful activities that spark joy and build memories. 🎁🧠 Check out the latest episode of Raising Thinkers now!

https://www.raisingthinkerspodcast.com/s2-e35-ten-ideas-for-holiday-fun-as-a-family/