Mike Palmer sits down with Spencer Russell, the founder and CEO of Toddlers CAN Read while at SXSW EDU, just after Spencer delivered a keynote there. Spencer shares his journey from being a kindergarten and first grade teacher to taking the leap and starting his own business focused on helping parents teach their toddlers to read. We explore his motivational, step-by-step methodology that breaks down the process into simple, actionable steps that engage both parents and children. Here's the link to the video referenced in the episode.
Spencer emphasizes the importance of giving clear directions to kids instead of asking questions or making statements. He stresses using the right tone, energy and eye contact to keep kids focused during lessons. We explore myth-busting around reading instruction and Spencer advocates for an approach centered on phonics and phonemic awareness. Throughout the approach motivation and psychology are deeply integrated into the literacy curriculum.
Listen in to get a window into Spencer's disciplined lifestyle behind the scenes - from meditation to coaching to optimizing sleep and diet. He talks about manifesting his goal of being a keynote speaker and putting in the hard work to prepare mentally and physically. In his parting words, Spencer encourages listeners to take that first step towards their goals instead of just talking about it.
Key Takeaways:
Don't miss this inspirational look at breaking down reading for toddlers and living with intention to achieve your dreams.
Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you listen to pods. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.
Getting Social Emotional About Strong and Resilient NYC Schools with David Adams and Elizabeth Stanzl
Stuck Improving - Pursuing Racial Equity in a Suburban School
Learning System Innovation with Dan McClure and Jenny Wilde
Leadership, Mentorship, and Skating to Where the Puck is Going with Adam Mendler
Emerging Skills and Mindsets for Future Leaders with Beth Porter
Preparing and Sustaining Social Justice Educators with Dr. Annamarie Francois and Dr. Karen Hunter Quartz
Creating a New Way for Children to Learn to Read with Zach Silverzweig
Screening for Gifted Programs, Civic Engagement, and the Learning Metaverse
Trends in Brain Science Special Halloween Edition
Immigration Enforcement and Educational Equity
Learning Roundup Q4 2021
Teaching for Intellectual Virtues with Dr. Jason Baehr
Video as the 21st Century Pen with Mike Tringe, Nick Almond, and Jason Palmer
Leading Education and Innovation Research at Logitech
Democracy, Tyranny, Shakespeare and Experimental Psychology with Dr. Fathali Moghaddam
Rallying for Children's Literacy with Alicia Levi
Gartner Hype Cycle 2021 with Mike Palmer and Virtual Cohost Nancy
Building a Scalable Platform for Tutoring with Justin Serrano
Driving Student and Family Engagement with Chatbots with Joanna Smith
Revolutionary Sociology and Virtual Conferences with Dr. Corey Dolgon
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Teachers Talk Radio
LifeBlood
Navigating Life After 40
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast