De Facto Leaders

With all the technology and texting kids are doing these days, I often find myself wondering if kids are getting enough "good" practice with spelling and reading skills. Based on social rules, texts often don't have to be written with "correct" grammar and spelling. Since a lot of the kids I've worked (who have diagnoses like dyslexia or developmental language delays, among others), I know that having opportunities to practice reading and spelling is really important; so I'm always on high-alert when it comes to the impact of technology. But the reality is that texting is here to stay; which is why in episode 27 of the Are they 18 yet? ™ podcast, I talk about how to support literacy skills in a digital world. Specifically, I share: ✅What the current literacy trends show as far as the impact of texting. ✅The 3 tenets of effective literacy intervention. ✅Common mistakes people make when teaching kids to use reading strategies. ✅Three essential skills kids need in order to become fluent readers and spellers. In this episode, I mention a blog post called "What is texting doing to reading and spelling skills?" where I dive further in to this conversation. I also talk about my Word Study Toolkit, which offers a set of definitions and concepts you can use to help build the skills kids need to be fluent readers and spellers. The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

We're always updating the operating systems on our devices, but do we ever think about updating the "operating system" we use to live our lives? The truth is, a lot of people end up living with their "default" setting; doing things not because it's what they want, but because it's what they think they're "supposed" to be doing based on what they've seen in their past.  That's why in episode 26, I sit down with Kate Wendell from FamilyOS. Kate and her husband Tanner Wendell work with couples to help them update their "family operating systems" so they can live a more peaceful, successful life. In this conversation, Kate shares: ✅What is a "family operating system" and why is it essential to having healthy relationships with your partner and child? ✅The "CODE" for creating a peaceful, thriving family (that Kate and Tanner teach couples they coach). ✅Why the mindset of "the kids always come first" can do more harm than good; plus the counterintuitive way of thinking that ends up helping kids more in the long run. ✅How your past impacts the way you parent and interact with your partner (plus some personal struggles Kate and Tanner have worked through). ✅Why having a "system" focused on long-term goals can help your family feel safe and secure.  You can learn more about how to connect with Kate on Instagram @thekatewendell, and on her Facebook page here. You can also check out  the FamilyOS podcast here. In this episode, I mentioned SLP Learning Academy, my a membership designed to help you make a lasting impact with your services, create change in the field, and feel confident and fulfilled in your work WITHOUT burning out (or spending hours planning.) To get more information about this program (plus my other resources for parents, educators, and SLPs), visit my resources page here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode, I talk about "toxic positivity" in both the parenting and professional communities for therapists and teachers. If you've ever felt dismissed when someone told you to "look on the bright side" or "be grateful for what you have", you'll appreciate this discussion. I share:  ✅Why telling someone to "just think positive" can make an overwhelmed person feel worse. ✅Why many depressed people don't WANT to feel happy when they're having an episode (and what they want instead). ✅Why it's so hard to do simple things that you know you SHOULD be doing (for yourself, your kids, your clients, etc.). ✅How to calm the chaos in your life, so you can finally breath and recharge (hint: I'm not going to tell you to "change your mindset" or "be more positive"). ✅The strategy I use to stop overwhelm and think long-term, instead of just putting out fires all day (this is the SAME strategy I used to finish my dissertation while working full-time). In this episode, I mentioned SLP Learning Academy, my a membership designed to help you make a lasting impact with your services, create change in the field, and feel confident and fulfilled in your work WITHOUT burning out (or spending hours planning.) To get more information about this program (plus my other resources for parents, educators, and SLPs), visit my resources page here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode, I talk with Drew Vernon about how to help kids develop a natural sense of curiosity and ability to tell stories. Drew currently works for Tonies®, a toy brand that partners with schools to bring screen-free education to your children. He also spend several years working for the LEGO® Group, hosts a podcast with his 5-year old daughter, and has a passion for toys that help kids become creative thinkers. In our conversation, we discuss: ✅Ways to guide your kids through play in a way that builds storytelling skills and language. ✅The benefits of offering "screen-free" toys for you kids (with specific toy examples). ✅The pros and cons of many popular toy options for kids today. ✅Toy features that help build resilience and problem-solving skills. ✅How limitations can breed creativity (and how this applies to toys and play). In this episode, I mentioned the Time Tracking Journal, which is a SIMPLE tool that will help you get through daily routines (like homework) with ease, WITHOUT bribery, arguments, or constant hand-holding.The Time Tracking Journal walks you through a strategy you can do in just 10-15 minutes a day that will help kids get tasks done effectively and efficiently, and critical thinking skills and self-confidence at the same time. You can learn how to get instant access here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/time-tracking-journal-37-1/ The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Meltdowns and tantrums are a normal part of parenting, but it's not always easy to get through the day if you aren't sure how to handle them. That's why in episode 023, I share the second half of my conversation with DJ Stutz, where we talk about bad parenting advice, building self-esteem, and how to de-escalate tantrums and melt-downs. She also shares her experience growing up with an undiagnosed hearing impairment until 6th grade, and how this has helped her be a better teacher and parent.  DJ has been an early childhood teacher for kids with special needs for over 20 years, is a mom of 5, the host of the  Imperfect Heros: Insights in to Parenting podcast, and the founder and CEO of Little Hearts Academy, USA. Also, she and her husband have 70 children between their two families! In the second-part of our conversation, DJ shares: ✅Bad parenting advice that can be detrimental to your child's self-image and what to do instead. ✅Why allowing kids to experience disappointment can be more beneficial than trying to make them happy all the time. ✅How what you say to your kids impacts their identity and behavior, and how to use language that strengthens their self-image.✅Specific language and strategies you can use when your kids are having a meltdown or tantrum (in public, home, or school). To learn more about how to build connection with your kids and raise your kids to be resilient people, check out DJ’s  Imperfect Heros: Insights in to Parenting podcast, and if you’re interested in her parent coaching programs, check out Little Hearts Academy, USA.You can connect with DJ on Instagram here and email her at djstutz@littleheartsacademy.com.If you want a SIMPLE tool that will help you get through daily routines (like homework) with ease, WITHOUT bribery, arguments, or constant hand-holding, then check out the Time Tracking Journal. The Time Tracking Journal walks you through a strategy you can do in just 10-15 minutes a day that will help kids get tasks done effectively and efficiently, and critical thinking skills and self-confidence at the same time. You can learn how to get instant access here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/time-tracking-journal-37-1/ The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Most parents know they should be giving their child praise and encouraging them to explore their interests... But most people don't realize that making small changes to what you say can make a big difference in your day-to-day life and interactions with your family. That's why in episode 022, I sit down with early childhood educator and parenting coach DJ Stutz to talk about the RIGHT (and wrong) ways to communicate expectations with your child. DJ has been an early childhood teacher for kids with special needs for over 20 years, is a mom of 5, the host of the  Imperfect Heros: Insights in to Parenting podcast, and the founder and CEO of Little Hearts Academy, USA. Also, she and her husband have 70 grandchildren between their two families! In this conversation, DJ shares: ✅How to encourage your child to find their unique talents and interests while building resilience. ✅Why apologizing to your kids can strengthen the parent-child bond and your child's future relationships. ✅How to give clear feedback and communicate your expectations, so you can build trust and connection with your kids. ✅Why you shouldn't tell your kids "Good job", and what to do instead.  To learn more about how to build connection with your kids and raise your kids to be resilient people, check out DJ’s  Imperfect Heros: Insights in to Parenting podcast, and if you’re interested in her parent coaching programs, check out Little Hearts Academy, USA.You can connect with DJ on Instagram here and email her at djstutz@littleheartsacademy.com.If you want a SIMPLE tool that will help you get through daily routines (like homework) with ease, WITHOUT bribery, arguments, or constant hand-holding, then check out the Time Tracking Journal. The Time Tracking Journal walks you through a strategy you can do in just 10-15 minutes a day that will help kids get tasks done effectively and efficiently, and critical thinking skills and self-confidence at the same time. You can learn how to get instant access here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/time-tracking-journal-37-1/ The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

One of the best ways to take care of your kids is to take care of the people taking care of our kids. That includes any professionals working with your child, like teachers, school therapists, administrators, and coaches to name a few. If you know anyone in any of those positions, you know it can be a thankless job. That became even more apparent this year after school staff endured harsh criticism no matter what decisions they made.  Despite this, thousands of educational and medical professionals continued to make sacrifices, often at the expense of their own health and well-being, in the interest of helping our kids. If you're a parent who's about to send your kids off to school, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget about those people who have, and will continue to develop your kids, day after day. That's why in episode 21, I invite you to pause and think about those people. People who work in the school and medical setting, or any other facility that exists for the purpose of supporting young people.    Specifically, I share: ✅What you can do to make a teacher's day (and why this will mean the world to them). ✅Why a simple "thanks" at the end of an email sign-off  or phone call is not enough (and what to do instead) ✅What most people forget to share with teachers/therapists who work with kids (and why it's so important for them to know). ✅Action steps you can do this year that will help support your school and make it a better place for your child.  Also, remember to check out my free parent guide where I share the set of skills that kids need in order to stay organized, focused, and motivated during their day-to-day tasks like chores and homework. You can sign up for the guide here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/parentguide The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

It can be frustrating when you aren't sure how to best support your child; especially when it comes to schoolwork. If you have a child who gets some type of specialized services and therapies, that makes it even more complicated. The good news is that strong communication with the professionals helping your child can make it much easier.  The problem is that it can be a challenge to figure out HOW to do it seamlessly; so you get the information you need to help your child.That's why in episode 20, I share simple, effective tips for communicating with your child's teachers and other school professionals (e.g., speech pathologists, coaches, social workers, etc.). I share: ✅How to approach school staff in a non-threatening, supportive way so you can get on the same page about what your child needs.✅What information you should share with school staff ASAP so you can have good communication through the year ✅Why school staff sometimes don't respond to communication attempts (plus tips for getting a quicker response).  ✅Why you should approach school staff about concerns relating to your child instead of waiting for them to initiate. Also, remember to check out my free parent guide to learn the set of skills kids need in order to stay organized, focused, and motivated during their day-to-day tasks like chores and homework. You can sign up for the guide here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/parentguide The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Nicole Holcomb from Dyslexia Mom Life. Nicole is a lawyer, and educator (she's worked as a teacher, school counselor, and school administrator); but most importantly, she's a mom of a dyslexic daughter and the host of the Dyslexia Mom Life podcast where she provides information and support for moms of children with dyslexia. In this conversation, she shares:  ✅Red flags of dyslexia that indicate that you may want to seek out a professional evaluation. ✅Why you shouldn't wait  for your child's school district to tell you your child is struggling. ✅How to determine if you should have your child evaluated for dyslexia. ✅The pros of getting a diagnosis, and why she feels it's helped empower her own child. ✅Common dyslexia myths (and why it's so important for parents to educate themselves). ✅How to be a strong advocate for your child when working with school staff. To connect with Nicole, you can visit her at her Dyslexia Mom Life website, find her on Facebook here, and can also reach out to her at nicole@dyslexiamomlife.com.Nicole hosts the Dyslexia Mom Life podcast, and supports moms of dyslexic children in her online program, the  Dyslexia Parenting Academy.In this episode, I mentioned the Time Tracking Journal, which is a SIMPLE tool that will help you get through daily routines (like homework) with ease, WITHOUT bribery, arguments, or constant hand-holding.The Time Tracking Journal walks you through a strategy you can do in just 10-15 minutes a day that will help kids get tasks done effectively and efficiently, and critical thinking skills and self-confidence at the same time. You can learn how to get instant access here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/time-tracking-journal-37-1/ The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode, I share my thoughts on two popular shows: "Love on the Spectrum" and "Atypical". *Please note: This episode is marked "explicit" because I discuss certain topics that may not be suitable for young children. Being someone who's spent a lot of time working with autistic people (as well as someone who doesn't identify as neurotypical), I procrastinated in watching these shows. I think I was afraid I'd hate what I saw, and that I'd be cringing the whole time. I finally sat down to watch them, and I wanted to share my thoughts on both of these shows, including: ✅What both shows got wrong when it comes to raising autism acceptance. ✅Where a lot of social skills interventions for autistic individuals fall short. ✅Why "curing" or "fixing" autism is not the point of intervention. ✅Which of these two shows I'll continue to watch and why. ✅How to help autistic people live functional, healthy lives. In this episode, I mentioned the Time Tracking Journal, which is a SIMPLE tool that will help you get through daily routines (like homework) with ease, WITHOUT bribery, arguments, or constant hand-holding.The Time Tracking Journal walks you through a strategy you can do in just 10-15 minutes a day that will help kids get tasks done effectively and efficiently, and critical thinking skills and self-confidence at the same time. You can learn how to get instant access here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/time-tracking-journal-37-1/ The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.  Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.