This episode features two guests: Dr. Shirley Vickery (former Richland 2 Lead for Learning Support Services) and Abby Cobb (Richland 2's Lead Social Worker... amongst other things!) Both guests offer their expert insight into the effects of social media on teens and their mental health-- both positively and negatively.

In this episode, we switch gears a bit and talk about our real little ones, specifically supporting language development with preschool-age kids. We have a special guest, Michelle Jordan, who works with this age group in our school district. She shares an overview of the current data regarding preschoolers Post-COVID and why oral language is so critical for our kids. Listen in and learn some strategies and routines you can build at home to support pre-literacy skills. Check out the website for some activities and resources you can use to support good speech, language, and communication skills at home. Speech & Language Activities

We continue our summer series with some stop-motion action. Get ready for a wild ride into the world of stop-motion videos, where ordinary objects come to life and imagination knows no limits. It's like playing director with your favorite toys, creating a mini-movie masterpiece right at your fingertips. Check out Educational App Store for the apps discussed in this podcast. Lego Movie Maker Stop Motion Studio I Can Animate Check out Common Sense Media Parent Guides to: Lego Super Hero Movie Maker Stop Motion Studio

During the school year, students have access to classroom and school libraries; but what about during the summer? In this episode, Nikki and Amanda discuss two popular and widely available apps to help kids stay connected with books to increase reading and decrease the "summer slide." Check out Scholastic's "On Our Minds" blog post about summer reading For our listeners in the Richland County area, see what the Richland County Public Library has to offer this summer, including the Summer Learning Challenge!

In our last episode, we shared Amanda's experience with Geocaching and we went in depth about this fun, outdoor treasure hunt. This episode continues the conversation with a special guest, Tasia, who embarked on her very first geocaching experience with us. Listen in to hear another perspective as she shares insights on our recent adventure.

Our 2nd episode in our summer series is about Geocaching. Geocaching offers a unique way to explore the outdoors, discover hidden places, and engage in a worldwide treasure hunt. It appeals to people of all ages and abilities, from families seeking outdoor adventures to seasoned adventurers looking for a new challenge. The activity promotes physical activity, problem-solving, and navigation skills while fostering a sense of community among geocachers. Listen to this episode as we discuss what it is and enjoy listening to Amanda's first experience with Geocaching. New to Geocaching? Here is a link for more information and to download the app on your phone. https://www.geocaching.com/play

In this episode, Nikki and Amanda explore the influence of social media challenges on kids and teenagers. They will discuss the emotional, psychological, and physical risks associated with viral challenges. Nikki and Amanda try to offer practical advice for navigating these challenges responsibly. Tune in for a crucial conversation on raising awareness and supporting the well-being of today's digitally connected youth.

Social Media is becoming more and more popular among our teenagers. We are also more aware of the mental impacts of Social Media on teens. This episode shares some guidelines and basic rules to help you teach your child how to use social media responsibly and safely. This episode is appropriate if your teen is already using Social Media or is getting started. Resources discussed in this episode: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/what-are-some-basic-social-media-rules-for-middle-schoolers https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/what-are-some-basic-social-media-rules-for-high-schoolers  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/how-to-help-teens-manage-the-effects-of-social-media-on-their-mental-health  https://www.apaservices.org/advocacy/news/testimony-prinstein-protecting-children-online.pdf

Think back to 2001 and those old flip phones you used to use (and may still be in your attic somewhere!) Is it time to dig them out and dust them off? According to some TikTok and YouTube influencers... YES! The hashtag #bringbackflipphones has over 38 million views on TikTok, and Gen Z-ers are seeing possibilities in this retro tech. Tune in as Amanda and Nikki talk about why flip phone sales are on the rise, and the potential benefits to #bringingbackflipphones! Sources: Dumb Phones are on the rise in the U.S. ... Gen Z is flipping out for flip phones... Gen Z has a new 'vintage' technology to obsess over

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tim Swick, The Computer Immersion Magnet Lead at Sandlapper Elementary School. He shares how his teachers and students have used the popular game, Minecraft, in school. Using Minecraft Education in the classroom has engaged students in learning and building future-ready skills, such as creativity, problem-solving, and systems thinking. It is pretty interesting to hear just how much our children are learning through "play." See below for more information about the school or contact Dr. Swick. Sandlapper Elementary School Dr. Tim Swick tswick@richland2.org Minecraft for Education Professional Development

Are you looking for a way to use your (& your child's) device to CONTRIBUTE to the internet, not just consume content? (And no, we won't be telling you to make a TikTok video!) Dr. Ed Emmer, our local Science Superhero, joins us this week as we talk about Citizen Science and ways for you and your family to use your devices to contribute to scientific endeavors around the globe... from where ever you happen to be! You can reach Dr. Emmer by email at: eemmer@richland2.org Resources from our episode: CoCoRaHS - "Citizen Scientists working together to measure precipitation across the nation!" NASA Globe Observer - "A citizen science app allowing volunteers to take observations and contribute to the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) community!" Great Backyard Bird Count - "Spend time in your favorite places watching birds - then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit them to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world." U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) - "Citizen Science allows you to contribute to science no matter where you are. Whether by asking questions, reporting observations, conducting experiments, collecting data, or developing low-cost technologies and open-source code, you and other members of the public can use your talents to help advance scientific knowledge. Learn about current USGS and partner Citizen Science opportunities."

If you haven't heard about this new personal assistant, ChatGPT, listen in as Nikki and Amanda talk with Chuck Holland, Director of Instructional Technology, about this new AI website. This episode will highlight what it is, and the potential uses for personal, career, and educational needs.  ChatGPT - Try it for yourself.  ChatGPT & Education Check out this resource to read more about ChatGPT AI, Chatbots & ChatGPT for Teachers - Free Course for educators to learn more about this ChatGPT, how to use it in your role, and peruse examples in various subjects.

For our next episode, we’re continuing the conversation about the “B” word… Bullying. Bullying and Cyberbullying are important topics to talk about with our kids. Listen to what some local teens have to tell Amanda and Nikki about “The B Word.” Resource for parents: Cyberbullying Infographic

For our next 2 episodes we’re talking about the “B” word… Bullying. Bullying and Cyberbullying are important topics to talk about with our kids. In this episode, the first of two in this mini-series, Nikki and Amanda go out to a local high school and ask some teens to talk with them about “The B Word.”

There are a number of apps out there that allow users to “text” back and forth, and SnapChat is one of the most popular ones! Kids and teens (and let’s face it, adults!) love the crazy and creative filters, but there is much more to this app than seeing your face with sparkles and unicorn eyelashes! Listen in as Nikki and Amanda explore some of the features that parents are sure to want to know about as adults and kids talk about whether or not SnapChat is the messaging app for them.

Remember growing up playing with Legos or Lincoln Logs? Maybe you are one that still dabbles in building with Legos. Yes, we know there are many adults that build Legos and we are good with it. It taps into your creative side so we think it's great. This is pretty much what Minecraft is - a 3D world where our kids are building anything they imagine. Tune into the latest podcast episode and learn more about this game our kids are playing. https://www.webwise.ie/parents/a-parents-guide-to-minecraft/ https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/about-minecraft

What is all this buzz going around about Roblox? What is Roblox and should I be concerned if my kids are playing it? In this spotlight episode, Amanda and Nikki discuss this 3D Virtual platform that allows them to share experiences with friends and play games that were created by users their age.  Resources: Parents Guide to Roblox and How Your Kids Play it Safely

Welcome to our first “Spotlight On” episode, a series where we will be discussing some of the most popular apps and games with our kids.  This week we’ll be talking about Fortnite, a downloadable game where players are dropped onto islands where they battle each other to collect supplies… and to be the last player standing!  Join us as we talk about why kids like this game, and what parents might want to know as they make their decision about whether or not to allow their child to play Fortnite. Resources: “PsychologyToday: 600,000 Minutes of Fortnite? Why Kids Get Hooked” Make a family tech agreement at www.thesmarttalk.org

With devices going home for the summer in our district, we wanted to take some time to share some tips for parents that will help them set some guidelines for technology use over the summer. We also encourage you to go to your school's website to locate the summer resource page, allowing your child to continue their learning over the summer. Here is another resource to locate camps for your child(ren) to participate in throughout the summer. Online Camps for a Summer of Learning Adventures, Common Sense Media

Your child has come to you and said, I want to create a TikTok video. Or, maybe they have already started creating TikTok videos but you haven't had the conversation around TikTok. It's not too late. Join us in this episode to learn about the pros and cons of our children creating TikToks, or maybe even you creating videos. Hear how you can support your child on the journey to create a successful experience and a positive digital footprint.