Innovation in the Classroom: A New Way to Help Kids Read with Jodie McMaster
Kris welcomes Jodi McMaster, an incredible innovator, teacher, and the force behind Circus Vowels. Jodi talks about how she created Circus Vowels to help kids learn to read in an intuitive and interactive way. She talks about the real-world success she’s seen with the product and gives her advice on how you can add more value, celebrate the small wins, and play a bigger game. She and Kris also share some great takeaways on growth vs. fixed mindset and you will have to guess which one was able to fly at zero gravity without an issue!
Key Takeaways:
[13:00] Jodi talks about how she saw the need to create a strategy for reading and comprehension that ultimately led to Circus Vowels. She innovated to create something that kept kids engaged and could easily help other kids learn.
[13:54] If kids are engaged in their lesson and can move their bodies, they are going to learn and remember better than if they just had to sit still. If they can also teach others, they typically will remember 90% of what it is they taught.
[18:29] Fun fact: Jodi is an adrenaline rush junkie, and she loves outdoorsy and sporty challenges (including a zero-gravity flight!).
[20:50] Jodi talks about real-life tangible results from Circus Vowels, including her students growing an average of two years of reading growth in just one school year.
[23:40] It’s important to celebrate the small wins of children and show that you believe in them.
[34:10] With reports now showing that 1 in 10 children can be diagnosed with dyslexia, why are innovations like Circus Vowels important?
Quotes:
- “I wanted to create a reading strategy that was relatable to kids.” — Jodi [13:33]
- “My feeling is if kids are engaged in the lesson and their bodies are part of the lesson, they’re going to learn it.” — Jodi [13:54]
- “Students will remember 90% of what they can teach others.” — Jodi [14:10]
- “Kids just want to know that you believe in them.” — Jodi [23:40]
- “We just have to really be positive and celebrate them when we can for sure.” — Jodi [25:54]
Sponsored By:
ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)
Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Child Care Success Company
The Child Care Success Academy