Like a Sponge https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/like-a-sponge/ Thu, 24 Feb 2022 00:31:13 -0000 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 23:20:56 -0000 60 en All rights reserved help@prx.org (PRX) In a world of educational chaos, where can you turn to help your child flourish? Join Carol Lloyd as she dives into the science and stories behind how kids thrive. From how kids become math-phobic to what's going on inside your teenager's brain, it’s the science of learning, fun and unspun. Visit us at greatschools.org/likeasponge for links to resources and more.

]]> PRX Feeder v1.0.0 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss https://f.prxu.org/327/images/2192056b-dfb4-4015-a15f-ae4bb5c721da/avatars-000309988638-u0aqe9-original.jpg Like a Sponge https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/like-a-sponge/ 1680 1680 In a world of educational chaos, where can you tu… http://feeds.feedburner.com/likeasponge by GreatSchools.org episodic false paloma.orozco@prx.org Like a Sponge In a world of educational chaos, where can you tu… All rights reserved Education prx_327_51cf7f00-8ecf-46f2-900f-84098ab9ffdc Trailer: A sneak peek at season 3 of Like a Sponge Thu, 24 Feb 2022 00:31:13 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_51cf7f00-8ecf-46f2-900f-84098ab9ffdc&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge In this season of Like a Sponge, we explore how high schools need to change. Learn how practices rooted in equity and rigor benefit all students. What does it mean for a school to become trauma-sensitive? Or anti-rascist? Or to help teens try a career path? See how these big ideas play out in real schools.

]]> Like a Sponge takes on the problem — and promise — of high school today full 3 0:56 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org In this season of Like a Sponge, we explore how high schools need to change. Learn how practices rooted in equity and rigor benefit all students. What does it mean for a school to become trauma-sensitive? Or anti-rascist? Or to help teens try a career path? See how these big ideas play out in real schools.

]]> prx_327_6a69b686-d157-4314-96d2-2d96be31cb36 Radical rethink Tue, 21 Dec 2021 17:10:05 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_6a69b686-d157-4314-96d2-2d96be31cb36&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge What does it take to turn around a high school with lagging attendance, low test scores, and few resources? Some educators might say, “baby steps.” Instead, North Edgecombe High School launched a radical rethink of the whole student experience, all guided by a design thinking process led by the students themselves.

]]> In a small town in rural North Carolina, one district launched a radical experiment to rethink their traditional high school. It worked so well, they’ve become a national model. full 3 7 25:40 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org What does it take to turn around a high school with lagging attendance, low test scores, and few resources? Some educators might say, “baby steps.” Instead, North Edgecombe High School launched a radical rethink of the whole student experience, all guided by a design thinking process led by the students themselves.

]]> prx_327_297f534e-dfe7-4527-bbd3-a6e5adfba57e Navigating the world Tue, 07 Dec 2021 18:40:45 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_297f534e-dfe7-4527-bbd3-a6e5adfba57e&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge In search of relevant learning, many traditional high schools are adding internship programs and capstone projects to their curriculum. This innovative Rhode Island high school built its entire curriculum around each individual child’s curiosity about the future. Listen in as one girl, who had lost her way in a traditional high school, found her North Star. 

]]> How can high schools put student aspirations front and center? This Rhode Island high school swept aside the old high school model and sent students out to explore the world — and even sail the high seas. full 3 6 24:06 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org In search of relevant learning, many traditional high schools are adding internship programs and capstone projects to their curriculum. This innovative Rhode Island high school built its entire curriculum around each individual child’s curiosity about the future. Listen in as one girl, who had lost her way in a traditional high school, found her North Star. 

]]> prx_327_5504d4a5-13fc-4889-99c2-d8ac24afe705 Banishing bias from school Tue, 23 Nov 2021 20:20:28 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_5504d4a5-13fc-4889-99c2-d8ac24afe705&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge A charter school in Philadelphia rethinks their policies and practices to strip out bias. In Texas, one highly effective teacher transforms her students’ learning liabilities into super powers. In both schools, ordinary educators are finding extraordinary success in questioning old assumptions that leave some kids behind.

]]> What does it take for a school to be anti-racist? Or even just a classroom? Two very different success stories in Pennsylvania and Texas show how educators are grappling with race, privilege, and the blind spots embedded in our schools. full 3 5 32:27 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org A charter school in Philadelphia rethinks their policies and practices to strip out bias. In Texas, one highly effective teacher transforms her students’ learning liabilities into super powers. In both schools, ordinary educators are finding extraordinary success in questioning old assumptions that leave some kids behind.

]]> prx_327_3f727ae6-9f48-47b0-8889-4c004404b21b School culture makeover Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:55:38 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_3f727ae6-9f48-47b0-8889-4c004404b21b&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge One Massachusetts’ charter school had a culture of high behavioral expectations to match their high academic expectations. The only problem? All those rules were actually getting in the way of learning. Learn how this school transformed their culture, policies, and practices by reframing the invisible forcefield that influenced it all: the mindset of the adults.   

]]> What happens when a high school realizes that their strict behavior rules are doing more harm than good? One Massachusetts charter school revamped their school culture one relationship at a time. full 3 4 21:04 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org One Massachusetts’ charter school had a culture of high behavioral expectations to match their high academic expectations. The only problem? All those rules were actually getting in the way of learning. Learn how this school transformed their culture, policies, and practices by reframing the invisible forcefield that influenced it all: the mindset of the adults.   

]]> prx_327_a4766cd5-dbaa-4629-948f-4c6c65af4283 Sampling the future Tue, 26 Oct 2021 22:38:28 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_a4766cd5-dbaa-4629-948f-4c6c65af4283&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge From the outset, Grayson High School, located just outside of Atlanta, GA, looks like a typical American high school: big football field, bigger pep rallies. But it also offers a program that enables kids to time travel into their imagined futures and sample dream careers. Grayson Tech has 12 pathway programs that teach everything from culinary arts to music tech. For students, it’s not just vocational training — it’s a path to finding their purpose.

]]> How can high schoolers sample the future? This public Georgia high school has perfected a pathway program that leads to college, careers, and even stardom. full 3 3 20:14 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org From the outset, Grayson High School, located just outside of Atlanta, GA, looks like a typical American high school: big football field, bigger pep rallies. But it also offers a program that enables kids to time travel into their imagined futures and sample dream careers. Grayson Tech has 12 pathway programs that teach everything from culinary arts to music tech. For students, it’s not just vocational training — it’s a path to finding their purpose.

]]> prx_327_caac40d5-0637-41c4-bd8f-b47a92d1043e Forget college prep. Start college now. Wed, 13 Oct 2021 20:18:32 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_caac40d5-0637-41c4-bd8f-b47a92d1043e&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge No fancy campus. Few extracurriculars. No football stadium. This small early college high school defies a lot of the myths about what high school is supposed to be. Instead, they succeed at the very thing so many high schools claim is their primary goal: to help students get into college and succeed once they get there. Their secret to college prep? Start college now. 

]]> One small Texas high school manages to do what so many high schools try but fail to do: prepare all students for actual college success. full 3 2 17:50 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org No fancy campus. Few extracurriculars. No football stadium. This small early college high school defies a lot of the myths about what high school is supposed to be. Instead, they succeed at the very thing so many high schools claim is their primary goal: to help students get into college and succeed once they get there. Their secret to college prep? Start college now. 

]]> prx_327_7d13e09a-e3a2-450c-8b8e-be9d035dddf2 The problem with high school Mon, 27 Sep 2021 21:36:24 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_7d13e09a-e3a2-450c-8b8e-be9d035dddf2&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge No matter whether you’re measuring by student satisfaction or test scores, most American high schools don’t have great outcomes. This has led some to declare that this centuries-old mass institution is broken. Actually, say experts, it’s working just the way it was designed to work. And that’s the problem. 

In this season of Like a Sponge, we explore how high schools need to change, and the ways some educators are rethinking assumptions and remaking their schools to actually work for students.

]]> Most high schools have been using the same old playbook for more than a century. Why haven’t they caught up with the times? full 3 1 26:20 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org No matter whether you’re measuring by student satisfaction or test scores, most American high schools don’t have great outcomes. This has led some to declare that this centuries-old mass institution is broken. Actually, say experts, it’s working just the way it was designed to work. And that’s the problem. 

In this season of Like a Sponge, we explore how high schools need to change, and the ways some educators are rethinking assumptions and remaking their schools to actually work for students.

]]> prx_327_3ca984b1-9a6f-49a2-8662-83d8ac3cc4eb Humility’s bad rap Tue, 05 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_3ca984b1-9a6f-49a2-8662-83d8ac3cc4eb&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge We want our kids to be confident learners. We tell them to “speak up in class” and “fake it till you make it.” What about that old-fashioned virtue, humility?  New research suggests it may be the key to learning. 

]]> Here's why admitting what you don't know is key to success, and why "fake it till you make it" just doesn't cut it. full 2 7 19:34 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org We want our kids to be confident learners. We tell them to “speak up in class” and “fake it till you make it.” What about that old-fashioned virtue, humility?  New research suggests it may be the key to learning. 

]]> prx_327_e5b5da94-e0ca-4c9b-b466-7e793f06ea73 Gifted! Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_e5b5da94-e0ca-4c9b-b466-7e793f06ea73&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge We all want to give our children the best we can. To how much we care. But research suggests that a more lasting gift parents can give their children is the personal experience of giving back.   

]]> The science is in: The best present you can give your child is to raise them to be generous. full 2 6 18:39 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org We all want to give our children the best we can. To how much we care. But research suggests that a more lasting gift parents can give their children is the personal experience of giving back.   

]]> prx_327_c4ae7b0b-ea83-48fb-828d-3937e1274a4c How about a little gratitude? Tue, 17 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_c4ae7b0b-ea83-48fb-828d-3937e1274a4c&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge Grateful kids are happier, more engaged in school, and more satisfied with their lives. Here’s why gratitude is such a game changer in our material-and-status-obsessed world. We talk to researchers, kids and a Somalian refugee about how gratitude goes beyond niceties and changes lives.

]]> Kids who feel gratitude for what they have are happier and more engaged with their schoolwork. Here's how to teach it – no nagging necessary. full 2 5 19:21 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org Grateful kids are happier, more engaged in school, and more satisfied with their lives. Here’s why gratitude is such a game changer in our material-and-status-obsessed world. We talk to researchers, kids and a Somalian refugee about how gratitude goes beyond niceties and changes lives.

]]> prx_327_7ad9e745-c8ec-409a-92ad-3fb79c84f7c4 Liar, liar Tue, 27 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_7ad9e745-c8ec-409a-92ad-3fb79c84f7c4&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge Today’s kids see celebrities, business moguls and politicians lie with impunity. Here’s how to teach kids the value of honesty and how they should apply it.

]]> How to raise an honest child in a post-truth society. full 2 4 33:49 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org Today’s kids see celebrities, business moguls and politicians lie with impunity. Here’s how to teach kids the value of honesty and how they should apply it.

]]> prx_327_7cf38e86-1afb-42ea-8d5e-8d1f4942f4f5 The power of purpose Tue, 13 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_7cf38e86-1afb-42ea-8d5e-8d1f4942f4f5&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge Research shows that a sense of purpose makes people happier, healthier, and more successful. Yet just 40% of adults say they feel a strong sense of purpose in their lives. We talked to researchers, parents and kids about how you can help your child begin a path toward a meaningful life.  

]]> A sense of purpose can protect your teen from all sorts of troubles. Here’s how to help them find it. full 2 3 18:45 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org Research shows that a sense of purpose makes people happier, healthier, and more successful. Yet just 40% of adults say they feel a strong sense of purpose in their lives. We talked to researchers, parents and kids about how you can help your child begin a path toward a meaningful life.  

]]> prx_327_786fc0a6-746e-4e32-9888-c6944d43c138 The forgiveness cure Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_786fc0a6-746e-4e32-9888-c6944d43c138&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge Decades of research show that the ability to forgive is a life skill that helps us survive life’s misfortunes. In this episode, we tackle some of the biggest misconceptions about forgiveness head on, and explain how teaching kids to recover from everyday hurts now will make them resilient to life's bigger blows later.

]]> Why teaching kids how to forgive makes them stronger, not weaker. full 2 2 30:06 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org Decades of research show that the ability to forgive is a life skill that helps us survive life’s misfortunes. In this episode, we tackle some of the biggest misconceptions about forgiveness head on, and explain how teaching kids to recover from everyday hurts now will make them resilient to life's bigger blows later.

]]> prx_327_74730966-0bd8-4b87-8211-2c4974ce4dad How do kids know they’re loved? Tue, 15 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_327_74730966-0bd8-4b87-8211-2c4974ce4dad&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge What can we learn from a former white supremacist about unconditional love? A lot, it turns out. The secret ingredient for thriving in our fractured society may not be civic lessons, but a feeling. We talked with researchers, kids, and a former nazi skinhead about how parents can make sure their kids get the message.

]]> A former white supremacist on how unconditional love changed—and saved—her life. full 2 1 26:47 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org What can we learn from a former white supremacist about unconditional love? A lot, it turns out. The secret ingredient for thriving in our fractured society may not be civic lessons, but a feeling. We talked with researchers, kids, and a former nazi skinhead about how parents can make sure their kids get the message.

]]> tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/748942696 Season 2 Trailer Fri, 24 Jan 2020 21:48:52 -0000 https://soundcloud.com/greatschools/season-2-trailer How do you raise an honest child in a post-truth society? What are the mindsets that help protect kids from mental health problems and substance abuse? How do you help a child rebound from hurt and injustice? This season, Like a Sponge takes on how to raise caring, courageous, resilient kids—in short, kids who have what it takes to thrive in this mad world of ours.

]]> How do you raise an honest child in a post-truth … trailer 01:28 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org How do you raise an honest child in a post-truth society? What are the mindsets that help protect kids from mental health problems and substance abuse? How do you help a child rebound from hurt and injustice? This season, Like a Sponge takes on how to raise caring, courageous, resilient kids—in short, kids who have what it takes to thrive in this mad world of ours.

]]> tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/435692415 Episode 6: Kindergarten Confidential Thu, 26 Apr 2018 21:32:42 -0000 https://soundcloud.com/greatschools/episode-6-kindergarten-confidential What’s it like to tour 12 elementary schools in search of the best one for your child? Join us as we explore one of the most complicated milestones in modern American parenting.

]]> What’s it like to tour 12 elementary schools in s… full 31:35 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org What’s it like to tour 12 elementary schools in search of the best one for your child? Join us as we explore one of the most complicated milestones in modern American parenting.

]]> tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/385264649 Episode 5: Sky's the Limit? Thu, 18 Jan 2018 01:46:45 -0000 https://soundcloud.com/greatschools/episode-5-skys-the-limit Nine out of ten parents expect their kids to go to college. Four in ten kids get there. Tune in to find out how parents from all backgrounds are moving heaven and earth to keep their kids college-bound.

]]> Nine out of ten parents expect their kids to go t… full 25:40 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org Nine out of ten parents expect their kids to go to college. Four in ten kids get there. Tune in to find out how parents from all backgrounds are moving heaven and earth to keep their kids college-bound.

]]> tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/344328386 Episode 4: The Wonder Years Wed, 27 Sep 2017 21:39:04 -0000 https://soundcloud.com/greatschools/adolescent-ing Tune in as Like a Sponge explores how parents can embrace early adolescence, one of the most radical stages of brain development in the human lifespan.

]]> Tune in as Like a Sponge explores how parents can… full 28:35 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org Tune in as Like a Sponge explores how parents can embrace early adolescence, one of the most radical stages of brain development in the human lifespan.

]]> tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/341224889 Episode 3: Their Own Devices Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:53:12 -0000 https://soundcloud.com/greatschools/episode-3-their-own-devices In this episode of Like a Sponge, we take a hard look at what screens are doing to our kids’ brains—and what kind of role models we are.

]]> In this episode of Like a Sponge, we take a hard … full 28:31 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org In this episode of Like a Sponge, we take a hard look at what screens are doing to our kids’ brains—and what kind of role models we are.

]]> tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/327478951 Episode 2: This is Only a Test Sun, 11 Jun 2017 02:29:50 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=tag%3Asoundcloud%2C2010%3Atracks%2F327478951&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge Standardized testing: Is it an irrelevant waste of class time? An essential tool for making sure kids don't slip through the cracks? Like a Sponge looks at the many angles of this debate.

]]> Standardized testing: Is it an irrelevant waste of class time? An essential tool for making sure kids don't slip through the cracks? Like a Sponge looks at the many angles of this debate. full 37:12 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org Standardized testing: Is it an irrelevant waste of class time? An essential tool for making sure kids don't slip through the cracks? Like a Sponge looks at the many angles of this debate.

]]> tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/320566522 Episode 1: The M-Word Wed, 03 May 2017 01:42:54 -0000 https://play.prx.org/listen?ge=tag%3Asoundcloud%2C2010%3Atracks%2F320566522&uf=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Flikeasponge In the first episode of Like a Sponge, we explore why math fills so many Americans with fear and loathing, and what experts are doing to change the math story for your child.

]]> In the first episode of Like a Sponge, we explore why math fills so many Americans with fear and loathing, and what experts are doing to change the math story for your child full 28:33 editorialteam@greatschools.org (by GreatSchools.org) by GreatSchools.org In the first episode of Like a Sponge, we explore why math fills so many Americans with fear and loathing, and what experts are doing to change the math story for your child.

]]>