Jen.Made

There’s a new podcast episode on Andrew Huberman’s show that really got me thinking about how we set goals, think about our future, and—let’s be real—teach our kids how to do the same. In this episode, Huberman chats with Ari Wallach about creating your ideal future . Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t third grade a bit early to talk about the future?” But if you listen to what they’re saying, it’s clear that it’s never too early. In fact, it might be the perfect time! Step 1: Teaching Kids to Dream Big—But Also Be Real One of the big ideas from this episode is imagining the future you want and then figuring out how to get there. We talk about what our dreams are—a favorite for third graders. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” gets answers like “astronaut,” “pro basketball player,” or “a baker with a dog bakery” (I loved that one). To kick off this conversation, I read “What Do You Do with an Idea?” by Kobi Yamada. It’s the story of a child who has a big idea and learns how...

  Let’s be real for a second: kids can tell when you’re not being yourself. Whether you’re trying to act like the “perfect” teacher or following every lesson plan to a T without leaving room for flexibility, they know. And guess what? It doesn’t help anyone. As a 3rd grade teacher, I’ve learned that authenticity is what makes teaching magical. It’s not about having the best Pinterest classroom or pulling off the most elaborate lesson plans. It’s about being yourself, showing up, and connecting with your students in a genuine way. Because at the end of the day, kids don’t remember the perfect bulletin boards or the fancy anchor charts (even though I do love a good anchor chart). They remember how you made them feel and how you helped them grow. The Power of Vulnerability One thing I’ve come to realize is that students appreciate when teachers are honest with them. I don’t mean you need to share every detail of your personal life, but letting them see that you’re human can go ...

  This year, I have a student teacher in my class, and it’s been a great experience for both of us. It’s reminded me of what really makes a good teacher great. Sure, you can have the perfect lesson plans, know your curriculum inside and out, and have the best classroom management strategies in place. But there’s one thing that can’t be taught in a teacher prep program: enjoying being in the classroom. I’ve realized that the teachers who really leave a mark on their students are the ones who genuinely  enjoy  their time with them. It’s more than just showing up and delivering lessons. It’s about connecting with the kids, joking with them, and showing that you’re having fun being their teacher. Because let’s face it—kids aren’t always going to remember that grammar rule you taught them or that math strategy you drilled into their heads. But they  will  remember how you made them feel. Think back to your favorite teacher. Chances are, it’s not because they explaine...

  If you’ve ever dived into the world of podcasts, especially ones that talk about learning, you’ve probably stumbled upon   The Huberman Lab Podcast . Hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neuroscientist with a knack for breaking down complex brain science into stuff we can actually understand, it’s like a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in, well, learning. But here’s the thing—his research isn’t just for college students and grown-ups trying to “optimize their productivity.” A lot of what Huberman talks about can be applied to elementary education and parenting, too. Yep, all those brainy insights can actually help our littlest learners. Understanding the Brain and Learning First off, let’s talk about how understanding brain function can transform the way we teach. Huberman digs deep into how the brain works when we learn something new—how pit takes in information, processes it, and stores it. For elementary teachers, this can be a game-changer. Huberman...

Curiosity is the spark that ignites a lifelong love of learning. It's what drives children to ask questions, explore the world, and seek answers beyond the surface. Yet, in recent years, many parents and educators have noticed a troubling trend—children today don’t seem as curious as they once were. While technology offers endless access to information, it may be stifling the deep curiosity that fuels critical thinking and brain development. Let’s dive into the importance of curiosity in learning, why kids may be less curious today, and why AI can never fully replace the role of teachers in cultivating critical thinking. The Role of Curiosity in Brain Development Curiosity is fundamental to brain development, particularly in children. When kids are curious, they are driven to seek out new experiences and information. This triggers the brain to release dopamine, a chemical that promotes motivation and learning. Neuroscience shows that curiosity activates parts of the brain associate...

  How AI Will Change Teaching, Not Replace Teachers: A 3rd Grade Teacher’s Perspective There’s been a lot of talk lately about artificial intelligence (AI) and whether it could replace jobs—teachers included. But as a 3rd-grade teacher, I’m here to tell you that AI won’t replace us. Instead, it will change the way we teach, in ways that will help us reach our students even more effectively. In the past, teaching often involved helping students memorize facts—multiplication tables, vocabulary lists, and historical dates. While these foundations are important, the reality is that AI can access and retrieve all that information in an instant. So, how does that change what we do? It gives us room to focus more on what really matters: helping our students ask better questions, solve problems, and think critically. Shifting Focus to Critical Thinking AI is already bringing about an exciting shift in teaching, and it’s not about making memory obsolete. You are right- critical thinking and...