In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Bennison discusses the Mattering Movement, which aims to combat feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, particularly among young people. She shares her experiences as an educator in underprivileged areas and highlights the importance of small acts of kindness and service learning in fostering connections and a sense of belonging. The discussion also touches on the pressures of achievement culture in education and the need for both students and teachers to feel valued and empowered. Dr. Bennison emphasizes the actionable nature of fostering mattering in educational settings and provides practical steps for parents and educators to create supportive environments.

The Mattering Movement, which includes tools for parents and teachers https://www.thematteringmovement.com/
Dr. Jonathan Kozol, author of the book that inspired so many of us idealistic young teachers, Savage Inequalities https://www.jonathankozol.com/ (a book every American should read!)
Trinity School NYC Service Learning Program (designed by Sarah) https://www.trinityschoolnyc.org/our-programs/public-service
Creating a Class: College Admissions and the Education of Elites by Dr. Mitchell Stevens (highly recommend!)
To read more about the concept of 'thwarted belonging' as a risk factor, check out Dr. Tom Joiner's Why People Die By Suicide (this book is intense, so proceed with caution)
The Pain of Social Rejection, Dr. Kipling Williams, the experiment that replicates being excluded from a game that suggests that social rejection activates the same neurological response as physical pain https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/04/rejection
Bennison Gives https://www.bennisongives.com/ If you need to buy baby clothes for a great cause!

The Mattering Movement
The Mattering Movement provides powerful tools to help parents, students, and teachers untangle self-worth from achievement: it is called mattering.
The Mattering Movement
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Jonathan Kozol
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Bennison

In this conversation, Debbie and Lindsay discuss the importance of executive functioning skills in students and how these skills impact learning and achievement. They explore various cognitive processes that make up executive functioning, the role of emotions, and the significance of naming these skills for better understanding. The discussion also highlights the parent-child dynamic in learning, the need for structure and routines, and the importance of curiosity in overcoming barriers to learning. They emphasize that coaching and explicit instruction can help students develop these essential life skills, ultimately leading to greater academic success and personal growth.

The Study Pro : https://thestudypro.com/

Steve's books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/s?k=steven+feifer+books&hvadid=776839258289&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9007767&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=8788978197982880536--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8788978197982880536&hvtargid=kwd-1651058349565&hydadcr=2289_13793056&mcid=db2df93a69713d45a2b559c10525e614&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_7s4l19r0od_e

Continuing education courses by Steve https://partalks.parinc.com/b/sp/steven-feifer-20

Great things we mentioned:
The International Dyslexia Association https://dyslexiaida.org/
Learning Disabilities Association https://ldaamerica.org/
Henry Winkler talks dyslexia and about his children's book series https://www.readingrockets.org/people-and-organizations/henry-winkler https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/celebrities/henry-winkler-interview-2023/
Decoding Dyslexia's guide to Starting a Grassroots Movement for universal dyslexia screenings chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.decodingdyslexia.net/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Guide-to-Start-Grassroots-Movement-for-Dyslexia.pdf
The Lab School https://www.labschool.org/
The Siena School https://www.thesienaschool.org/
Landmark College https://www.landmark.edu/

In this conversation, Alex Berthé discusses the importance of sports psychology for young athletes, sharing insights from his own athletic career and how they shape his work with children. He emphasizes the significance of consistency, developing systems for improvement, and the role of mindfulness and reflection in enhancing performance. Alex also highlights the value of sports beyond competition, teaching resilience, and the importance of parents in fostering a supportive environment. He introduces the Locker Ready app, designed to help young athletes prepare mentally for their training and competitions.

Alex Berthe's practice Berthe Counseling https://www.berthecounseling.com/foundation
Alex's App for student athletes https://www.lockerready.com/

Berthé Counseling - About Alex Berthe

Elizabeth's book, Seven Steps to Success: A Pathway for College Students with Disabilities https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Steps-College-Success-Disabilities/dp/1475864442
Elizabeth's website, chock full of webinars, articles and videos https://ldadvisory.com/

The Learning Disability of America's definition of learning disabilities (and why it is important not to say learning differences when you're seeking accommodations!) https://ldaamerica.org/advocacy/lda-position-papers/what-are-learning-disabilities/

The K and W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/college-college-prep/books/kw-guide-colleges-students-learning-differences

Nicola Rose is the writer and director of the beautiful new movie, Magnetosphere, about a 13 year old girl discovering her neurodivergence. Magnetosphere (which I'm naming the best middle school girl slumber party watch or "how do I make neurodiversity come alive for my students?" movie of the year) is available for streaming many places, including Amazon Prime https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Magnetosphere/0MZX0SOLUZELZH8XZZRWMSBV8V"
Nicola's IMBD profile is here https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7384184/
The Rotten Tomatoes critics review of Magnetosphere (certified fresh!) https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/magnetosphere
The book that inspired many aspects of the movie is Synesthesia by Dr. Richard Cytowic. An easier read is VS Ramachandran's The Telltale Brain, which has a fascinating chapter devoted to synesthesia.

Every child needs a champion who sees their strengths first.

In this episode, Barry Davis, Head of the McLean School of Maryland, and Cathy Patterson, Director of Enrollment, discuss how bright students with learning differences can thrive when education emphasizes their abilities rather than their deficits. They emphasize the importance of building confidence, celebrating talents, and sharing test results openly so that students understand both their strengths and challenges. Small class sizes, strong teacher-student relationships, and safe, supportive environments are presented as essential for encouraging risk-taking and growth. The guests also explore evidence-based literacy instruction, such as Orton-Gillingham, explicit writing instruction, handwriting, and word study, alongside mindfulness practices that reduce anxiety and open space for learning. Enrichment opportunities in arts, sports, and robotics further allow students to shine, while testing is framed as a tool to guide instruction and help children face challenges with optimism.

Tune in and learn how to unlock the potential of twice-exceptional learners through strengths-based education, evidence-based practices, and meaningful connections!

Resources:

• Follow and connect with Cathy Patterson on LinkedIn.

• Learn more about the McLean School of Maryland on their LinkedIn and website.

Claire's Website https://www.lernerchilddevelopment.com/
Follow Claire's blog: A library of over 130 articles that address the range of challenging behaviors—relevant to kids birth to 10 years. https://www.lernerchilddevelopment.com/mainblog

LCD Newsletter: Free bi-monthly email that includes my most current blog and links to additional resources. This is the best way to keep abreast of Claire's content. https://www.lernerchilddevelopment.com/lcd-membership

Claire's Upcoming Book: Big Reactors: Practical Strategies for Supporting Highly Sensitive Children (available for preorder; pub date- 10/2/2025) and her first book: Why Is My Child In Charge? A Roadmap to End Power Struggles and Increase Cooperation.

Follow Claire on Instagram for tips and encouragement! https://www.instagram.com/lernerchilddevelopment/?hl=en