Is that student "acting out," or are they experiencing sensory overload? 🧠 In this eye-opening episode of Hall Pass to Nowhere, we sit down with sensory experts Donna Redman and Cynthia Duffy to uncover the "Secret Genius" of sensory processing.

We challenge the traditional view of classroom behavior, exploring how sensory needs—from the tag on a shirt to the hum of a fluorescent light—impact learning and executive function. If you are a teacher, parent, or admin trying to support neurodiverse students, this conversation will change how you see your classroom.

In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ The "Secret Genius" Framework: Why sensory sensitivity is a strength, not a deficit. ✅ Behavior vs. Biology: How to distinguish between defiance and dysregulation. ✅ Heavy Work & Proprioception: Practical tools to calm the nervous system instantly. ✅ The Executive Function

Connection: Why you can't teach a dysregulated brain. ✅ Self-Advocacy: Teaching students to own their sensory profile.

Stay connected with Hall Pass to Nowhere for more stories that inspire learning and growth. ✨ Follow us on social, subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to keep the conversation going! https://linktr.ee/hallpasstonowhere

Summary

In this conversation, Hillary Summerbell shares her journey from struggling with reading due to visual dyslexia to creating the Summerbell reading system, which utilizes graphic organization to help neurodiverse learners. She discusses the development of the Positional Reading Arc, the importance of technology in education, and the accessibility of her tools for all learners. Hillary emphasizes the need for accommodations in education and shares her personal experiences with the educational system, highlighting the transformative power of meeting students where they are. The conversation also touches on research validating the efficacy of the Summerbell system and how it can benefit a wide range of learners.


Takeaways

Hillary Summerbell created Summerbell to help neurodiverse learners.
The Positional Reading Arc was developed from Hillary’s personal struggles with reading.
Graphic organization aids in comprehension for visual dyslexics.
Technology, like Chrome extensions, enhances learning accessibility.
Summerbell offers both digital and hard copy reading options.
Research shows positive results from using Summerbell in classrooms.
Accommodations in education are crucial for student success.
Summerbell can benefit learners from ages 1 to 100.
Consistent use of Summerbell can significantly improve reading skills.
Hillary’s educational journey reflects the challenges faced by many neurodiverse individuals.

Stay connected with Hall Pass to Nowhere for more stories that inspire learning and growth. ✨ Follow us on social, subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to keep the conversation going! https://linktr.ee/hallpasstonowhere

Is your grading pen doing more harm than good?

In this episode of Hall Pass to Nowhere, we sit down with renowned literacy expert and author Patty McGee to perform some much-needed "Red Ink Rehab." For decades, the hallmark of writing instruction has been the crimson-stained rough draft—a sea of corrections that often leaves students feeling defeated rather than inspired.

Patty challenges us to trade the red pen for a more restorative approach. We dive deep into non-traditional writing instruction techniques that prioritize the writer over the writing. Whether you’re a K-12 educator, a homeschool parent, or a writing coach, this conversation will shift your perspective on how to provide feedback that actually sticks.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Psychology of Feedback: Why traditional "correction" often shuts down student creativity.
• The "Coach" vs. "Judge" Mentality: How to shift your role in the writing workshop.
• Actionable Alternatives: Strategies for verbal conferencing and "glow and grow" feedback.
• Building Confidence: Patty shares her secrets for helping reluctant writers find their authentic voice.
• Practical Pedagogy: How to meet curriculum standards without sacrificing the joy of storytelling.

It’s time to move beyond the margins and start a new chapter in how we teach composition. Tune in to learn how to turn your classroom into a space where every student feels like a writer.

About Patty McGee

Patty McGee is a sought-after literacy consultant and the author of several books, including Feedback that Moves Writers. Her mission is to create learning environments where both teachers and students find joy and success in the writing process.

Stay connected with Hall Pass to Nowhere for more stories that inspire learning and growth. ✨ Follow us on social, subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to keep the conversation going! https://linktr.ee/hallpasstonowhere