In this episode of The Hall Pass Podcast, Jen and Brian tackle one of parenting’s biggest villains: boredom. Or is it? In a world of colour-coded calendars, back-to-back activities, and constant stimulation, they make the case that boredom isn’t a failure of parenting—it’s a gift.

Jen and Brian unpack what really happens when kids have nothing to do, and why those quiet, “I’m bored” moments are often where creativity, resilience, and independent thinking begin. They explore how unstructured time helps students learn to problem-solve, take initiative, and get comfortable with uncertainty—skills that matter far more than memorization in a future built on innovation.

The conversation also takes a playful but honest look at modern parenting guilt and the urge to overcorrect our own childhoods by overmanaging kids’ schedules. Are we helping our kids thrive, or are we accidentally robbing them of the chance to figure things out on their own?

If you’ve ever felt the urge to fix boredom the second it appears—or wondered whether you’re doing enough—this episode might just change your mind. Sometimes the most productive thing a child can do… is absolutely nothing.

In this emergency episode, Jen and Bri unpack the 2025 EQAO results — focusing especially on math, where about half of students meet expectations. They take you through the history and purpose of the EQAO assessment, clarifying what it measures (and what it doesn’t), and analyzing the latest data with an eye toward what it means for your child and Ontario’s schools.

Jen and Bri dig beneath the headlines to highlight areas where students have shown progress, and where challenges remain. The math scores, in particular, raise concerns about whether current supports and strategies are enough to help all students succeed. They also discuss how EQAO fits into the bigger picture of education policy and classroom learning.

As part of their deep dive, Jen and Bri hold the Ministry of Education accountable by giving them a grade on how they’re responding to these results and supporting Ontario students. Is the ministry stepping up to the challenge, or falling short?

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about the future of Ontario’s education system, this episode will give you the insights you need to understand the EQAO results beyond the numbers — and ideas on how we can work together to improve learning outcomes.

If you want to make sense of these results, understand the system behind them, and hear an honest assessment of where Ontario stands, tune in now.

Full results available here: https://www.eqao.com/results/

Progress reports are more than just a checklist or a grade snapshot—they’re a window into your child’s learning journey. In this episode, Jen and Bri break down what progress reports actually measure, why they matter, and how they fit into the bigger picture of your child’s education in Ontario schools.

You’ll learn how to read between the lines of those comments and marks, what questions to ask your child’s teacher, and how to use this information to support your child’s growth—whether they’re thriving or facing challenges.

Jen and Bri also explore common misconceptions about progress reports, and offer practical tips on how parents can turn these reports from just paperwork into powerful tools for collaboration and advocacy.

By the end, you’ll feel confident navigating progress reports and ready to take meaningful next steps to help your child succeed.

Because progress reports aren’t just about looking back—they’re about moving forward, together.

What is an IEP, really—and how does it shape your child’s learning experience in Ontario schools? In this episode, Jen and Bri take you behind the scenes of the Individual Education Plan process, breaking down the myths, the meaning, and the mechanics of how schools support diverse learners.

They trace how IEPs began, what’s required by law, and how they’re used day-to-day in classrooms. You’ll hear real-world insights about what works well, what often falls short, and how small communication gaps can lead to big frustrations for families.

But most importantly, Jen and Bri focus on empowerment—helping parents step confidently into IEP meetings armed with the right questions, realistic expectations, and a clear understanding of their rights.

By the end of this episode, you’ll see the IEP not as a maze of paperwork, but as a roadmap for success—and know exactly how to make it work for your child, not just about your child.

An IEP isn’t a label—it’s a living document. And when parents and teachers collaborate, it becomes a bridge.

Think you’re a “visual learner” or that your brain only works if information is served just right? Jen and Bri are here to bust that myth wide open. They dive into the pseudo-science behind learning styles, unpacking why tailoring teaching to “auditory, visual, or kinesthetic” preferences just doesn’t hold up in real research.

A seminal study by Pashler et al. (2008) found no solid evidence that matching teaching to learning styles improves outcomes (read it here). Later research by Nancekivell et al. (2023) shows that believing in learning styles can actually bias how students’ abilities are perceived (read it here).

Instead, Jen and Bri highlight smarter strategies: Universal Design for Learning, which makes classrooms flexible for everyone, and metacognition—helping students actually understand how they learn, not just what they prefer.

Jen and Bri also give shout-outs to some students who have absolutely blown their minds this week with incredible progress, proving that focus, strategy, and curiosity beat labels any day.

By the end of this episode, you’ll see why learning styles are a myth, and how paying attention to how students think and learn can make all the difference—without needing to know if they’re “visual” or “auditory.”

Back-to-school routines can feel like an Olympic sport—but fear not, there’s no perfect formula. Jen and Brian compare their wildly different habit-building styles—Bri, the early-morning swimmer who thrives on structure, and Jen, the forgetful whirlwind navigating life with a Rube Goldberg–style system of reminders, alarms, and little “traps” to avoid leaving anything behind…only to sometimes realize halfway down the street that she forgot something anyway.

From trial-and-error to observing what actually works, this episode is all about embracing your quirks, surviving the chaos of mornings, and finding a routine that actually works for you. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, you’ll pick up practical lessons and helpful hacks to make back-to-school mornings a little less stressful—and a lot more manageable.

Episode 1: Advice to Our Past Selves

Ever wish you could hop into a time machine and tell your younger self a thing or two? In this episode of Hall Pass, Jen and Brian take a trip down memory lane and share three pieces of advice we’d give our past selves—covering school, learning, and life in general.

But here’s the twist: would our younger selves have actually listened? Or would they have rolled their eyes, shrugged, and kept doing things their own way?

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about how kids (and adults) learn, this episode is your pass to honest, relatable, and occasionally hilarious insights from two people who’ve been there, done that, and are still learning.

Hall Pass: Your official permission slip to talk about everything education related—no homework, just honesty.

We’re Jen and Brian: educators, entrepreneurs, and seasoned pros in the supplemental education world. On Hall Pass, we dive into learning, classrooms, and the highs (and occasional chaos) of Ontario’s education system—exploring what it really means for students, parents, and teachers.

In this episode: we introduce Hall Pass and explain why we’re handing you the ultimate permission slip to talk openly about school, learning, and everything in between. Expect candid conversations, practical insights, and yes… Brian telling the second-best joke he knows (maybe one day he’ll share the first).

From study hacks and parent challenges to teacher wins and classroom stories, nothing’s off-limits. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about how kids learn, Hall Pass is your backstage pass to the world of education—fun, real, and unapologetically honest. Grab your Hall Pass, buckle up, and join us for the ride.