Chalk and Coffee
Welcome to Chalk and Coffee, the podcast for teachers, early career educators, and parents who are passionate about creating a thriving environment for children. Join host Shana Roberts—an experienced educator, parent, and author—as she explores the vital roles of teachers and parents in shaping young lives. Through insightful interviews with professionals, parents, and authors, you’ll gain valuable perspectives, effective teaching strategies, and innovative approaches to support children through life’s challenges. This podcast also features regular episodes tailored specifically for early career teachers. Shana is deeply passionate about supporting new educators as they navigate the early stages of their teaching journey. These episodes offer practical advice, real-world insights, and encouragement to help you thrive in the classroom. Whether you’re an experienced teacher looking for fresh inspiration, a parent seeking guidance, or an early career educator eager for support, Chalk and Coffee provides the tools and connections to empower you. Join us today—your next cup of inspiration is just a listen away!
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Episodes
7 hours ago
7 hours ago
7 hours ago
In this episode, Melissa shares her journey as a writer, her love for storytelling, and the profound impact her stories have on readers of all ages. As a neurodivergent author, her stories spotlight neurodivergence, fostering understanding and connection through her unique perspective.
Join us as we dive into her creative process, explore the power of storytelling, and celebrate the magic of connection through books.
It's the perfect way to start a new season of thought-provoking conversations!
Get in touch with Melissa
Melissa's Website
Instagram
Facebook
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
Find me on Instagram
Find me on Facebook
Find me on TikTok
Feature as a Guest
If you're interested in being a guest o the podcast, I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the expression of interest form. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time, take care.
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I sit down with author Teena Raffa-Mulligan to explore her inspiring writing journey. Teena shares how her stories spark imagination, foster connection, and resonate with parents, children, and educators. Don’t miss the audiobook section of the episode that follows Teena’s interview.
You can find more information about Teena ⬇️
Website
Facebook
All listeners can use the code COFFEE to get 10% off! Head to her website to get your copy!
Book Summary
It's been four years since the dark days when Chloe lost her mum to cancer. Nana’s been wonderful but it’s time their family had a mum person. When Dad brings home a special friend Chloe knows immediately that Fern is wrong for the job. She’s in a wheelchair so can’t skate to the shop, turn cartwheels on the lawn or race along the seashore. Chloe will have to be good at being bad to stop Fern joining their family. Or is she making a mistake? What if Fern is the perfect mum for the job?
A warm-hearted story about letting go of limiting expectations and opening up to 'can' rather than 'can't.'
Let’s get into it!
Be a Guest
I love hearing people’s stories and would love to have you as a guest. If you would like to share your story and feature in an episode, please complete an expression of interest form.
Supporting Others
Here at Chalk and Coffee, we are all about supporting each other as parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to help children thrive. One way I am trying to do that is by supporting new and early-career teachers.
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
Find me on Instagram
Find me on Facebook
Find me on TikTok
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
In this episode of Chalk and Coffee, I sit down with Leslie Kuny, a professional dance teacher, choreographer, adjudicator, and dance studio owner with over 20 years of experience working with and mentoring kids. Leslie shares how her love for education and dance led her to create a unique teaching approach that prioritises meaningful, lasting connections with her students.
She talks about rejecting outdated norms of shame and guilt in dance education and how she has instead built successful, competitive artists through honesty, joy, laughter, and encouragement. Leslie also opens up about her human-first teaching philosophy, which centres on trust, humour, and genuine connection to help young dancers thrive on and off the stage.
This is an inspiring conversation about how the arts can empower and transform young lives. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or simply passionate about creative expression, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas and inspiration for fostering connection and growth in the next generation.
Get in touch with Leslie
Leslie’s Website
Absolute Motion Website
Leslie Instagram
Absolute Motion Studio Instagram
Be a Guest
I love hearing people’s stories and would love to have you as a guest. If you would like to share your story and feature in an episode, please complete an expression of interest form.
Supporting Others
Here at Chalk and Coffee, we are all about supporting each other as parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to help children thrive. One way I am trying to do that is by supporting new and early-career teachers.
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
Find me on Instagram
Find me on Facebook
Find me on TikTok
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
In this episode, I explore the challenges faced by new teachers and share valuable tips and strategies to help them bridge the gap between university and the realities of the new classroom. This episode will provide practical advice and support for new and experienced educators.
Let’s get into it!
Be a Guest
I love hearing people’s stories and would love to have you as a guest. If you would like to share your story and feature in an episode, please complete an expression of interest form.
Supporting Others
Here at Chalk and Coffee, we are all about supporting each other as parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to help children thrive. One way I am trying to do that is by supporting new and early-career teachers.
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
Find me on Instagram
Find me on Facebook
Find me on TikTok
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
In this episode, I am joined by Tala Hershey a speech pathologist practicing in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. She is the owner of Hershey Therapy Practice, a paediatric private practice serving New York and Connecticut as well as Hershey Speech & Language Coaching, extending its coaching services to parents worldwide. Tala specialises in toddler language development and coaching for parents to learn research-based strategies to boost their toddlers' language for toddler’s who present with expressive language difficulties. Her favourite role of all is being the mother of two wild and loveable boys, ages 3 and 1.
Let’s get into it!
Get in touch with Tala
To learn more about Tala or access the free guide we discussed in today’s episode, using the links below.
Facebook Group
Instagram
Parent Guide
Be a Guest
I love hearing people’s stories and would love to have you as a guest. If you would like to share your story and feature in an episode, please complete an expression of interest form.
Supporting Others
Here at Chalk and Coffee, we are all about supporting each other as parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to help children thrive. One way I am trying to do that is by supporting new and early-career teachers.
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
Find me on Instagram
Find me on Facebook
Find me on TikTok
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
In this episode, Michelle De Robillard, a published children’s book author, joins me to discuss her book Maisy and Daisy Move House. This book includes themes of inclusivity, disability and accessibility. I recommend checking it out! Don’t miss the audiobook section of the episode that follows Michelle’s interview.
You can find more information about Michelle ⬇️
Website
Instagram @berrybeepublishing
TikTok @Berry.bee.95
All listeners can use the code COFFEE to get 10% off! Head to her website to get your copy!
Book Summary
Maisy and her wheelchair Daisy are moving to a new home with new access barriers to navigate. Join them as they roam their home, find their room and rush to their favourite place.
Let’s get into it!
Be a Guest
I love hearing people’s stories and would love to have you as a guest. If you would like to share your story and feature in an episode, please complete an expression of interest form.
Supporting Others
Here at Chalk and Coffee, we are all about supporting each other as parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to help children thrive. One way I am trying to do that is by supporting new and early-career teachers.
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
Find me on Instagram
Find me on Facebook
Find me on TikTok
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
In this episode, I use my experience as an educator and a parent to illuminate the crucial roles of educators and parents in nurturing and supporting children's development and growth. I also explore the power of collaboration and how these roles intersect and share strategies for establishing effective partnerships.
Let’s get into it!
Be a Guest
I love hearing people’s stories and would love to have you as a guest. If you would like to share your story and feature in an episode, please complete an expression of interest form.
Supporting Others
Here at Chalk and Coffee, we are all about supporting each other as parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to help children thrive. One way I am trying to do that is by supporting new and early-career teachers.
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
Find me on Instagram
Find me on Facebook
Find me on TikTok
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
I am thrilled that in today's bonus episode, I am joined by Ash who shares her teaching journey and experiences working as a casual relief and contract teacher. I hope our discussion can give beginning career teachers a different perspective as they begin their career.
Let’s get into it!
Be a Guest
I love hearing people’s stories and would love to have you as a guest. If you would like to share your story and feature in an episode, please complete an expression of interest form.
Supporting Others
Here at Chalk and Coffee, we are all about supporting each other as parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to help children thrive. One way I am trying to do that is by supporting new and early-career teachers.
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
Find me on Instagram
Find me on Facebook
Find me on TikTok
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
In this episode, I chat with Emilie Tunstill, a published children’s book author, about her book The First Year. Audiobook reading starts at 26:29.
Book Summary
The First Year is a beautiful keepsake children’s book with a touching story about the adventures a mama and bub have together in the first year – the highs, lows and everything in between.Following their journey from birth to first birthday, it highlights the special bond between a mother and her new baby.Babies will enjoy listening to the heartfelt rhyming tale – feeling love and connection from their mums. At the same time, it helps new mums feel seen – normalising the challenges of that first year and celebrating the pure joy that a new baby brings.
Get in Contact with Emilie
Website
Instagram - @the_tunstill_tales
Facebook
TikTok - @the_tunstill_tales
When purchasing a copy of her book, all listeners can use the code COFFEE to get 10% off!
Let’s get into it!
Supporting Others
Here at Chalk and Coffee, we are all about supporting each other as parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to help children thrive. One way I am trying to do that is by supporting new and early-career teachers.
Stay Connected
Please find all the information below to stay in the loop and join the Nurture Connect Play Community!
Visit my website
Find me on Instagram
Find me on Facebook
Find me on TikTok