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!
Listen on:
Episodes
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She talks about rejecting outdated norms of shame and guilt in dance education and how she has instead built successful, competitive artists through honesty, joy, laughter, and encouragement.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 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 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.
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
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Hello Everyone!
It's an honour to have you here with me for the first episode of Chalk and Coffee! Eep!
In this episode, I discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in children and how it contributes to their well-being and development.
Let’s get into it!
Links
Here are the links to the studies mentioned in the podcast episode about emotional intelligence and social-emotional learning for children:
The Future of Children: Social and Emotional Learning - This report discusses the development of SEL skills in schools and afterschool programs and emphasises the importance of professional development for adults working with children.
Evidence for Social and Emotional Learning in Schools - This report from the Learning Policy Institute highlights the evidence base for SEL programs in PreK–12 schools, showing their positive impact on academic performance, behaviour, and emotional well-being.
Implementing Social-Emotional Learning in the Elementary Classroom - This article outlines best practices and necessary components for successfully implementing SEL in elementary schools, including the importance of teacher preparation and creating a supportive learning environment.
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 Sep 06, 2024