
Middle School Mary Poppins
Middle School Mary Poppins
Host: Suzanne M. Swain, EDS LMSW
Imagine Mr. Rogers for the 2025 middle school set, with a splash of retro flair and a dash of divergent thinking, Middle School is the best place to be! . "Middle School Mary Poppins" is an educational podcast that's here to shake up the way we approach tween and teen development. Divergence focuses equally on creativity, mental health, and broad thinking. Grab your quarters and hit the pizza place for a multiverse ride through gamifying Middle School.
Led by the enthusiastic veteran teach & Mary Poppins 2.0, Suzanne M. Swain EDS LMSW, this show dives into the exciting world of divergent teens and tweens, celebrating their unique perspectives and untapped potential. Through a vibrant mix of pop culture references, boundless imagination, and a healthy dose of 80s and 90s nostalgia, we're on a mission to supercharge creativity and pave the way for success. Howard Gardner, Carol Dweck, Jean Piaget, and Erik Erikson are a few influences that give us clues on how to fix school violence once and for all. It ALL starts in the Middle. Let's rev up K12 again and fuel middle schools to be arts-based for mental health coping skills. We CAN do this; we're Goonies after all!
Key Features:
- Explores the positive aspects of Autism, ADD, ADHD, and other behavioral and mental health conditions
- Empowers families and educators with strategies to nurture divergent thinking
- Utilizes metaverses and imaginative scenarios to engage and educate
- Packed with fun, humorous, relatable content that speaks to both kids and adults
"Middle School Mary Poppins" is your guide to flipping the script on traditional approaches to neurodiversity. We're here to show that what some see as challenges are actually superpowers in disguise. Join us as we embark on a fun-filled journey, transforming the middle school experience one episode at a time.
It's time for a retro remix of middle school. Let's rock y'all Ready Player One!
Middle School Mary Poppins
EP: 4- The Mr. Rogers Of Teacher Ed: How Dr. Akenson’s Creative Vision Is Revolutionizing Education
Step into the extraordinary world of Dr. James Akenson, the educator who redefines what it means to teach. Known as the "Mr. Rogers of Teacher Education," Dr. Akenson blends visual thinking, storytelling, and thematic teaching (like country music!) to create immersive learning experiences that inspire students and teachers alike. Suzanne Akenson, deeply inspired by a former professor, took learning to a new graphically organized level, embodying his innovative approach in her own journey as an educator.
From dismantling time-bound learning to championing the power of doodles and graphic organizers, Dr. Akenson is a master at turning complex ideas into relatable, unforgettable lessons. In this captivating episode, we explore his groundbreaking methods, his neurodivergent-friendly approach, and his passion for shaping middle school education into a creative, supportive environment. Along the way, we’ll uncover why flexibility, empathy, and a touch of humor are essential for the future of learning.
Whether you’re an educator, a lifelong learner, or simply curious about the untapped potential of teaching, this conversation is sure to ignite your imagination and leave you inspired.
Contact Suzanne Swain:
Email: suzanneswain@gmail.com
Facebook: Suzanne Swain
Produced By: StellaMix Podcast Production
Send Suzanne a Question or Comment:
Send Suzanne a Question or Comment: