What does it really mean to be school-ready?
In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Alison Nichols, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning for the School District of Manatee County, and Jennifer Harrison, K–2 Curriculum Specialist for the School District of Manatee County. Together, they unpack what school readiness truly looks like, explore the challenges children may face without it, and offer practical tips and valuable resources for parents, caregivers, and educators to help every child start school with confidence.
Timestamps
- 00:31 - Intro
- 01:44 - Alison and Jennifer break down what it means for a child to be “school ready.”
- 05:56 - Alison and Jennifer reveal the challenges a child might face if they are not school ready.
- 07:20 - Leah, Alison, and Jennifer discuss the importance of families participating in their local “Kindergarten Round-up” and how to take those practices home.
- 10:42 - Jennifer and Alison share the success of collaborating with The Patterson Foundation to provide Kindergarten Readiness Bags to all children in Manatee County.
- 13:42 - Alison and Jennifer talk about the other “Helpers” in our community and how families can find them.
- 17:16 - Big Picture Small Steps
- 17:39 - Aison & Jennifer share their long-term aspirations for School Readiness in our community.
- 20:14 - Jennifer and Alison offer numerous actionable tips to help ensure your child is school ready.
- 24:44 - Connecting with Kids
Links to Learn More
- https://www.manateeschools.net/
- https://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com/ (Developmental Standards)
- https://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/just-read-fl/parents.stml (Just Read Florida - Family Guides)
- https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/
- https://www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/
- https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/
- https://www.cfsarasota.org/
- https://www.oysterbar.net/dive-into-reading/
- https://soarin4.org/
- https://soarin4.org/storybook-trail/
- https://www.vroom.org
- https://www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SCGLR-Kindergarten-Readiness-Checklist.pdf
Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!
Join The Journey
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.