The Power of Language: How Our Words Shape Kids' Inner Worlds with Lily Howard Scott

Discover the profound impact of language on children's development with educator and author Lily Howard Scott. In this insightful conversation, Lily reveals how the words we use with children become their inner voice, shaping their thinking patterns and sense of self. Learn practical strategies to help children develop self-trust, move beyond binary thinking, and embrace a "birder mindset" that empowers them to appreciate life’s small wonders. 

Lily shares powerful concepts from her book, The Words That Shape Us: The Science-Based Power of Teacher Language, including outer shell vs. inner swirls, creating safe classroom environments, and why the most powerful learning happens between ages 0-10. 

This episode offers transformative language tools for educators and caregivers to nurture children's authentic selves beyond achievement metrics.

Episode Mentions:

• Lily on Instagram: @lily_howardscott
• Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett - How Emotions are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain
• David Foster Wallace 
• B.D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.
• The Tyranny of Metrics by Jerry Z. Muller
• Marilynne Robinson
• The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
• Ralph Fletcher 
• Georgia Heard
• Tyler Rablin - Hacking Student Motivation

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Lily Howard Scott 

1:40 The Power of Words in Shaping Children's Brains 

3:00 Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett's Research on Emotions 

5:32 Helping Children Discern Authentic Thoughts from External Pressures 

8:05 Creating Safe Spaces in the Classroom 

11:20 Teaching Beyond Metrics and Compliance 

13:52 Harper's Story: Achievement Pressure's Hidden Toll 

16:05 The Birder Mindset: Appreciating Life's Small Details 

20:35 Practical Applications of the Birder Mindset 

23:10 The Connection Between Bird Watchers and Wisdom 

25:30 Moving Beyond Binary Thinking with Children 

28:15 The Critical Learning Period (Ages 0-10) 

30:30 Outer Shell vs. Inner Swirls 

33:40 Closing Thoughts: The Lasting Impact of Our Words

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.