In this engaging episode, Dr. Kristine Dizon talks with Devyn Ricks, the visionary behind Ms. Devyn's Video Game Universe, a thriving online teaching business that uses video games to foster learning and build confidence in children. Devyn, who was featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show in 2023, shares her journey from teaching English to students in China to creating a unique educational space that integrates gaming with valuable life skills.

Key Topics:

• From English Teaching to Gaming Education: Devyn explains her transition from teaching English online to founding Ms. Devyn's Video Game Universe, and how her background in gaming and writing shaped her innovative teaching approach.
• Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space: Discover how Devyn's organization provides a welcoming environment for both neurodivergent and neurotypical children, allowing them to connect with like-minded peers through their shared love of gaming.
• Flexibility and Family Balance: Learn how Devyn manages to balance her role as a mother of four with running a successful business, including how she has expanded her team to offer diverse and engaging classes.
• The Evolution of Gaming Classes: Devyn discusses how her initial gaming classes evolved into social clubs and specialized courses, such as creative writing with Zelda and strategic play with Pokémon trading cards.
• Building Confidence through Gaming: Explore how gaming helps children build self-confidence and find a sense of belonging, and how this newfound confidence often extends into other areas of their lives.
• Academic Impact and Life Skills: While Devyn is not directly involved in academic teaching, she notes how students' enthusiasm for gaming translates into improved performance in related subjects and enhanced problem-solving skills.

Join us for a fascinating conversation about how video games can be a powerful tool for learning and personal development, and how Devyn Ricks is changing the way we view education through her innovative platform.

Devyn Ricks

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In this episode, Dr. Kristine Dizon sits down with Miss Anna, a celebrated online educator specializing in social and emotional learning for children aged 3 to 11. Known for her engaging and play-based teaching style, Miss Anna has taught over 4,000 students on Outschool.com and is recognized among the top 100 educators on the platform.

Key Topics:

• Miss Anna’s Journey into Education: Discover how Miss Anna transitioned from substitute teaching to becoming a star educator, driven by a passion for fostering friendships and confidence among young learners.
• Importance of Social and Emotional Learning: Miss Anna discusses the critical role of social and emotional learning in child development, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Interactive Online Classes: Learn about Miss Anna's innovative methods for creating engaging and supportive virtual classrooms that captivate and educate young children.
• Challenges and Triumphs of Online Teaching: Hear about the unique challenges and successes Miss Anna experiences while teaching children through a screen.
• Balancing Teaching and Business: Miss Anna shares insights on managing her dual roles as an educator and a small business owner, highlighting the importance of clear communication and setting expectations.
• Empathy and Confidence-Building: Understand how empathy and confidence-building are integral to Miss Anna’s teaching philosophy and their impact on early childhood development.

Join us for an enlightening conversation about the transformative power of social and emotional learning and how Miss Anna’s innovative teaching techniques are shaping the future of education.

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In this inspiring episode, Kristine Dizon sits down with Nicole Pauling, the innovative founder of the Academy of Wonder. Nicole shares the compelling story of how she pivoted from running the largest entertainment company in her county to creating an inclusive, engaging online learning platform during the pandemic.

Key Topics:

• Origins of the Academy of Wonder: Nicole recounts how the pandemic abruptly halted her thriving entertainment business and prompted a complete career shift, encouraged by a friend to leverage her academic background.
• Course Offerings and Inclusivity: Discover the diverse range of courses offered at the Academy of Wonder, designed to make learning magical and accessible for all students, including those who are neurodivergent.
• Innovative Teaching Approaches: Nicole explains the importance of teaching history through engaging stories and critical thinking rather than memorizing dates, and how her classes cover often overlooked historical narratives.
• Family Involvement: Learn how Nicole’s family, including her daughter and husband, play integral roles in teaching unique classes, from drawing cute animals to exploring the mysteries of Five Nights at Freddy’s.
• Navigating Controversial Topics: Nicole discusses her approach to handling sensitive and controversial subjects in her classes, emphasizing open dialogue and critical thinking without imposing specific viewpoints.
• Internet Safety and Responsible Use: With a background in educational technology, Nicole highlights the importance of teaching students to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, addressing issues like cyberbullying and online predators.

Join us for an insightful conversation that delves into the challenges and triumphs of adapting education to meet the needs of today’s diverse and ever-evolving student population. Social Media Accounts

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