Episode 9: Big Kids, Big Hearts: Thinking Like a 5th Grader with Guest Maura Vivona

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the transition from "sweet little kids" to the "big kids" in upper elementary, this episode is for you. I’m joined by my lifelong teaching mentor and 5th-grade expert, Maura Vivona, to debunk the stigma that older kids are "mean" or "scary".We dive into the magic of the "House System" inspired by the Ron Clark Academy and how it builds an undeniable sense of belonging and peer accountability in an entire school.In this episode, we cover:The 5th Grade Stigma: Why older kids still want to be liked by their teachers and how their "edge" is often just a cover for big transitions.The Ron Clark House System: How implementing houses with colors, mascots, and bragging rights can transform attendance and student engagement.The Power of Individual Motivation: Finding the "one thing" from 4th-grade teacher visits to Pokemon cards that builds a bridge to the "difficult" student.Empathy in the Classroom: Thinking like a student during an institute day to remember how hard it is to sit "bell to bell" without movement or creativity.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: Start building those critical thinking muscles early so they thrive by the time they hit 5th grade.Maura Vivona’s Contact Info: Reach out to Maura for mentorship or questions on implementing a House System in your school: [email protected] Book Recommendation: The Essential 55 by Ron Clark https://store.ronclarkacademy.com/products/essential-55 The Ron Clark Academy: https://www.ronclarkacademy.com/ Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Maura’s challenge for adults with "big kids" is to remove the shame from growing up.This week, when your older child or student expresses an interest in something "grown-up" (like a crush or a new style), don't dismiss them or say they are too young. Instead, acknowledge and honor where they are. Try saying, "I get that you're feeling that way; let's talk about it".Recommended Episodes:Episode 4: Why Your Lesson Plan Doesn’t Matter If You Skip SELEpisode 5: STEAM for the Future: Raising Problem Solvers in an AI WorldEpisode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)If you loved this conversation, make sure to follow and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.