Grounded and Soaring

In a world where AI can answer every question, how do we teach our children to keep asking them? Tech veteran and artist, Jonathan Arena, joins Sam Shapiro to discuss the "Thinking Hand"—the vital connection between physical making and cognitive growth.Inside the Episode:The Garden Experiment: Using ChatGPT as a "consultant" for a family project.Assistant vs. Replacement: Keeping AI in its place as a tool, not a director.The Power of Friction: Why the "messy" parts of learning are where the growth happens.Intuition: Why human "sensibility" is the one thing AI can't replicate.

“How do I know they’re actually learning? And what happens when they hit the 'real world'?”Most of us grew up in traditional systems, navigating our days through the lens of grades and standardized tests. When parents choose a Montessori path, they often hold questions to themselves about the pedagogy, the outcomes, and much more. Because we understand the stakes of this investment, we’ve stepped aside to facilitate a direct conversation between parents. In this special episode, veteran parents Courtney Smith and Jeannette Schar—who both began this journey as traditional school kids themselves—take over the microphones. Joined by fellow parent Lee Burgess, they answer anonymous questions from our community with the perspective that only comes after 14 years on the path.Episode highlights:The Transition to High School: How students who grew up without letter grades adapt and lead in traditional academic settings.New Indicators of Growth: How to recognize the building of "Montessori muscles" like agency, accountability, and self-possession.Navigating the "Marin Bubble": An honest talk on diversity, social dynamics, and preparing kids for the world beyond our gates.The 2:00 A.M. Doubt: Practical wisdom for staying grounded when your child’s educational experience looks nothing like your own.Listen in for an honest window into the life of our school and the lasting impact of the Montessori path.

As families head into a busy season of gatherings, late nights, and less structure, many parents quietly wonder how to protect their kids from early substance use. In this episode, Sam Shapiro talks with Jessica Lahey, educator and author, most recently of The Addiction Inoculation, about what really keeps kids safer, why early use is so detrimental, and how parents can stay connected and influential in the years that count most.We think this is an important episode that's best listened to (for the first time at least!) without kids around.Key takeaways:Why delaying first use is one of the most powerful protective factors for kids and teens.How strong family connection and clear expectations reduce risk more than lectures or scare tactics.Practical scripts for starting honest, age-appropriate conversations about alcohol and other drugs.What the research shows about anxiety, perfectionism, and self-medication in high-achieving communities.

AI changes everything. Stanford's Dr. Denise Pope, Co-Founder of Challenge Success, returns to discuss the "volcanic level of change" in education.In this episode, Dr. Pope reveals:The WEB Foundation: Why Well-being, Engagement, and Belonging are critical defenses against cognitive offloading.The Real Solution to Cheating: Why schools must shift to Authentic Assessment (real-world, engaging work).Guiding Principles: How parents can use the "Does it make us better?" test for new technologies.The Loneliness Risk: Why human-to-human connection and empathy are more vital than ever.

Many parents worry: Is my child motivated enough? In this episode, Terry Dubow and Minnie Wales, Director of Education for Elementary, talk about how motivation really develops—and why the ability to choose challenging work matters more than constant pushing.Key Takeaways: Why real motivation grows from curiosity, not pressureHow daily routines build independence and focus Ways parents can help kids choose “just-right” challengesWhy internal drive matters more than gradesDon't forget to read Minnie's article on this topic!

 Our children are growing up in a world of nonstop screens, noise, and pressure. How can we help them find calm inside the chaos?In this episode, meditation teacher and nonprofit founder Jessica Morey joins host Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori School, to talk about how mindfulness can strengthen children’s resilience and compassion — and how parents can practice it, too.Key Takeaways:Why safe, trusting relationships are the foundation of mindfulness for kidsHow mindfulness helps children respond rather than reactWhat today’s teens are really seeking — and how it’s changed in the age of screensSimple mindfulness activities for children and familiesWhy parents’ own practice matters most

Wonder is not a luxury; it is essential for raising curious, resilient, and joyful children. In this episode, Terry Dubow, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at Marin Montessori School, talks with Tree Sturman, Director of the Junior High, about how modern childhood can crowd out wonder and how Montessori education creates space for children to stay curious and connected.Key TakeawaysHow modern childhood squeezes out wonderWhy Montessori intentionally protects curiosityThe connection between wonder, resilience, and learningPractical ways parents can nurture wonder at homeWhy protecting wonder matters in an anxious worldAbout Tree SturmanTree has spent his career in passionate pursuit of a better world. After a decade leading environmental nonprofits, he co-founded Compass Montessori Junior High in Michigan and guided its growth for 11 years. A lifelong learner with a gift for connecting with adolescents, Tree brings deep experience, curiosity, and a love of hands-on learning to his work at Marin Montessori School.

In a time when parents face rising pressure to get everything right, this episode offers something rare and essential: a deeply honest, poetic, and practical conversation about the transformative power of self-compassion.Join Marin Montessori School’s Head of School, Sam Shapiro, and guest Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, celebrated poet and parent educator, as they explore what it means to parent with grace instead of perfection. Drawing on both research and lived experience, Rosemerry offers a path toward parenting that’s emotionally sustainable—and deeply human.Together, they discuss:What self-compassion really is (and why it’s not indulgent)How it benefits our health, motivation, and relationshipsThe link between grace for ourselves and connection with our childrenThe latest science from Dr. Kristin Neff and the field of self-compassion researchWhy embracing our own imperfections is a powerful parenting actWhether you’re navigating daily struggles or simply looking to show up with more presence and care, this conversation is a powerful reminder: we teach our children not by being perfect—but by being real.

Netflix’s Adolescence is more than just another teen drama—it’s a window into the risks, contradictions, and hidden struggles of today’s young people. In this special pop culture episode, Terry Dubow and Bill Sneed, Director of the Junior High at Marin Montessori School, explore the show’s emotional accuracy, why it hits a nerve for adults, and what it reveals about how we understand—and often misunderstand—adolescence.The episode touches on sensitive topics and is intended for adult listeners.

Adolescence is longer—and more complex—than ever before. In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Marin Montessori Head of School Sam Shapiro sits down with Dr. Laurence Steinberg, one of the world’s foremost experts on adolescent development. Together, they unpack the neuroscience of adolescence, the crucial role of risk-taking, and how parents can support their teens through this transformative stage.Dr. Steinberg explores why adolescence now lasts into the mid-20s, how brain plasticity shapes behavior, and how parents can balance warmth with firm boundaries to help their teens thrive. Whether you're raising a teen or preparing for what’s ahead, this conversation offers critical insights into fostering independence, resilience, and responsible decision-making in today’s youth.Tune in to hear why adolescence is both a vulnerable and opportunistic stage—and how we can better support the teens in our lives.

What if our education system prioritized deep learning over competition? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, host Terry Dubow speaks with Scott Looney, Head of Hawken School and founder of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, and Bill Sneed, Director of Marin Montessori’s Junior High, to explore how Montessori and Mastery-based learning offer a compelling alternative to the traditional sorting machine of grades, GPAs, and standardized tests. Inspired by David Brooks’ viral Atlantic article, How the Ivy League Broke America, this conversation dives into the flaws of traditional academic systems and highlights real-world, skills-based approaches that foster true intellectual growth. 💡 Why does the mastery movement matter now more than ever?💡 How do Montessori and Mastery-based schools prepare students for an uncertain future?💡 What can parents do to redefine success for their children? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of learning.

In this episode, Sam Shapiro welcomes Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public and Screenwise, to explore parenting strategies for today’s digital natives. Together, they discuss: 📱 Teaching kids digital etiquette and fostering empathy online. ⏳ Managing screen time while encouraging independence.🤝 Building trust and resilience in a hyper-connected world.💡 Helping children navigate social media pressures and self-worth. Tune in for relatable advice and expert insights to guide your family through the digital age.

Winter break can be magical—but also overwhelming for young kids and parents alike. In this episode, host Terry Dubow talks with Siri Panday, Marin Montessori’s Director of Education for Toddler and Primary, about creating a joyful, enriching holiday experience. Discover expert-backed tips on: Maintaining comforting routines while embracing holiday spontaneity Traveling with young children and creating familiar spaces on the go Managing family gatherings and setting social expectations gracefully Planning meaningful, Montessori-inspired activities at home or away Whether you’re traveling, hosting, or keeping it low-key, this episode offers practical advice for a peaceful, joyful winter break with your family.

In today’s divided world, how can parents raise kids who listen with empathy, think critically, and engage in meaningful dialogue—even when faced with opposing views? In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, host Terry Dubow sits down with educators Minnie Wales and Bill Sneed to explore: 🎙️ Fostering Compassion: Helping kids develop empathy through everyday acts of kindness. 🎙️ Breaking the Echo Chamber: Teaching respectful disagreement without the need to “win.” 🎙️ Balancing Values and Independence: Encouraging kids to form their own beliefs while staying connected to family values. 🎙️ Managing Parent Anxieties: Creating a home environment that promotes thoughtful dialogue and emotional resilience. Discover expert-backed strategies to help your family navigate today’s complex, divided world.

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Grounded and Soaring, Sam Shapiro speaks with Gregg Krech, author and expert on Japanese psychology, about creating a family culture of gratitude. Explore how Naikan reflection—a method of structured self-reflection—can help families counteract negativity bias and develop meaningful habits of appreciation. Episode Highlights: The Naikan Reflection Practice: Three powerful questions to operationalize gratitude. The Impact of Gratitude: How shifting focus from complaints to appreciation transforms relationships and family dynamics. Cultural Differences in Gratitude: Why Japanese practices like Naikan emphasize facts over fleeting feelings. Practical Tips for Parents: Daily routines and holiday traditions to inspire gratitude in children. Overcoming Complaints: Strategies to honor children’s emotions while guiding them toward problem-solving and noticing support. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for parents and educators. Discover how gratitude can be a life-changing practice for your family. In that spirit, here and on ⁠groundedandsoaring.org⁠ is a holiday reflection exercise for you to use with your family! ⁠

In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Marin Montessori’s Siri Panday speaks with Gabrielle Perelmuter, occupational therapist and founder of Little Hands, and Cierra Crowe, speech and language pathologist, about the transformative power of early intervention. Discover how occupational and speech therapy can empower children under five to overcome developmental challenges and thrive. Episode Highlights: The difference between speech, language, and occupational therapy, and how each supports your child’s growth. Why early intervention is crucial and how it prevents future skill gaps. How to identify signs that your child might benefit from extra support in fine motor, speech, or social skills. The real impact of these therapies on a child’s self-esteem, social connections, and academic readiness. What to expect during therapy sessions at Little Hands, from play-based approaches to goal setting. Whether you're already considering therapy or just curious, this episode offers valuable insights into supporting your child’s unique journey with confidence and compassion.

In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Head of School Sam Shapiro speaks with neuropsychologist Dr. Ghazaleh Rafati on how parents can introduce the concepts of voting, civic responsibility, and democracy to children of various ages. In an increasingly polarized world, understanding how to engage young minds in thoughtful conversations about elections is more important than ever. Dr. Rafati provides insightful strategies for age-appropriate discussions, managing parental anxieties, and fostering healthy curiosity in children. Key Takeaways: How children of different ages process abstract concepts like voting When and how to introduce civic responsibility based on developmental milestones Strategies for managing your own election-related anxieties in front of children Tips for fostering critical thinking and viewpoint diversity in young minds

In this episode of Grounded and Soaring, Terry Dubow and Siri Panday, Director of Education for Toddler and Primary at Marin Montessori, dive into the complexities of separation anxiety in young children. From school drop-offs to moments of everyday goodbyes, learn how to create routines that promote confidence and help your child thrive emotionally. Episode Highlights: Spotting the signs of typical separation anxiety vs. deeper concerns Practical strategies for establishing stress-free morning and evening routines Tips for short, reassuring goodbye rituals that build confidence Understanding the developmental stages related to independence Supporting emotional growth through positive, calm separations

Welcome back to Grounded and Soaring. In this first episode of Season 3, Terry Dubow and Sam Shapiro dive into the importance of "thinking differently" about education. Based on Sam's recent blog post, this episode explores how to break free from outdated assumptions about learning, encourage deeper thinking, and prepare children for an ever-changing world. Episode Highlights: Understanding the risks of "automated thinking" and how it impacts education. Why age-based grades and standardized models might limit a child’s potential. Strategies to create an environment where children feel safe exploring diverse perspectives. How to balance digital exposure while fostering deep learning and curiosity. Key qualities children need to develop today to navigate an uncertain future.

In this final episode of our second season, we focus on how to prevent the summer slide. With insights from our level directors at Marin Montessori School, we offer actionable steps to keep your child engaged and learning over the summer. Episode Highlights: Eye-opening statistics on summer learning loss and its impact on your child’s education. Practical Montessori activities to incorporate into your child's daily routine. Creative ways to balance educational activities with the joys of summer. Strategies for maintaining academic skills, particularly in reading and math. Advice on managing technology use and avoiding screen time battles. Tips for fostering independence, responsibility, and curiosity in your child. How to create meaningful family time and strengthen your child’s social skills. Don’t forget to visit Grounded and Soaring for more episodes and resources. Enjoy your summer!