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 In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks to Laura Camien, Blue School’s Director of Advancement. Laura is a creativity coach, Broadway producer, playwright, screenwriter, and cohost of The Spark File podcast. Laura and Dawn discuss creativity during this time, self-compassion, and finding your ‘spark.’Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with middle grade author Jessie Janowitz about her book The Doughnut Fix. The Doughnut Fix tells the story of a twelve year old and his family who suddenly move from New York City to upstate New York and how finding your passion can empower children through tough times. Jessie shares her inspiration writing the book, how it might support families going through changes now, and the joy of families reading and sharing stories together. Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In this episode Dawn Williams speaks with Blue School’s kindergarten innovators including, Tu Harris, Director of the Primary Division, Amalia Velazquez and Laurie Seligman, our lead kindergarten teachers. They discuss what makes a kindergartener’s experience magical. We learn how the balance of academics, identity and play blend together to form the foundations of this quintessential year in a child's life. Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

PBS Kids for Parents describe V is for Voting as a,  "playful, though powerful book,” that “engages little readers in the tenants of democracy and activism through rhyming text and colorful works of art." In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with author, editor and Blue School parent Kate Farrell. They discuss Kate’s new picture book and how it can provoke conversations with children about history, democracy, and civic participation. Kate shares her writing experience and process, and offers ideas for how families with children of all ages can get involved. Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with Blue School’s Director of Admissions, Genevieve Little. Genevieve shares what the Blue School admissions process looks like, how children are involved in the admissions process, tips for combating Zoom fatigue during assessments, and what excites her about doing this work.Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with one of Blue School’s founding Middle School teachers, Corey Pickering, who has centered social justice, self and social awareness, and community engagement into the pedagogy of the Middle School curriculum and culture. Corey shares the intention and foundation of Blue School’s Integrated Studies program, a co-taught and fully cohesive science and history course. She reflects on the necessity of challenging common narratives, and why we must examine who, and what, has been left out. Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with Meredith Lorber, Blue School’s Director of Middle School Teaching and Learning. Meredith started as Blue School's Math Specialist and continues to work closely with teachers across grades. Meredith shares her experience developing the math program at Blue School, ideas for creating a positive math culture and mindset, and helpful tools for parents to approach this work with their children.Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

We’re excited to launch Season Two of On Balance with guest Rebecca Skinner, Blue School’s Interim Head of School. Rebecca shares her favorite back to school memories, her first impressions of Blue School, and hopes for our community during this transition period. Rebecca was the Founding Head of the International School of Brooklyn and was most recently a member of the team that launched The Dwight School in Dubai. Visit Blue School's website to learn more about our education philosophy and how to apply. BlueSchool.org

In our Season One Finale, Dawn Williams speaks with Blue School Advisory Board member Dr. Lawrence J. Cohen. Larry shares tools and suggestions for how to parent, play, and foster autonomy through the uncertainty created by COVID-19. Larry is a licensed psychologist specializing in children's play, play therapy, and the author of parenting books including: Playful Parenting, The Opposite of Worry and The Art of Roughhousing.Visit Blue School's new website to learn more about our education philosophy and Fall 2020 offerings. BlueSchoolConnected.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with Blue School educator Rob Gilson. Rob has been a teacher for the past 20 years and has spent the past 5 years building and teaching Blue School's STEAM programs. Rob shares ideas for families to bring the hands-on work (and fun) of the STEAM lab home this summer and invites everyone to participate in a design challenge. Visit Blue School's new website to learn more about our education philosophy and Fall 2020 offerings. BlueSchoolConnected.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with Randall de Sève, picture book author and beloved Blue School educator and administrator. Randall’s books include the New York Times bestseller Toy Boat, The Duchess of Whimsy, Mathilda and the Orange Balloon, Peanut and Fifi Have a Ball, A Fire Truck Named Red, and Zola’s Elephant. Randall shares some of her process for writing picture books, the joy she gets imagining the children and adults who will read them, and some of her favorite titles from other authors. Visit Blue School's new website to learn more about our education philosophy and Fall 2020 offerings. BlueSchoolConnected.org

In this episode Dawn Williams speaks with Dr. Daniel Siegel, Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute. Dan shares wisdom from his recent book, The Power of Showing Up, along with specific ways his research can support parents with the challenges they are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to his work at the Mindsight Institute, Dan is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, and Founding Co-Director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. A beloved Blue School Advisory Board member and thought-partner, Dan has been a part of Blue School since its inception.Visit Blue School's new website to learn more about our education philosophy and Fall 2020 offerings. BlueSchoolConnected.org

Dawn Williams speaks with Caroline Welch, co-founder and CEO of the Mindsight Institute, and author of The Gift Of Presence: A Mindfulness Guide for Women. Caroline shares techniques for cultivating presence, a new way to frame our thinking about stress, and other strategies for living mindfully. A longtime friend of Blue School, Caroline’s research and recommendations are especially helpful now. Visit Blue School's new website to learn more about our education philosophy and Fall 2020 offerings. BlueSchoolConnected.org

This week Dawn Williams speaks with Laura Winnick, Blue School Librarian and Middle School faculty member. Laura shares some of the books she couldn't put down, and even re-read during this time at home. She also offers recommendations for adults and middle schoolers to add to their summer reading list. Have a pencil nearby for all of Laura's recommendations!Visit Blue School's website to learn about our education philosophy blueschool.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with Blue School’s Primary Program’s co-curricular teachers. Alex Kavo, Mariangela Lopez, Caroline McAuliffe, Megan Moncrief, and Will Steinberger discuss the transition to online learning in their arts classes this spring. Together they describe the opportunities for connection, collaboration, wildness, and even joy they’ve found with students on Zoom. Visit Blue School's website to learn about our education philosophy blueschool.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with Mollie McQuarrie, Blue School’s Pre-primary Studio and Materials Specialist. Mollie is a parent, visual artist, musician, and educator specializing in aesthetic education. Here she shares ideas for fostering engagement and expression and finding novelty during our extended time at home. Visit Blue School's website to learn about our education philosophy blueschool.org

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with Laura Winnick and Caitlin Barry, members of the middle school faculty at Blue School. They share their love of media and media studies as they discuss tools and strategies for engaging with teens around the content they consume and create.

Blue School teacher Annabelle Baylin offers a loving kindness practice for families of all ages to connect with and send love to themselves, each other, and the world outside.   

Blue School teacher Annabelle Baylin leads young children in a mindful listening exercise, bringing attention to the sounds in and out of the body. 

In this episode, Dawn Williams speaks with Blue School teacher, Annabelle Baylin. One of the hallmarks of Annabelle’s classroom is her care in bringing mindfulness into children’s daily routines and her commitment to conversations about social justice. Annabelle discusses her own mindfulness practice, as well as what she’s learned from doing this work with children.