#updatecast - Trip To School, Staying Conscious And The Next 7 Episodes

Ever wonder how parents and teachers manage the buzz of a classroom filled with curious, active five-year-olds? This episode of Truth About Dyslexia dives headfirst into that world. I spent time at a primary school, watching how a fresh approach to learning unfolds in real-time.

You’ll hear how modern methods help youngsters stay engaged and explore ideas in ways that feel natural. We’ll also explore staying conscious as an adult who’s keen to learn and adapt. Plus, we’ll talk about what’s on the horizon for upcoming episodes of the pod.

A Peek Into the Classroom

I was invited to spend an hour at a five-year-old’s school, and it was pure organised chaos in the best sense. The children were lively and brimming with questions. Watching the teachers respond to each child made me think about how we structure learning for kids who crave hands-on exploration.

In the episode, I share stories of colourful crafts, playful learning stations, and the importance of kinaesthetic activities. There’s an energy when small children learn through movement. They have a spontaneous need to press every button and shape every pipe-cleaner—and that’s part of the magic. Seeing them with bright eyes and open minds reminded me that humans are wired to learn by doing.

Yet it’s not always smooth sailing. Keeping attention can be tough for kids, whether dyslexic or not. I noticed how teachers gave them just enough guidance to stay on track without shaming them for drifting off. That subtle shift from traditional “sit still” teaching methods made all the difference.

“I spent an hour at a five-year-old’s school. I explain more in the podcast about the new ways of teaching, how to stay conscious, and what’s coming up on the pod.”

Learning the New Way

There’s a shift happening in education. Old-school memorisation and rote learning are giving way to immersive and interactive experiences. Reading is still vital, but it’s backed by group discussions, playful role-play, and creative tasks that connect the dots. Children learn through collaboration rather than blank stares at a board.

When it comes to dyslexia, these newer methods can be a relief. Instead of forcing kids to conform to strict reading and writing exercises, teachers are more flexible. They encourage listening before copying, or drawing before trying to write. This approach eases the pressure and builds confidence early on.

I believe it’s a sign we’re getting better at understanding how differently wired brains learn. If a child is tired or drawn to a different corner of the classroom, teachers gently bring them back. It’s a constant balancing act of freedom and guidance.

Staying Conscious as an Adult

What about us grown-ups with dyslexia or ADHD? Observing young students taught me that we can maintain curiosity and mindfulness even when life tosses us distractions. We might not be painting pictures of penguins, but we can develop structures that keep our focus intact.

In the episode, I delve into simple ways to remain conscious of your mindset and energy levels. It can be as straightforward as taking a minute to breathe or shifting tasks when you feel a slump. Sometimes we treat these strategies as “too easy,” but they can be the difference between meltdown and momentum.

It helps to notice when you’ve zoned out, then kindly guide yourself back. When I saw teachers handle wandering five-year-olds with compassion, it inspired me to give myself that same leniency. It’s not about being lazy—it’s about acknowledging human nature.

What’s Coming Up on the Pod

This hour-long experience in a primary school made me curious about other ways dyslexia plays out in day-to-day life. In future episodes, I’ll share more tips for staying productive without getting caught in loops of self-criticism. We’ll chat with guests who’ve found methods that work for them, whether through creative expression or strategic planning.

There’s also a focus on adult challenges: managing relationships, navigating workplaces, and raising children who might inherit dyslexia. With each topic, I aim to bring a sense of empathy and possibility. No one-size-fits-all approach exists, but by sharing stories, we can discover what resonates. If you’ve got questions or stories of your own, keep them coming.

Practical Tips for Everyday Consciousness

After reflecting on the classroom visit, I realised that a few practical habits can make a real difference in our lives. Have a look at these if you need a starting point:

• Micro-breaks: Take a few seconds every hour to breathe and refocus.
• Adjust your environment: Dim bright lights, minimise loud noises, or add music that helps you concentrate.
• Embrace movement: If you need to pace around while thinking, do it. Active bodies can fuel active minds.
• Reward yourself: Celebrate tiny wins, like completing a short task.
• Stay playful: Consider journalling, doodling, or other creative outlets to keep your brain engaged.

These ideas may sound simple, but that’s the point. Kids learn through small, playful steps. We can too.

Key Takeaways

• Engaging education focuses less on strict rules and more on creative exploration.
• Dyslexia-friendly teaching lets kids move, speak, and experiment as they learn.
• We can learn self-compassion from how teachers guide children without judgement.
• Staying mindful involves tiny habits, such as short breaks and environment tweaks.
• Future episodes will explore adult dyslexia topics and practical ways to thrive.

If you’re keen to dive deeper, the podcast player is at the top of the page. Press play and join me as I unravel my hour at a five-year-old’s school. You’ll pick up ideas to stay present and discover what’s next on the Truth About Dyslexia.