s2e4 - Educating Kids around DEI with Literature

s2e4Join us on the sofa this week as we welcome our VIP guest, primary school teacher and Dolly Parton enthusiast, Sean Gorman! We kick things off discussing the importance of inclusivity in leadership, the joys of garden parties, and the incredible experience of witnessing Beyonce perform live. Sean shares his journey from primary school teacher to facilitator of learning and how he uses social media to connect with parents through platforms like Twitter and Dojo.

We also discuss the need for diverse representation in children's books and how Sean's E&I Books Instagram page helps promote inclusivity. Our conversation highlights the importance of parents and guardians getting involved in diversifying education and how books can be used to teach children about inclusivity and representation without putting them in a specific box. Sean shares his experience as a primary school teacher and how he works with behaviour specialists and special education programs to create a more inclusive learning environment.

Finally, we touch on topics such as entrance songs, the switch from plastic to paper Mars Bar wrappers, and the unique joys of scraping cheese off McDonald's wrappers. Sean also shares his love of teaching and his favourite restaurant, Olajide's Kitchen. Don't miss our discussion on manifesting relaxation and fashion inspiration, as well as the importance of bravery and curiosity in our lives. So, sit back, relax, and join us for this entertaining and insightful episode!

(0:00:00) - Diverse Topics and a VIP Guest

We discuss inclusivity in leadership, garden parties, Beyonce's performance, teaching in a modern world, emotions of fight songs, comedic bants, and supporting those at risk of suicide.

(0:09:51) - Entrance Songs and Mars Bar Packaging

We debate entrance songs, discuss Mars Bar Plastic Wrapper being swapped for paper, and share our secret love of scraping cheese from McDonald's wrappers.

(0:21:38) - Teaching and Sharing Books

Sean shares his journey from teacher to Lead Practitioner in Science, discussing tools like Twitter and Dojo to connect parents with their children's learning, and his E&I Books Instagram page.

(0:29:02) - Diverse Children's Books and Representation

Books teach inclusivity, representation, and everyday norms, while social media algorithms can prevent important content from being seen; books highlighting hard topics provide insight into poverty.

(0:32:19) - Parental Involvement and Diversity in Education

Parents and guardians can get involved in diversifying books and education, voicing opinions, and using books to teach inclusivity, representation, and the everyday norm.

(0:38:12) - Diverse Books, Curious Students

Sean shares his experience coming out as a gay teacher and the importance of representation in education and books.

(0:48:58) - Diversifying Children's Reading Materials

Strong and Tough explores adoption, normalizing diverse family structures, and the power of images for young readers.

(0:54:55) - Quickfire Questions and Random Chats

Sean and I discussed running a record store, Harry Bow, bravery, teaching as a superpower, Oligido's Kitchen, and Schmiggen Dun.

(0:59:53) - Manifesting Relaxation and Fashion Inspiration

We discuss Golden Girls, fashion, manifesting goals, wardrobe, consumerism, lunch, Burner Boys, and manifesting good weather.

(1:05:13) - Gonging Out at a Party

We reflect on bravery, curiosity, and the power of a gong, and explore nature's joys and our individual superpowers.