Podcast
Teach Love and French Fries
Hosted by Valerie Malec · EN
"Welcome to Teach, Love, and French Fries, a weekly podcast where we explore the messy, magical, and often hilarious journey of parenting and teaching kids with ADHD. Join me every week for relatable stories, practical strategies, and heartfelt advice to help families and educators navigate challenges with empathy, humor, and a side of French fries. Whether you’re here to learn, laugh, or find a little support, this is your space to feel seen, understood, and inspired."
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Week 10 : Help Me Survive Bed Rest!
Dec 14, 202400:08:25Tap to summarizeThis week is a personal one—recovering from surgery and stuck on bed rest, it’s a whole new challenge! With plenty of time and nowhere to go, it’s a call for ideas to stay entertained and sane. From book and movie recommendations to crafts and hobbies, it’s all about finding creative ways to pass the time while healing. Together, we’ll make the most of this cozy (and slightly stir-crazy) season! 🛌📚☕✨
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Week 9 : Surviving the Halloween Sugar Rush
Dec 12, 202400:17:08Tap to summarizeThis week is all about navigating the chaos of Halloween in a school full of excited, candy-fueled students. From costumes and parties to sugar highs and attention span lows, it’s a true test of patience and creativity. Embrace the fun, lean into the spooky spirit, and remember: a little humor, caffeine, and flexibility go a long way. Let’s enjoy the thrill of Halloween through their eyes—one wild moment at a time! 🎃👻🍭
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Week 8 : When You’re Not in the Mood for Lemonade
Dec 10, 202400:04:23Tap to summarizeThis week acknowledges that sometimes, life’s challenges feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. It’s perfectly human to not always turn life’s lemons into lemonade. Instead, take a breather, give yourself grace, and know it’s fine to leave the lemons for another day. When you’re ready, you’ll find the strength to face them. For now, embrace the messiness of life and take things one step at a time. 🍋✨
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Week 7 : Embracing the Art of Imperfection
Dec 8, 202400:12:38Tap to summarizeThis week is all about finding joy in the chaos and accepting that nothing ever goes exactly as planned—and that’s okay! Imperfection is part of life, and the best moments often arise from unexpected challenges. By learning to laugh at mistakes, adapt to the unexpected, and focus on what truly matters, we can create meaningful connections and unforgettable teaching moments. Let’s celebrate being “perfectly imperfect”! 😊✨
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Week 6 : The Power of Daily Reflection
Dec 5, 202400:09:35Tap to summarizeThis week focuses on ending each day with gratitude, reflection, and hope. By thinking about the best part of your day, identifying areas for improvement, and setting positive intentions for tomorrow, you can cultivate a more purposeful and optimistic mindset. These three small steps—gratitude, growth, and hope—offer a simple yet transformative way to embrace each day with renewed energy. 🌟
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Week 5 : The Power of the High Five
Dec 3, 202400:04:43Tap to summarizeThis week, we explore the simple yet impactful gesture of a high five! High fives can boost motivation, foster connection, and create positive vibes in the classroom. Whether it’s celebrating small wins, encouraging effort, or spreading positivity among colleagues, this small action has big potential to brighten any day. Let’s keep the energy high and the high fives flowing! 🙌
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Week 4 : Teach, Love, & Confidentiality
Nov 20, 202400:05:23Tap to summarizeThis excerpt from a newsletter for teachers emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in the classroom. The author, Valerie, stresses that teachers must protect student privacy and avoid sharing personal information about their students, even with other teachers. Valerie uses humor and relatable examples to illustrate the importance of this concept, encouraging teachers to think about whether they would want personal information about themselves or their children shared and suggesting ways to handle the urge to share. Ultimately, the message underscores the responsibility teachers have to create a safe and trusting environment for their students.
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Week 3: The Power of the Fragile Card
Nov 19, 202400:07:59Tap to summarizeThis week, we introduce the Fragile Card, a simple yet powerful tool to help students communicate their emotional needs without words. It’s all about trust, empathy, and giving kids a way to say, “Handle me with care today.” Let’s make those tough days a little easier together.
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Week 1 : Teach Love and French Fries
Nov 19, 202400:03:32Tap to summarizeThis excerpt from the weekly column "Teach, Love and French Fries" introduces a new resource for teachers. It promises a mix of practical advice, humor, and support, all presented in a light-hearted tone. The author encourages teachers to submit their challenges and requests for topics to be covered in future columns, emphasizing the importance of self-care, dealing with difficult students, and finding humor in the daily struggles of teaching.
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Week 2 : Teach, Love and French fries
Nov 19, 202400:10:11Tap to summarizeThis excerpt from a teacher's blog, "Teach, Love, and French Fries," discusses the challenges of ADHD in the classroom, focusing on how ADHD affects teachers, students, and parents. It highlights the importance of understanding and supporting students with ADHD by creating a supportive environment with clear structure and communication, emphasizing the importance of patience and empathy for all involved. The author shares personal anecdotes about her own experiences with ADHD and offers practical tips for communicating effectively with ADHD parents, suggesting simple communication methods and strategies for creating a positive and structured environment for students.
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