In this conversation, Sandra Magsamen discusses her approach to creating children's literature that emphasizes connection, love, and emotional intelligence. She shares insights into her creative process, the importance of feedback from readers, and how her work aims to foster self-love and connection between caregivers and children. Magsamen also reflects on her artistic journey, the role of perseverance, and the significance of storytelling in shaping lives.

Takeaways

Connection is at the heart of children's literature.
Love is an action that caregivers can demonstrate.
Books can provide comfort and emotional support to children.
Feedback from readers is validating and inspires future work.
Objects like books and blankets can hold deep emotional significance.
Stories can change lives and shape worldviews.
Curiosity fuels creativity and artistic expression.
Perseverance is essential in the creative process.
Every project is an opportunity to connect hearts.
The act of reading together fosters intimacy and connection.

Chapters

00:00 The Heart of Connection in Children's Literature
02:48 Love as an Action: The Role of Caregivers
05:34 Impactful Feedback: Stories from Readers
08:31 The Power of Objects and Books in Shaping Lives
11:06 Curiosity and Creativity: Fueling the Artistic Journey

Learn more about our special guest:

https://www.sandramagsamen.com/

Learn more with Jeff and Tricia

https://www.shiftingschools.com/

Our show is produced by Sagheer M.

Learn more:

https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01a20f0c0c32996d55

In this conversation, we explore the new collaborative picture book 'Rise Girl Rise', which explores themes of empowerment, friendship, and the importance of storytelling across cultures. They emphasize the book's role in inspiring the next generation and fostering a sense of shared humanity.

Gloria Steinem is a political activist, feminist organizer, and the author of many acclaimed books, including the national bestseller Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem. She is a contributor to the classic children's book Free to Be You and Me, which became a children's entertainment project, conceived, created, and executive-produced by actress and author Marlo Thomas, produced in collaboration with the Ms. Foundation for Women, and the Free to Be Foundation, both cofounded by Ms. Steinem, and most recently illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Ms. Steinem is also the co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus and the Women's Media Center. In keeping with her deep commitment to establishing equality throughout the world, Ms. Steinem helped found Equality Now, Donor Direct Action, and Direct Impact Africa. To learn more, visit gloriasteinem.com.

Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist, social worker, and women's rights advocate. She is Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, based in Monrovia. As a writer, Ms. Gbowee is the author of the inspirational memoir Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War, and author of the children's book A Community of Sisters, illustrated by Coleen Baik. Ms. Gbowee is perhaps best known for leading a nonviolent movement that brought together Christian and Muslim women to play a pivotal role in ending Liberia's devastating, 14-year civil war in 2003.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Picture Books
02:43 Friendship Across Cultures
05:15 Legacy and Call to Action

The Shifting Schools podcast is produced and edited by Sagheer M.

How is artificial intelligence being used in the NFL today?

In this solo episode of Shifting Schools, Tricia Friedman explores how AI is already shaping professional football, with a special focus on Super Bowl Sunday. Rather than speculation, this episode looks at concrete, current examples of how AI is influencing advertising, predictions, player safety, and fan experience.

Get the free conversation guide to share with friends and family:

https://open.substack.com/pub/k12aileadershipbrief/p/five-signals-of-change?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

This episode is designed as a conversation resource for educators, families, and anyone gathering around the Super Bowl, offering five clear lenses for discussing AI's role in sports and society.

What role does AI play in Super Bowl commercials?
Major brands, including OpenAI, are now using the Super Bowl to tell stories about AI itself, while many non-AI companies are using generative tools to shape persuasive advertising. Tricia invites listeners to compare past and present Super Bowl ads and consider how the rise of AI-driven storytelling may change the creative skills schools should prioritize.

What is the AI Influence Index and why does it matter?
For the first time, startup Emberos is tracking which Super Bowl ads are most visible inside large language models during the game. Instead of asking people at the watercooler which ads were memorable, this index asks which brands "win" inside AI systems like ChatGPT.

Can AI really predict Super Bowl winners?
Recent reporting from USA Today and CNET shows how generative AI models are being used to forecast playoff outcomes, Super Bowl scores, and even halftime show cameos. As these models improve, Tricia raises questions about how fans may rethink expertise, intuition, and luck in sports forecasting, and whether some fans will resist consulting AI altogether.

Why this episode matters for educators and families
This conversation goes beyond football. It models how adults can talk with one another about AI's influence in everyday life, notice differing attitudes toward technology, and ask longer-term questions about which changes are likely to last over the next decade.

Key discussion questions listeners can use on Super Bowl Sunday
– Does AI enhance or diminish creativity in advertising?
– Should brands optimize for human memory or AI visibility?
– If AI predictions outperform humans, how does that change our view of expertise?
– Where should decision-making authority sit when AI informs player safety?
– Does AI-driven commentary deepen or reduce the joy of debate in sports?

Subscribe to our free AI Forward newsletter to get the free conversation guide:

https://k12aileadershipbrief.substack.com/

Email thoughts or additional angles to Tricia at Tricia@shiftingschools.com.