The Intentional Parent - Building Blocks (Scott Nelson and Susan Griss)

EPISODE SYNOPSIS
Designer, Scott Nelson, and educator consultant, Susan Griss, join Tina and Greg to talk about products and ideas and gifts for families that enjoy design and interactive learning. Scott and Susan share their wealth of knowledge on how to really allow for opening up children's minds and the panel discusses motor skills, creativity and kinesthetic learning.

GUEST BIOS
Scott Nelson is a Parent and Designer of the Builder Bag, a wonderful invention designed to make play time and clean up simple and fun!
Susan Griss is an educational consultant in the fields of arts&education who specializes in professional development for classroom teachers. She is also the author of the book Minds in Motion.

ADDITIONAL LINKS, ETC.
Scott's website: http://www.thebuilderbag.com/
Susan's website: http://www.mindsinmotion.org/
CREATIVITY RESOURCES
http://madebyjoel.com/
http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/CategoryDisplay_10451_10001_26698_26703_-1_Y_Building%20+%20Blocks
"A Touch of Greatness" documentary by Albert Cullum about interactive play.
Parent recommended parent approved http://www.ptpamedia.com/homepage
GIFTING IDEAS
The Builder Bag
Magnatiles http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CBSNRY/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=4406333109&ref=pd_sl_1703uho6pp_e
Treehaus building blocks http://www.amazon.com/Treehaus-16403590042-Wood-Castle-Blocks/dp/B005GQUWH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1322686247&sr=1-1
BOOKS:
Abiyoyo
Where The Wild Things Are
Life Doesn't Frighten Me by Maya Angelou (art by JM Basquiat)
The Tiny Seed

EPISODE BREAKDOWN
00:00 - Intro
01:45 Greg introduces Scott Nelson and Susan Griss.
02:15 Greg and Tina catch up and share Thanksgiving stories.
05:55 Greg sets up the show by posing the question how should we approach gifting this holiday season?
06:55 Greg asks Scott how he came to make his product The Builder Bag?
07:55 Tina shares links to Scott's artwork and design company and more of his background.
10:15 Scott explains his product, The Builder Bag.
11:00 Susan Griss shares her background and teaching career.
12:15 Susan introduces her book Minds in Motion.
13:15 Greg asks about how we can engage our children in playtime.
13:45 Scott shows a presentation tieing self confidence to skill building and problem solving.
17:00 Greg brings up the importance of outdoors, nature and experiential learning.
20:25 Susan talks about whole body learning versus schoolroom learning.
21:30 Greg asks Susan how she brings movement techniques into school curriculum?
22:15 Susan suggests kids act out stories instead of just being read to. Visualization is key to developing reading skills.
23:10 Susan recommends other creative play techniques and tools that engage the imagination.
24:00 Susan and Tina suggest simple stocking stuffers that can inspire children's imaginations.
25:14 Tina explains kinesthetic learning.
26:30 Tina explains the importance of coaching your kids toward creative play.
29:30 Scott adapts the approach for older kids. Rope challenges, zip lines, obstacle courses.
33:00 Susan suggests family vacations make a great gift and allow a physical relationship with the real world.
34:00 Greg promotes the outdoors. Tina explains how that relates to psychology, anxiety, and well being.
35:00 Tina talks about the value of summer camps.
36:45 Susan suggests her favorite children's books.
38:00 Greg recommends Albert Cullum's documentary "A Touch of Greatness."
21:28 Greg suggests a great website, MadebyJoel for crafts and creative play ideas.
40:50 The Builder Bag is explained and reviewed.
45:00 Greg and Tina suggest various building toys
48:00 Scott recommends the website "Parent Tested Parent Approved." A great site for parents to get feedback on other products.
48:45 Susan shares her book, Minds In Motion and explains it's value to parents as well as educators.
50:49 Greg summarizes what we've learned and thanks the guests.
51:15 Greg mentions our contest and directs fans to the Facebook page.
51:40 Greg previews next week's show and the team signs off.