Door slams are not "little accidents." Each year, an estimated 300,000 children visit the ER due to door-related injuries. In this episode of Raising Innovators, host Marnie Forestieri talks with Tim Boundy, Co-Founder & CEO of Moshun, about a smart, mechanical way to stop slams without permanently closing a door.

Why this matters (for schools & families)
Classrooms and childcare centers need safety that works with real life—open when it's calm, protective when it's not. Moshun's device uses non-Newtonian fluid to let a door close normally at slow speed and instantly resist if slammed by wind or force. It's simple, retrofit-friendly, and built to safeguard tiny fingers.

What you'll learn

The origin story: a windy vacation that sparked an invention
How rheology (fluid science) powers a "smart" mechanical closer
Practical installs for schools now, and home versions coming
Future innovations: hidden hinges, sliding doors, movable walls
Pro tip for directors: show proactive safety on every school tour

Now on YouTube — watch now. If this episode helped you, subscribe, share it with another parent or school leader, and follow for weekly future-ready practices.

Early childhood is changing fast — and so is the world our children are growing up in. 🌎✨

In this episode of Raising Innovators, Marnie Forestieri sits down with Lenita Flores, Director of School Success at Illumine, to explore what it truly means to prepare young children for the future.
From hands-on learning and child development milestones to AI-powered tools that support teachers, this conversation uncovers how to balance play-based learning, leadership, and healthy technology in early education.
If you're a parent, school owner, director, or early-childhood educator, this episode will challenge old assumptions, answer big questions, and offer practical insights you can use today.

🌱 What You'll Learn
Why early learners must move, explore, and play — not sit still

The biggest mistake parents make with developmental milestones
How hands-on experience shaped Lenita's leadership as a school director
How Illumine uses AI and multilingual tools to support teachers and families
Why technology should be an active tool, not passive screen time
How to prepare children for the world of tomorrow, not the past

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com
Facebook: /marnieforestieri
LinkedIn: /marnie-forestieri
Instagram: /marnie_forestieri

🎙️ Guest — Lenita Flores (Illumine)
Email: lenita@myillumine.com
Website: https://illumine.app

🏫 Young Innovators Schools
Website: https://yiaschools.com
Facebook: /younginnovatorsSchools
Instagram: /younginnovatorsSchools
YouTube: /younginnovatorsSchools

🎧 Raising Innovators Podcast
💡 Helping parents raise resilient, confident, future-ready kids.

What if a simple clapping game could make your child better at math and reading? 💡 In this super hands-on workshop episode of Raising Innovators, Marnie Forestieri sits down with kinesthetic learning specialist and author, Dr. Debby Mitchell, to unpack the power of "Steady Beat."

Discover the powerful, research-backed correlation between a child's ability to keep a simple beat and their future academic success. This isn't just about music—it's a foundational brain-building skill that starts in the womb and enhances everything from problem-solving to emotional regulation.

Learn how to use everyday household items to:

✨ Build the foundational brain pathways for math and literacy 🧠 Send direct signals to your child's brain to improve focus (especially for short attention spans) 👏 Use simple tools like paper plates, bean bags, and cups as brain-boosters 🧘 Teach patience, social skills, and even leadership through fun "copy me" games

Whether your child is a toddler or in first grade, this episode provides practical, fun, and free activities to build a smarter, more focused brain.

🔖 EPISODE MENU (CHAPTERS)
0:00 Intro: The research behind movement, music, and academic achievement
0:45 Welcoming "Steady Beat" expert Dr. Debby Mitchell
1:24 What is "Steady Beat"? (It's not just rhythm)
1:32 The "Steady Beat" is your heartbeat, your breathing, and windshield wipers
2:00 Why Dr. Mitchell built her dissertation on Steady Beat
2:30 The proven correlation: Steady Beat, Math, and Reading success in first-graders
2:54 When does Steady Beat start? (Spoiler: In the womb)
3:05 How to build Steady Beat in infants (rocking, patting, etc.)
4:05 Why are some people "off-beat"? (The 'Aerobics Class' problem)
4:20 It's not natural ability, it's a "foundational skill" that was missed
4:50 HANDS-ON WORKSHOP: Let's Do It!
4:55 Demo 1: Why we use paper plates (They make noise!)
5:10 Steady Beat vs. Rhythm (Irregular Beat) Explained
5:25 Game 1: "Copy Me" with different speeds
6:10 Why noise (like a paper bag) "sends a signal to the brain"
6:25 When to start these games with your toddler
7:00 How to add counting to build math skills
7:15 Demo 2: Using DIY Rhythm Sticks (from paper bags)
8:20 The 3 Main Benefits: Mathematical patterns, repetition, and problem-solving
8:42 The hidden benefit: Teaching children "to wait"
8:50 How this builds social skills and language development
9:20 Demo 3: Using Bean Bags (for short attention spans)
9:50 Demo 4: Using Steady Beat to teach body parts
10:35 Demo 5: Using cups for different sounds
11:30 Why you MUST let your child be the leader 12:20 When is a child ready for rhythm? (Hint: After age 4)
13:00 How to use nursery rhymes ("Twinkle Twinkle") to teach beat
13:30 The power of being a "mindful and immersive" parent
14:30 Are some kids just "natural" drummers?
15:10 Why musically-inclined children often excel in math 16:00 "I'm good at math, but bad at aerobics!" Why?
16:15 The difference between fine motor, gross motor, and movement experience
18:00 How many minutes a day? (Dr. Mitchell's #1 Rule)
18:15 "I always stop when they're having fun."
19:45 Dr. Mitchell's final advice: "Be creative" and "Make it a family affair"
20:20 Final thoughts & How to support the podcast

👩‍💻 Hosted by Marnie Forestieri
Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/
Facebook: /marnieforestieri
LinkedIn: /marnie-forestieri
Instagram: /marnie_forestieri

🎙️ Guest: Dr. Debby Mitchell (Puedes agregar aquí los links de la Dra. Mitchell si los tienes)

🏫 Connect with Young Innovators Schools Website: https://yiaschools.com
Facebook: /younginnovatorsSchools
Instagram: /younginnovatorsSchools
YouTube: /younginnovatorsSchools

🎧 Raising Innovators Podcast 💡 Helping parents raise resilient, confident, future-ready kids.