(Courtesy of Hidden Sparks) We all know that uncomfortable feeling when we have to have one of those difficult conversations with our children or our students. Whether it is discussing substance use, challenging behaviors, dealing with peer pressure, family issues, loss and trauma, or substance abuse, it can be difficult to find the words, tone and context. This year, Hidden Sparks will be presenting a webinar with Dr. Rona Novick that will guide adults in setting the stage for having meaningful and successful conversations even around difficult topics.

Hidden Sparks is a non-profit dedicated to helping educators and schools nurture the hidden spark within each student. For over 10 years they have been developing and facilitating professional-development programs for yeshiva and day school educators to deepen understanding of learning and approaches for teaching all kinds of learners, particularly those who struggle. The organization has always recognized parents as being the strongest supporters of their children, and while its primary focus is educators, they also provide learning opportunities for parents in their free webinar series, Hidden Sparks Without Walls.

“Hidden Sparks webinars have been excellent opportunities for our teachers to deepen their understanding of students and their individual needs. The webinars provide effective ideas for teachers to implement to meet student needs so that every child in their classrooms can learn to the best of their ability,” says Minna Heilpern, director of professional development at the Jewish educational center, where teams of teachers participate in the webinars regularly. “That these webinars are archived so that teachers can go back to the sessions, or if they miss a session, is a wonderful bonus!”

This year’s series includes a webinar for parents on Combating Homework Hassles, where parents will learn strategies such as breaking down assignments as well as other tips and resources to help them support their children in establishing good study habits and stop homework hassles before they begin. For teachers, Hidden Sparks is offering a range of topics from “Tune up Your Classroom Management,” being offered this month to help teachers get off to the year on strong footing, to “Work It Out!??: Supporting Conflict Resolution Among Students” with Zipora Schuk, as well as webinars on differentiation, reading-comprehension strategies and taking inspiration from Montessori classrooms.