Katy Wright advocates a practical change in reading education: starting with lowercase sounds to simplify learning. She emphasizes hands-on methods like sandpaper tracing to make reading more effective and engaging for children, aiming for improved literacy outcomes, and a more sound approach.#worldbookdaySponsored by the Fund for Experience One, TEDxUniversity of Montana Western provides a multidisciplinary forum for academic minds to gather and exchange ideas worth sharing. Speakers selected to present at TEDxUniversity of Montana Western are directly connected to the local community or have topics that support Montana Western’s mission and values. TEDxUniversity of Montana Western showcases the diversity and academic fortitude of our institution while providing a venue for speakers to submit their research to a global network.This conference was filmed in front of a live audience on March 23, 2024 in the Beier Auditorium. Learn more about TEDxUniversity of Montana Western by visiting www.umwestern.edu/tedx-umw/ or www.umwestern.edu.Katy Wright is a National Board Certified Teacher and has a Master’s Degree in Montessori Education from St. Catherine University. Wright is a founding member of Improv Mining Company, co-produces an annual education-themed sketch comedy show, and is proud to have worked with Grandstreet Theatre, Helena Symphony, Helena Theatre Company, and Raven’s Feather over the years. Wright hopes to earn her doctorate in Educational Leadership and work in national public education policy in the near future.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What lessons can be learned from professional athletes that come from humble beginnings? Dr. Barbara Lash explores the experiences of athletes, what can be learned from professional sports teams, the impacts of assumptions, and how we can unite differences by learning about the world around us a little bit at a time, through bite-sized breadcrumbs. Barbara Lash, PhD, is a wife and mother with original research on Black geographies and how athletes are represented in the media. She's also the author of two books: If You Died Today, Would You Live On? Your Legacy Needs Your Attention; and Athletes and the Media: Bridging the Gap.Dr. Lash has trained and consulted for several professional athletes and for companies and organizations including the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Hanes Brands, Wells Fargo, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders and Charlotte Hornets. Barbara now works as a Communications & Engagement Specialist in the Office of the Vice Chancellor within the Division of Research. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Lulu Gribbin's life changed completely in the summer of 2024. She went from a typical sophomore in high school to a shark attack survivor. In her talk, she shares her journey from merely surviving to thriving as an adovocate for the limb-loss community. Lulu is a student at Mountain Brook High School. When Lulu isn't giving a TEDx talk, she can be found playing golf or working with others to spread joy and awareness of limb-loss. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Claire Allendorf believes that nature can restore our hope, something she cites as a key predictor of happiness. Inspired by Jane Goodall, Claire encourages us all to get back into nature and start reaping the benefits. Claire Allendorf is a 9th grader from Mountain Brook, Alabama and a member of the MBJH TED-Ed Club. While not giving TEDx talks, she can be found singing in the choir or traveling to new and exciting places. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Al TEDx Oltre il Visibile, Max Felicitas ha portato un messaggio di consapevolezza e crescita personale.Bullismo, cyberbullismo, educazione affettiva e consapevolezza digitale sono al centro dei suoi incontri nelle scuole, dove condivide esperienze e riflessioni per aiutare i giovani a sviluppare un approccio più sano e responsabile alla vita e alle relazioni.Oltre il visibile c’è la possibilità di cambiare prospettiva, di abbattere pregiudizi e di riscrivere la propria storia. Max Felicitas, è nato il 28 gennaio 1992 a Codroipo. E' un attore di film per adulti, considerato l'erede di Rocco Siffredi di cui è amico e collaboratore. Da bambino aveva una passione per il canto e il ballo. Dopo il liceo si è iscritto alla facoltà di Economia Aziendale, ma al secondo anno ha deciso di cambiare completamente rotta iniziando a lavorare come cubista e spogliarellista. Spesso ospite a La Zanzara e Le Iene dove rilascia sempre interviste turbolente, Max è molto seguito e popolare sui social. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx