Curiosity, Class Pets, and Crocktober

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I want to start by introducing a very special guest to Chalkboard Chatter. He is the love of my life, my soulmate, best male friend, and husband, Vern Nicholson. Say hello

Vern Nicholson

Hello

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Are you being modest? Can you let the listeners know who you are and what you do?

Vern Nicholson

Sure. My name is Vern Nicholson, I am the husband of the most beautiful woman in the world, and the father of 7 now. I’m also the vice president of Vet-tro Media, a company where our highly talented team focuses on franchise development and local marketing innovation. We utilize AI-powered lead generation, predictive analytics, and omnichannel strategies to accelerate franchise expansion for brands.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

On this show we’re talking about, food, professional football and AI, which are three topics Vern knows a little bit about, so you’ll be hearing his wonderful voice throughout this episode.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Let’s get started

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

There’s something magical about the mind of a 4th and 5th grader. They’re in that unique stage where curiosity and independence collide. They’re starting to think critically and abstractly, not just asking what happens but why it happens. And boy, do they ask a lot of “whys.”This is the age when they start forming their own opinions, and trust me, they’re ready to debate them. From cafeteria food choices to who’s the real hero in their favorite novel, they’re developing voices, and they’re not shy about using them.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Their literacy skills take off here, too. They become more confident readers, more expressive writers, and better storytellers. They love a good project and start collecting things. It’s how they make sense of the world. These are the years when curiosity isn’t just adorable; it’s powerful. As educators and parents, our job is to nurture it, to turn those questions into pathways for learning and those interests into lifelong passions.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Speaking of curiosity and learning, that brings us to a modern topic that’s raising some eyebrows: AI in education

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Let’s be honest, AI is everywhere. Students are experimenting with it for everything from brainstorming ideas to generating essays. The concern is that when students let AI do the heavy lifting, they skip the thinking that builds real understanding.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

When AI writes a story or solves a math problem, the student misses the struggle, the trial and error that actually develops the brain. And when they submit AI-generated work, there’s no evidence they’ve mastered the skills the assignment was designed to teach.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

AI can be valuable after you’ve built the foundation it mimics. But leaning on it too soon is like using training wheels forever; you’ll never learn to balance on your own.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

It’s all about balance. Let AI be a helper, not a crutch. Let it spark ideas, not replace the creative process. As educators, we need to help students use it wisely, as a tool that enhances learning, not erases it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Can you think of problems that adopting AI in the classroom and in the workplace might present?

Vern Nicholson

Of course. In the workplace, there are present issues with having a team presenting their own originality without a machine presence. Marketing executives want to bring the most talented team to the table, and in some cases, it creates the problem of not knowing their team's skill sets.

Vern Nicholson

In the final analysis, AI should be a plus multiplier where highly skilled and intelligent people's capabilities dramatically increase. As a parent, all I can say is that I am happy that my children's formative years were before AI. I am so happy to see them using AI in the workplace as an added tool, if you will.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Interesting

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now let’s move from tech talk to something a little smaller. Meet our classroom superstar, Paws the Gecko!

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Paws the Gecko is officially growing, and so is our excitement. The students love feeding time, though I recently learned from my pet advisor that superworms are basically the fast food of the reptile world: tasty but a little too indulgent.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Paws has become a class favorite, and that’s thanks to a leadership activity we did earlier in the year. I let the 4th and 5th graders vote on which classroom pet we should have. The choices ranged from a hamster to a turtle, but in true democratic fashion, the gecko won by a landslide.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

The process turned into a lesson in leadership, responsibility, and decision-making. The kids learned that caring for something together builds teamwork and empathy. Now, when Paws pokes his head out from his little hide, he’s not just a pet. He’s a class mascot and a reminder of what collaboration looks like.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Vern was with me every step of the way in going to PetSmart and picking out Paws. It's like having another child in grade school, right?

Vern Nicholson

Ah, not quite, but it's great seeing you treat Paws like another child. Telling the boys they have a sibling and even picking out another enclosure so you can bring Paws home for the holidays. It's wonderful. Hopefully, our dog Lucy can adjust to Paws being in the spotlight.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Yeah, it's up to us to make both of our pet children feel welcomed.

Vern Nicholson

Okay

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Speaking of collaboration, my crockpot and I teamed up recently for a little autumn magic.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Ah, Crocktober, the season when comfort food meets convenience. This week, I tossed two turkey legs into the crockpot with chicken broth, carrots, onions, and a little bit of kitchen improvisation. The house smelled amazing, and when I walked in, the aroma greeted me at the door.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I’ll admit, I learned my lesson from last time. One turkey leg just wasn’t enough. Two was the magic number. It was rich, tender, and downright delicious. There’s something so grounding about slow cooking. It gives you time to think, breathe, and appreciate the little things, like not burning dinner.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Crocktober has become our unofficial family tradition, a small way to slow down in the middle of busy school weeks. Because whether you’re teaching, grading, or chasing geckos, everyone deserves a meal that cooks itself. And it takes the guesswork out of meal planning. AI is certainly involved in meal prepping, budgeting, and keeping my husband happy, right?

Vern Nicholson

Yes! it's an enthusiastic Yes. I love the meals that we would never think about including in our meal planning. The ease of throwing it into the crockpot and going to work is very time-efficient. I loved eating the skin off the turkey legs, and you didn't. It was so tender.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I'm glad you enjoy Crocktober as much as I do. Crocktober is doing its part in keeping our home happy during the winter months. Yahoo!

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

From slow-cooked meals to fast-paced school spirit, let’s talk about a fun Friday that had everyone roaring.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

School spirit day brought out the roar in everyone. Students showed up decked out in Detroit Lions gear, jerseys, hats, and even one oversized Lions sombrero that deserved its own fan club.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I rocked my black Lions jacket and cheered right along with them. I love how Coach Dan Campbell motivates his players with all heart, grit, and belief. Teaching’s not that different from coaching. You guide, inspire, and sometimes call an audible when the lesson plan fumbles.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

My listeners might not know, my husband wrote a book about professional football. I'm going to allow him to give you some insight into the title and the subject matter.

Vern Nicholson

In Two Thousand and Eighteen, I wrote a book called The Asterisk, A Fan's Grievance On Cheating And Rule Manipulation In The NFL. The book chronicles rule changes since the mid 70's that significantly impacted how the sport has been played at the quarterback position and defenses, and elaborate cheating in the two thousands that I believe impacted the game as well.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So with all that research, you know the Detroit Lions are going to the Super Bowl this season, right?

Vern Nicholson

I know they're one of my favorites to win it all. It's a long road. Let's see.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Okay, you'll see.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

My school even had a Michigan versus Michigan State University day where everyone repped their university colors, and yes, I proudly wore my Spartan gear. It’s amazing how team spirit connects people, just like classroom culture connects students. Both thrive on trust, energy, and enthusiasm.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And speaking of energy, let’s talk about what it’s been like getting back into the swing of things in Detroit Public Schools.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I’d have to give my transition back to Detroit Public Schools Community District an A+. The professionals I’ve met are dedicated, passionate, and truly committed to making an impact. It’s refreshing to see that kind of heart in education. It gives me hope every day.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

But I’d be remiss not to mention the ripple effect of larger issues. The potential loss of SNAP benefits and government worker furloughs weighs on our families, and that uncertainty shows up in classrooms. When students worry about meals or home stability, it changes everything.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Still, what stands out most is resilience, in the staff, in the students, and in the community. There’s this unspoken strength in Detroit classrooms, a “we’ve got this” energy that reminds me why I came back.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And before we wrap up, I just want to say thank you for being part of this journey with me. Babe, thanks for joining the show. We have to have you back on the show sometime.

Vern Nicholson

It was great being on the Chalkboard Chatter show. Thanks for having me.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Thank you all for tuning in to this episode of Chalkboard Chatter. If you smiled, learned something, or just felt a little more connected to the world of teaching and geckos, please like, share, and comment.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Your feedback helps us keep the conversation growing, from classrooms to crockpots, from leadership lessons to laughter.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I’m your host, and I’ll see you next time, right here on Chalkboard Chatter, where every week we find the joy in learning, life, and everything in between.