Episode 57: Steph & Nic's Homeschooling Series - Part Three
In Part 3 of our Homeschooling Series, we bust open one of the biggest myths surrounding homeschooling: how will my child be socialised?
We both share our personal experiences on this, as well as share the evidence and research surrounding how children socialise, and how Western culture has created an artificial 'socialisation' that was not evident in hunter-gatherer societies.
We are discuss:
- how schools and preschools can be detrimental to a child's social development
- the freedom and choice that comes from homeschooling
- the harm of segregated education for children - as seen in the schooling system
- how mixed-aged education promotes better social development, higher literacy and numeracy skills, and more compassionate and kind children
- plus so much more
Resources Mentioned:
Article - The Special Value of Age-Mixed Play I: How Age Mixing Promotes Learning by Dr Peter Gray
Article - Age-Mixed Play II: Its Benefits for Social Development by Dr Peter Gray
Article - Age-Mixed Play III: Play is More Playful When it is Age-Mixed by Dr Peter Gray
ABOUT STEPH:
Steph is a Level 2 Aware Parenting Instructor, Early Childhood Educator, Play Therapist and Parenting Support Counsellor. She has worked with parents and children for over a decade. With degrees and qualifications in psychology, counselling and early childhood education, Steph is extremely passionate about child development, trauma, attachment and neuroscience. She works with parents and educators from around the world, supporting them through 1:1 mentoring sessions and online courses. As well as co-operating a Family Day Care alongside her husband.
ABOUT NIC:
Nic is a Level 1 Aware Parenting Instructor and Marion Method Mentor. Nic is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with parents from around the world. She loves supporting children and parents navigate challenges at school.
KINSHIP CONNECTION with Steph & Nic:
Steph and Nic are incredibly excited to introduce you to something that we are so passionate about; Kinship Connection. This is a safe, supportive and accepting space for children aged 6-12 years old and their families. To find out more click here.
If you would like us to respond to any of your reflections, queries or questions during an episode in this homeschooling series, please feel free to contact Steph or Nic on Instagram @spirited_hearts or @peacefulparenting and Steph's website or Nic's website.
Episode 55: How the Education System has Failed Educators & Children
This episode is dedicated to all the educators and teachers around the world who are burnout and drowning in a system that is unsupportive and harmful to both them, and the children in their schools and daycares.
As an Educator myself, I have had enough of the lack of accountability and responsibility the education system/department of education has assumed in its failings for teachers and children, so I'm call them out. I'm bringing to light all the things that aren't seen by society. All the paperwork, documenting, high turnover rates and low emotional health that teachers are subjected to day in, and day out.
I share numerous scientific research studies that reveal eye-opening and heartbreaking experiences that many educators deal with.
This topic is so big, yet I have managed to condense it down to a regular length episode.
I also share some extremely exciting news, so you'll need to listen to find out what's coming up soon for myself and Spirited Hearts.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr Peter Gray on the Spirited Hearts Podcast
Free to Learn by Dr Peter Gray
Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
NASA Study from the 1960s
Raising Wildlings episode with Woodline Primary Principal
http://www.iier.org.au/iier33/ng.pdf
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11218-022-09686-7
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10643-021-01203-3
Episode 35: The Freedom to Learn & Play During Childhood with Peter Gray
In this week’s episode, I am beyond excited to sit down and have an inspiring conversation with psychologist, Peter Gray. He is the author of one of the most recommended books on this podcast, “Free to Learn.” He is a researcher and advocate for self-directed education, our natural need for play and trusting our children.
This episode is so jam-packed with the most incredible insights, wisdom, knowledge, experience and studies on child development and learning. Peter shares his own journey that led him down this path.
We also discuss:
* The harm of standardised testing, and who is actually benefiting from it (note it is definitely not children or teachers)
* How the current education system is destroying our creativity
* The detrimental effect of reducing playtime for children at school
* Why children are biological designed to play, and to learn through play
* The harm of early academic on children and why we need to ditch “school readiness” and preschool “programs”
* Plus so much more
Where to Find Peter:
Website: petergray.org
The Alliance of Self-Directed Education
Facebook: Peter Gray
Freedom to Learn blog on Psychology Today
Resources Mentioned:
Free to Learn by Peter Gray
Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy
ABOUT PETER:
Peter Gray is an American psychology researcher and scholar. He is a research professor of psychology at Boston College, and the author of an introductory psychology textbook. He is known for his work on the interaction between education and play, and for his evolutionary perspective on psychology theory. He’s most well known book “Free to Learn” has made a positive impact on self-directed education, and he has collections of essays available in four separate books. His recent research focuses on the roles of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves, through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn, for Psychology Today magazine. His research findings have led him to become an advocate of Self-Directed Education. He is a founding member and president of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education.
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