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 54: Creating Safe Spaces for Children at Home & School with Nichole Hamilton
In this episode, I'm joined by Nichole Hamilton, founder of The Kidz Coach, Entrepreneur, Speaker and Holistic Healer. Nic's passion is to create safe havens for children, whether that be at home or at school.
Nic vulnerably shares her journey, including her personal healing journey that led her to doing this incredible work in the world.
We also discuss:
The importance of connection and attachment
How societal constructs impact parenting
Why it's crucial to repair any disconnections we have created with our children; both as parents and educators/teachers
Accepting everyone for the unique individual that they are
Plus so much more
Where to Find Nic:
Website: The Kidz Coach
Instagram: @thekidzcoach_nichole_hamilton
Facebook: Nichole Hamilton
Resources Mentioned:
Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill
Nichole's Free Program
ABOUT NIC:
With over 8 years of experience working with children, Nichole possesses a deep understanding of their emotional well-being and behavioral challenges. Her passion lies in creating a safe and nurturing space for children to express themselves fully, helping them navigate through difficult times and empowering them to reach their full potential.
Nichole’s expertise extends beyond traditional therapy methods. She is a certified play therapist, master hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, and Reiki energy healer. Through her comprehensive skill set, she merges therapeutic modalities with play, connection, and empowerment to support children in healing and transforming their lives.What sets Nichole apart is her genuine love and dedication to helping children thrive. She believes in the power of unconditional love, providing children with a safe haven where they can feel seen, heard, and valued. By incorporating play and engaging activities, Nichole creates an environment that fosters emotional growth, resilience, and improved communication.
Episode 51: Steph & Nic's Homeschooling Series Part One
In the Steph & Nic's Homeschooling Series, we are so excited to share with you our journeys, fears, apprehensions and knowledge. This series will comprise of several parts and will be released over the coming months.
In part one we took a deep dive into how each of us came to the decision to homeschool our children, including Nic's desire to homeschool, yet still having her daughter at school.
We also discuss:
- some of the fears we have with homeschooling - i.e. how will I teach my child to read?
- how schooling affected Steph's eldest child, and why her younger child has more freedom in himself
- why meaningful learning elevates instrinsic motivation
- school trauma and bullying
- how to support your child if you cannot homeschool, including helpful questions you can ask your child at the end of every school day
- the importance of mixed-age schooling and socialisation
- plus so much more
Resources Mentioned:
Ep 27 The Power & Freedom of Expressing Our Authentic Self with Nic Wilson
Ep 33 Supporting & Advocating for Our Children at School with Nic Wilson
Ep 35 The Freedom to Learn & Play with Peter Gray
Blog Post - My 10 year old's Traumatic Memory of When he was One Day Old
How Children Learn by John Holt
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
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 spiritedhearts.net
Episode 45: Creating Meaningful and Connected Classrooms with Emma Rae
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
In this week's episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Emma Rae from Connected Kids. Emma is a teacher and mother who believes in the power of education to shape the future.
Emma shares her journey in teaching, and the observations she has made along the way.
We also discuss:
- discrepancies between learning at university and teaching in schools
- parents being involved in their child's education
- preventing burnout as a teacher/educator
- school trauma and educational inertia
- doing your own research as a teacher
- real world learning
- plus so much more
Where to Find Emma:
Website: Connected Kids
Instagram: @_connectedkids
Facebook: Connected Kids
Resources:
Hold On To Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Joe Dispenza
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
Peter Gray's episode on Spirited Hearts the podcast
ABOUT EMMA:
Emma is a passionate woman, devoted mother, and dedicated teacher who believes in the power of education to shape the future. With a backyard garden as her sanctuary and a fierce commitment to advocating for future generations, Emma is the driving force behind Connected Kids and the innovative Connected Approach to education. To embody the Connected Approach, Emma equips educators with the tools to cultivate awareness of their teaching practices, habits, and beliefs. By encouraging reflection and inviting new possibilities, she helps educators create a more intentional and aligned pedagogy. This approach places the child at the centre of the learning experience. Emma's mission is to support educators in consistently showing up for learners and becoming the educators they have always dreamt of being. Through Connected Kids, she offers guidance, resources, and inspiration, enabling educators to bring joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment back into the teaching profession and learning space. By embracing the Connected Approach, educators can make a lasting impact, empower learners, and shape a brighter future for education.
Episode 33: Supporting & Advocating for Our Children at School with Nic Wilson
In this week’s episode, I am so excited to welcome back Nic Wilson. Nic is an Aware Parenting Instructor, Psychospiritual Parenting Mentor with the Marion Method (founded by Marion Rose), creator of Peaceful Parenting and Mum to a beautiful daughter.Nic and I had so much fun with this conversation.
We both shared all the ways we support our children in before and after school.
We also discuss:- how to advocate for our children at school
- how to support our children during school, when we aren’t there
- how to communicate with your child’s teacher
- processing our own school traumas
- how teachers can incorporate play and fun into their lessons- Plus so much more (we literally could have talked for hours)
Where to Find Nic:
Website: Peaceful Parenting
Facebook: Peaceful Parenting
Instagram: @peacefulparenting
Resources Mentioned:
Inner Loving Presence Process, Willing Practice & Marion Method work
Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen
Episode 27 The Power & Freedom of Expressing Our Authentic Self with Nic Wilson
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