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 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 36: Sharing, Apologies, Homework & Longer Recess with Heather Shumaker
In this week's episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Heather Shumaker, who is the author of 2 books I have recommended in my book reviews; It's OK NOT to Share and It's OK to GO UP the Slide. Heather speaks at early childhood conferences in North America and is an advocate for supporting children at school and during early childhood.
In this episode we discuss:
- why children don't need to share and why forced sharing delays moral development
- how to assist children through conflicts with each other
- becoming more curious when we witness unenjoyable behaviour in children
- genuine apologies over a forced "sorry"
- supporting our children in school
- how homework can be harmful, especially when it is not enjoyable for children
- plus so much more
Where to Find Heather:
Website: Heather Shumaker
Renegade Rules Podcast
BookSmitten Podcast
Resources Mentioned:
ABOUT HEATHER:
Heather Shumaker is the author of books for children and adults. Her newest book, The Griffins of Castle Cary, is a charming and slightly spooky read for middle grade readers, ages 8-12. It was awarded Best Children's Fiction in 2020 by the Society of Midland Authors. Heather is also co-host of the podcast BookSmitten.
In the parenting and education realm, Heather has two “renegade parenting” books that question conventional practices. With It’s OK Not to Share, and It’s OK to Go Up the Slide, Heather promotes play, conflict mediation skills and no homework for young children. Her books have won awards (Nautilus Silver Award, Books for a Better Life finalist). Heather is a nationally known speaker who frequently keynotes and teaches workshops. She speaks at early childhood conferences around the U.S. and Canada, as well as schools, libraries and writing conferences. She loves to share her joy of books and children with audiences everywhere. Heather holds a BA in sociology/ anthropology from Swarthmore College and an MS in land resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Today Heather lives up in northern Michigan with her husband and two children.
Episode 18: Choosing Homeschooling or Schooling for Your Child
In this week’s episode I go solo for the first time since episode 1 and share my journey of homeschooling and sending my own child to school.
I discuss when and how I decided to homeschool my children, some traumatic incidences we have experienced when sending my eldest child to school and the approach we use for homeschooling.
I chat about how my eldest son has started back at school, after over 2 years of homeschooling, and how my youngest son is still homeschooled.
I also share how we chose my eldest child’s schools and what we were looking for in order for him to experience the best support to meet his needs.
As parents, we really do need a village, of our own choosing, to truly thrive and ensure everyone’s needs are met. No matter what we choose for each of our children, it is so important to remove the judgment we feel towards ourselves and others because it is a hard journey, and we are all doing the best we can in any given moment.
Where You Can Find Me:
Website: https://spiritedhearts.net/
Instagram: @spirited_hearts
ABOUT STEPH:
Steph is the founder of Spirited Hearts™ with Steph Fleeton; Spirited Hearts™ Natural Learning Haven, Mamas Sacred Circle® and this beautiful podcast.
She is a Holistic Childhood Mentor, Early Childhood Educator, Parent Support Counsellor, Aware Parenting Instructor and Circle Facilitator.
Steph is a Mum to 2 boys; the eldest is in school and the younger is homeschooled.
She has always had a passion for psychology and counselling. However, it wasn’t until she had my first son in 2013 that she realised her niche passion was in assisting parents and children to live their best lives. She delved deeply into Aware Parenting, Unconditional Parenting, Conscious Parenting and Playful Parenting and the philosophies and practices resonated deeply.
Steph first started her Family Day Care in Canberra at the beginning of 2015, alongside her husband. Now, based in QLD and an Independent Natural Learning Haven for children aged 1-8 years old. Providing community and a sense of belonging for homeschooled children over 5 years old, and a natural learning, play-based environment for younger children to learn about themselves and the world. With a strong focus on meeting each individual child’s needs in an emotional supportive and caring environment, with many adventures and investigations into life along the way.