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 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 31: The Next Evolution of Spirited Hearts™
n this solo episode I discuss all what happened at the end of last year for Spirited Hearts™: the new logo, refreshed website and new content.
I also share all the intentions I have for this year, including:
- our continuation of the Natural Learning Haven, where we will be welcoming back my husband, Lukas (we both started our first Family Day Care in 2015 in Canberra together)
- more support and resources for parents, including 1:1 sessions, online courses and workshops - including the upcoming for LIVE round of Month of Self Care - this is a collaboration with Vivian Viester who came on the podcast for Ep 20
- the brand new Spirited Hearts™ Approach to Early Learning Certification Program - this is something I have been working towards for the better part of a decade, and I share more information on it in this episode.
Enjoy, and I look forward to bringing you more beautiful, inspiring and meaningful conversations in 2023.
Resources Mentioned:
Where to Find Steph:
Website https://spiritedhearts.net
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirited_hearts
ABOUT STEPH
Steph Fleeton is the creator and founder of Spirited Hearts™ which is a multi-service community supporting children and families. She is a Parenting Support Counsellor, Aware Parenting Instructor and Early Learning Educator.
Steph has spent the better part of two decades, dedicated to child development, trauma and providing support to children, their families and early childhood educators.
She created her Natural Learning & Healing Haven to provide the strongest emotionally supportive environment in the industry, which is trauma-informed, and where children have the space and freedom to be their beautiful, unique selves.
In 2023, Steph will be launching the very first live round for her Certification Program for the Spirited Hearts Approach to Early Learning. This is for teachers, educators and anyone wanting to create their own natural learning haven from home.
Steph has two children; one with Autism and the other who suffered from an extremely rare and life-threatening medical condition for the first 5 years of his life. Steph is extremely passionate about assisting parents with children who have special needs and medical conditions. She provides 1:1 support, providing a space filled with unconditional acceptance, compassion, empathy and deep listening.
Episode 25: The Importance of Play & Nature During Childhood with Angela Hanscom
I absolutely loved this beautiful conversation with Angela Hanscom. Angela is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist and the founder of TimberNook a developmental and nature-based program that has gained international popularity including one here in Australia. Angela also has a highly viewed TEDx Talk and is the author of one of my all-time favourite books, Balanced and Barefoot.
Angela shares her story as an Occupational Therapist and the creation of TimberNook.
We then discuss:
- The harm children are experiencing from reduced unstructured outdoor time
- Adults as a barrier to children’s neurological development and why adults need to step back when children play
- Why staging children’s learning is detrimental to their development
- Nature being superior to man-made playgrounds and organised sports
- Play is where children learn and work through traumas
- How play can help children who experience sensory issues
- Plus so much more
Where to Find Angela
TimberNook Website
TimberNook on Facebook
Resources
Balanced & Barefoot by Angela J. Hanscom
Angela’s TEDx Talk
Free to Learn by Peter Gray
ABOUT ANGELA
Angela J. Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook—an award-winning developmental and nature-based program that has gained international popularity. She is the author of Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children. Hanscom is also a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and in 2019 won a Small Business of the year award for the State of New Hampshire.
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