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 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 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 21: Valuing Each Child's Learning Journey with Sally Haughey
I had the absolute pleasure of having this beautiful, meaningful conversation with Sally Haughey. Sally is the founder of Fairy Dust Teaching also known as Wunderled, she is the creator and founder of the annual Play Summit, an author, speaker and Educator.
We discuss so much in this episode, and it is jam-packed with passion, wisdom and knowledge:
- Sally shares her own journey as a child in the education system and then a teacher
- How the education system is failing us and our children
- The #1 goal of the system is compliance, and not attending to each child’s unique needs
- The history of the education system, and how it is outdated
- How beneficial changes come from families
- A child’s identity in the school system
- Executive function development through play-based learning
- Conflict resolution and negotiation in early childhood
- Support children’s natural desire to problem-solve
- Plus so much more
Where to Find Sally
Website: Fairy Dust Teaching
Facebook: Fairy Dust Teaching
Instagram: @wunderledteaching
Twitter: @WunderledEd
Resources Mentioned
* Jane Austen novels
* Alfie Kohn books
ABOUT SALLY
Sally Haughey is the CEO and Founder of Fairy Dust Teaching, also known as Wunderled. Fairy Dust Teaching is built on the passion for the wonder and magic of early childhood, the idea that young children have the right to play, to be collaborators in learning, and to dream.
Sally has spent over three decades in the classroom in various school settings. During time in the classroom, she was influenced by many different people and approaches, the two biggest being Waldorf education and the Reggio Emilia Approach.
Her journey took an unexpected turn when she started a blog in 2010. She was in the middle of one of her toughest years yet, and sharing her story opened a whole new world of possibilities: empowering and inspiring educators, and so Fairy Dust Teaching was born.
That blog transformed into our current community of over 220,000 educators from 114 countries. Her focus is to provide a deeper level of service and training that help educators own their true teaching self.
Since founding Fairy Dust Teaching, she has authored 3 books, one being The Wonder Art Workshop and has spoken and interviewed with thought leaders from all over the world.
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