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 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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