Friends of Cabrini

By Friends of Cabrini

Jaleesa Smith delivers untold stories from everyday parents like you. This is Friends of Cabrini. This series features new interviews and stories from revolutionary parents and educators, sharing advi... more

· Education

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FAQs about Friends of Cabrini:

How many episodes does Friends of Cabrini have?

The podcast currently has 76 episodes available.

Friends of Cabrini episodes:

February 18, 2024Ep.65 10 Things To Do Before You Start (My Advice For New Unschoolers)
Ep.65 10 Things To Do Before You Start (My Advice For New Unschoolers)
Hey, you guys! Welcome back to the pod. If you're new here, I want to start by saying congratulations on your decision to unschool or homeschool. Unschooling (homeschooling) is a different educational philosophy compared to traditional schooling and because newcomers might not fully understand the principles, practices, and potential challenges involved, I'm sharing a few tips to provide guidance and address common concerns, easing the transition.
In This Episode
In this episode, I'm sharing ten tips that will help you before you get started in your learning journey. Leaving behind the familiar structure of traditional schooling can be daunting. Tips can help alleviate anxieties about curriculum, socialization, and meeting educational needs. They can also offer reassurance and practical advice. I know that leaving behind the familiar structure of traditional schooling can be daunting. These tips can help alleviate any anxieties about curriculum, socialization, and meeting educational needs. They also offer reassurance and practical advice. Unschooling (homeschooling) requires planning, adapting, and creating learning opportunities in everyday life. I'm offering suggestions for resources and strategies to support learning across different subjects and interests.
I want to help your family anticipate potential challenges, balancing freedom with structure or addressing learning gaps. And—it's my greatest honor to connect new unschoolers (homeschoolers) to online communities, such as Friends of Cabrini, experienced families, and resources, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Resources
Friends of Cabrini

Friends of Cabrini Curriculum

HSLDA (Homeschool laws by state)
Connect With Us Online
Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Instagram.
Follow Jaleesa on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at ⁠https://art19.com/privacy⁠⁠⁠⁠ and California Privacy Notice at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info⁠⁠⁠⁠.
...more
14min
February 14, 2024Ep.64 Raising Wildflowers: Nurturing Curiosity & Unschooling Joy ft Annie Smith
Ep.64 Raising Wildflowers: Nurturing Curiosity & Unschooling Joy ft Annie Smith
Hey, y'all! This week, we're learning how to embrace our children's unique learning style while cultivating a love of learning through unschooling adventures. I invited former elementary public school teacher, Annie Smith, to the share her family's unschool journey and her transition away from public schools.
Annie is an Asian-American author and educator, living and snuggling with her unschooled babies and husband in the state of Illinois. Annie is the creator of Pancakes And Snuggles, a blog that chronicles motherhood and life as an unschooling family.
In This Episode
In this episode, we're exploring the world of learning beyond the classroom walls and discovering the possibilities of unschooling. Annie shares quick tips on how to make your children's learning interactive, exciting, and individualized. She encourages parents to utilize social media to find community support and fun activities such as game clubs, book clubs, and nature activities to help your children develop new friendships. Annie believes that taking a chance on unschooling leads to new possibilities and different experiences for the whole family. We also discussed why parents should disregard critics and nay-sayers who intend to attack or belittle your family's choice to unschool.
Resources
Illinois Homeschool Laws

Friends of Cabrini Book Club

Chicago Children's Museum

DuPage Children's Museum

KidsWork Museum

Bronzeville Children's Museum

Indianapolis Children's Museum

Lyric Opera of Chicago
Authors/Books
Annie T. Smith - We Are At School: School Is All Around Us

Ainsley Arment - The Call of the Wild And Free

Jessica Smartt - Let Them Be Kids

JohJon Taylor Gatto - Dumbing Us Down

Adam Hochschild - King Leopold's Ghost

Shonda Rhimes - Year of Yes
Connect With Us Online
Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Instagram.
Follow Jaleesa on Instagram.
Follow Annie on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at ⁠⁠⁠https://art19.com/privacy⁠⁠⁠ and California Privacy Notice at ⁠⁠⁠https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info⁠⁠⁠.
...more
1h 7min
February 03, 2024Ep.63 Music And Movement ft Jay On The Drums
Ep.63 Music And Movement ft Jay On The Drums
Hey, friends! Have you wondered how to add more fun and movement in your homeschool space? Welp, let's talk about music and movement. This week, I'm chatting with Jay Schwertfeger, also known as Jay On The Drums, who is a former public school teacher who currently owns and operates Kids Freeze Dance.
Jay creates musically engaging videos ideally for pre-kindergarten to third grade learners to support their learning.
In This Episode
In this episode, we discussed how music and movement help children to learn better. Jay says that when children hear the music, they're ready to tune in and learn. Jay shared a few ideas to help parents teach math and reading skills to their young children.
Resources
Kids Freeze Dance
Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Instagram.
Follow Jaleesa on Instragram.
Follow Kids Freeze Dance on Facebook and Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at ⁠⁠⁠https://art19.com/privacy⁠⁠⁠ and California Privacy Notice at ⁠⁠⁠https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info⁠⁠⁠.
...more
29min
January 23, 2024Ep.62 Write Your Vision ft Alicia Brown
Ep.62 Write Your Vision ft Alicia Brown
Hey, friends. As a homeschool parent, fostering your child's writing skills can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. But fear not! The most important ingredient is fostering a love for language and storytelling, and this week, Alicia Brown tells us all how we can do this with our families.
Alicia is a wife, educator, and veteran homeschool mother of four. After working in corporate America, Alicia and her husband decided it was time to homeschool their children. She is also a certified IEW instructor and the creative owner of Write With Mrs. Brown, where she supports homeschooled children to develop their writing skills and fall in love with telling stories.
In This Episode
In this episode, Alicia shares how parents can support their child's writing development by creating a writing-rich environment. Surrounding your homeschooled child with books, both physical and digital, and encouraging them to explore different genres. Alicia believes that letting them see you reading and writing regularly is a great modeling technique for future writers and creatives. We also discussed the importance of writing your family's homeschool vision, outsourcing for classes, and how to avoid burnout.
Alicia encourages us all to "lean into being" and enjoy the journey of homeschooling. Listen now to the show. You don't want to miss this.
Resources
Ohio Homeschool Laws

Write With Mrs. Brown

Classic Conversations

Sonlight

Math With Mr. Jay

Mr. D Math

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

National Museum of the US Air Force

Wright State University
Authors Mentioned
Malcolm X/Alex Haley - The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. - Why We Can't Wait

Jason Reynolds - The Track Series

Kelly Starling Lyons - Jada Jones Series

Kelly Starling Lyons - Miles Lewis Series

Carole Boston Weatherford - Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Kathryn Applegate - The One And Only Series

Maya Angelou - I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. - Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow
Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Instagram.
Follow Alicia on Instagram and Facebook.
Follow Jaleesa on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at ⁠⁠https://art19.com/privacy⁠⁠ and California Privacy Notice at ⁠⁠https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info⁠⁠.
...more
1h 27min
January 23, 2024Ep.61 We All Learn What We Want ft Jaimee Rhodes
Ep.61 We All Learn What We Want ft Jaime Rhodes
Hey friends! You've probably noticed that I didn't launch any new episodes in a while. Shame on me! The plan was to publish weekly, but we missed a couple; and that's because I've been working quite hard on the next level of this podcast. So stay tuned, and I'll make some changes to this little pod.
But for now, enjoy this episode with this absolutely stunning, homeschooler, Jaimee Rhodes, who's from the state of South Carolina. Jaime is a wife, mom, and the proud owner of 25 acres of land called Parah Place. Go Jaimee! Yes, girl!
Jaimee is all about community learning, co-living, unschooling, free-range learning, and I've somehow fell in love with her story. After this episode, you'll be in love, too.
In This Episode
In this episode, we talked about modeling emotional intelligence and positive behavior, how to be present for your children, learning together, socializing, health and nutrition, and resources for families. Be sure to jot down notes to help your family further your unschoolunschooling journey.
Resources
South Carolina Homeschool Laws

Illinois Homeschool Laws

Parah Place

Friends of Cabrini

Story Pirates Podcast

The Average Boy Podcast

Real Cool History For Kids Podcast

Bronzeville Show

Abeka Homeschool Curriculum

The World Game

Monopoly National Parks

Skillmatics: Guess In 10
Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠.
Follow Parah Place on ⁠Facebook⁠.
Follow Jaleesa on ⁠Instagram⁠.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
...more
1h
January 23, 2024Ep.60 Math Is Confusing
Ep.60 Math Is Confusing
Good day, good people! So let's talk about mathematics. Have you ever heard your child say, "I hate math!" Yes, it's tough and rugged; and sometimes it's even predictable, and your children hate it. Today, I'm sharing my thoughts on a few of the incorrect beliefs children have about math and how you can help your child to fall in love with mathematics.
In This Episode
In this episode, I'm sharing three quick tips to help you support your child's growth mindset when it comes to learning mathematics and mastering it. We can all support our children to improve their logical reasoning and mathematical thinking through positive affirming words, modeling, effort, and perseverance. I'm going to tell you how.
I'm sharing a few links below for free and affordable resources for those who are in need of math support.
Resources
Friends of Cabrini Online Tutoring

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dwerk

Math Is Fun

Happy Child

Moby Max
Connect With Us
Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Instagram.
Follow Jaleesa on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
...more
11min
January 23, 2024Ep.59 Let's Play 10 Questions
Ep.59 Let's Play 10 Questions
Hey, y'all! Yes, it's me. I'm back, and I'm answering your questions about unschooling, deschooling, and more. Tap the like button now and share this one with your friends.
In This Episode
In this episode, I'm answering your questions that were sent to the show via Instagram and Facebook. I'm sharing advice on everything you want to know about self care, structure, socialization, and organization for unschoolers. There's also a few helpful links below for parents looking to manage household chores. I hope y'all enjoy this one!
Resources
Octavia B: Clean With Me

At Home With Ivory: Easy Aesthetic Kitchen Organization Ideas

Brittany Olga: How I Prep & Organize My Homeschool Curriculum And Supplies

Angela Braniff: How To Organize Homeschool Supplies
Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Instagram.
Follow Jaleesa on ⁠Instagram⁠.
See Privacy Policy at ⁠https://art19.com/privacy⁠ and California Privacy Notice at ⁠https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info⁠.
...more
34min
August 25, 2023 Ep.58 When Should I Start Unschooling ft Marea Parsons
Ep.58 When Should I Start Unschooling ft Marea Parsons
Welcome back. This week, I invited Marea Parsons, the Founder of Homeschool Revival, to the show to discuss when parents should consider unschooling. Marea is a native of South Carolina and she's wonderful wife and homeschool mother to four children. Marea partners with homeschool families to nurture bold believers and help families create a Christ-centered homeschool experience, through her work at Homeschool Revival.
Marea believes that all parents should learn to mix play-based and interest-led learning while focusing on their children's God-given gifts and talents.
In This Episode
In this episode, we discussed a few things parents can do to begin their unschooling journey. Marea shares how she observed her children's learning abilities and interests early on when making the decision to unschool. She believes in helping her children to develop their spiritual gifts and led a faith-based driven life by focusing on building character, integrity, and positively helping others. Marea shared a few helpful online resources that parents can use to stimulate academic learning at home.
What We Mentioned
Encouraging your children to read
Observing your child's learning style
How to limit screen-time
Unschooling your toddlers
Encouraging diversity through academics
Supporting your child's God-given purpose
Character building for your children
Resources Mentioned
IXL Online Learning
Math Antics
Reading Eggs
Starfall
Gather Round Homeschool
Marea encourages us to intentionally build up Godly character by empowering our learners to be world changers and world leaders. She believes that parents should be very involved and connected to their children's lives and their experiences.
Connect with Marea Parsons and Homeschool Revival. Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on social media. Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple.
...more
1h 4min
July 31, 2023 Ep.57 10 Must Have Supplies You Need
Ep.57 10 Must Have Supplies You Need
Hey friends! First. You don’t have to have special items or tools to have a wonderful homeschool experience. Knowing that there are supplies particular to education and are very commonly used. I am walking you through each of those items.
In This Episode
In this episode, I explained how each item can be used and which items I recommend for certain grades. This week, I'm sharing tips for 10 essential supplies all unschoolers and homeschoolers must have. Using the links in the show notes you can shop these items both online and at your local stores such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree, or Lakeshore Learning.
What I Mentioned
Understanding the relationship of numbers
Learners managing their own time
Building vocabulary and comprehension
Family bonding time
Resources Mentioned
Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Bluetooth Portable CD Player
Wood Clipboards
Write & Wipe Whiteboards
Math Fact Family Cards
Bookmark Timer
Dry Erase Reusable Pockets
Acrylic Weekly Calendar
Storyteller's Word of the Day
King James Holy Bible
Road Atlas (Traveling Maps)
Correction: The Jinhoo Bluetooth CD Player is no longer available on Amazon. A link to another option has been provided.
Share with your fellow parenting friends and homeschoolers. We are in this journey together. Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams.
Connect with Jaleesa Smith on Instagram. Connect with the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on social media. Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and Google.
...more
21min
July 24, 2023 Ep.56 10 Must Haves For Homeschool Organizing
Ep.56 10 Must Haves For Homeschool Organizing
Hey friends! How in the world does one have microscopes, papers, pens, and books lying around the house and stay organized? Do you need a few tips to keep your sanity? I'm sharing my top 10 must haves to get you organized in your homeschool space. If you miss this one, you're totally buggin'!
In This Episode
I'm sharing 10 essential items for homeschool organizing. These tips are perfect for decluttering and simplifying your homeschool space the way you want it. I'm offering help to keep your stress level down.
What I Mentioned
Small choking hazards
Storage for large and small items
Storage for daily reads and curriculum
Resources Mentioned
Clear Large Organzing Bins
Clear Small Organizing Bins
Clear Acrylic Storage Contianers
Stackable Shelf Organizer
Pencil Pouches
Utility Cart
Vinyl Binders
Wicker Picnic Baskets
Fabric Cube Storage Bins
Portable File Box
Stockholm Letter Box (Memory Box)
Open Shelf Bookcase
All of these items can be shopped both online and at your local stores. We will be back next week with a new episode.
Connect Jaleesa Smith on Instagram. Connect with the podcast on social media. To follow along with Friends of Cabrini Podcast, you can listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google.
...more
18min

FAQs about Friends of Cabrini:

How many episodes does Friends of Cabrini have?

The podcast currently has 76 episodes available.