Ep.45 Indigenous Homeschooling feat. Dr. Dawn Karima

Hey, friends. This week I sat down with indigenous artist and activist, homeschooler, and 2x global music award winner, Dr. Dawn Karima, to ask about her thoughts on culture and community as an indigenous homeschooler. Dr. Karima is the author of Mother of Nations and founder of Wells of Victory. She is the host of the Conversations With Dawn Karima Podcast. Dr. Karima began her homeschooling journey following her career in higher education. She currently homeschools both her son and nephew.

In This Episode

In this episode Dr. Karima and I discussed the importance of language and culture in the homeschool journey. Dr. Karima shared a few ideas on how homeschoolers and public educators can indigenous their spaces so learners can explore every ethnic culture authentically. She also expressed why elders in the community are valuable to the upbringing and rising of all children regardless of ethnic background. Dr. Karima believes that through storytelling, we're able to find commonalities, build connections, develop emotional intelligence, and provide empathy to others just like us.

Dr. Karima believes that the goal for indigenous homeschool children is to be whole. She expresses the importance of indigenous children knowing who they are, knowing their culture and identity, traditions, and the stories of their ancestors and the world around them.

What We Mentioned

• North Carolina homeschool laws

• Conversations With Dawn Karima

• Mother of Nations book

• Why we should tell stories

• How to indigenous curriculum

• Medicial discoverIes by the Maya

• Architectural advancements of the Aztec

• Teaching culture all year-year-round

Dr. Karima leaves us with rich knowledge and wisdom about indigenous tribal nations and cultures. She encourages us to connect with one another through the process of listening and sharing our cultural stories.

Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple.

Ep.44 Unschooling In Chicago ft. Alicia Wilson-Ahlstrom

Welcome back! This week I invited Michigan native, wife and unschooler Alicia Wilson-Ahlstrom to join the show for a magnificent chat about her family's journey with unschooling while living in Chicago. Alicia is the Co-Director of Research at the Children's Funding Project. Alicia shared a wealth of information regarding resources, curriculum, and creativity.

Alicia is an accomplished policy development specialist with over 20 years of experience in equitable policy investments in education and youth development. She's an expert in bridging the gap between education and policy research. She has supported local and state leaders and organizations in their efforts to advocate for funding in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Minneapolis, and New Orleans.

(Note: This episode was prerecorded in December 2023.)

In This Episode

In this episode we conversed about how parents can appreciate their unschoolers growth and how they evolve as social beings in the world today. Alicia shares how parents can create a reasonably, well-sourced learning environment where unschoolers can learn based on their interests and passions. Alicia confimed how she utilizes real world application, deep conversations and gamification instead of testing to assess her unschoolers' comprehension, fluency and usage of academic and social skills.

What We Mentioned

• Illinois Homeschool Laws

• Michigan State Homeschool Laws

• Educational Philosophies

• Shakespeare in the Park

• Creative Learning

• Gameschooling

• Roadschooling

• Transcripts

Resources Mentioned

• Friends of Cabrini (Chicago, IL)

• SCMP Math Curriculum

• Living Science Books (Charlotte Mason)

• Museum of Science And Industry (Chicago, IL)

• Chicago Public Libraries (Chicago, IL)

• Chicago Park Districts (Chicago, IL)

• Math Circles of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

• Teacher's Pay Teachers

• Ready Player One Books

• Stonemaier WingSpan Game Pack

Alicia reminds us to care about what are unschoolers are learning. She empowers us to put things worthy of study in front of them to ensure they have a well-rounded, rich, and robust learning experience.

Connect with Alicia Wilson-Ahlstrom at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Google, Spotify, Apple. Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on social media.

Ep.43 Oh Yes! I'm Homeschooling ft Rachel Hamilton

Hey friends! This week I invited former public school teacher, Rachel Hamilton, to share all about he recent journey in education as a homeschool mom. Rachel is a mother of three and native of Indiana who currently lives in Michigan. She shares the joys of her experience as a homeschooler and what she's looking forward too.

In This Episode

In this episode, Rachel and I discussed the challenges that homeschool parents face when transitioning to a public school. Rachel encourages homeschool parents to have honest and open conversations with public school teachers, if you should choose to enroll your children into a public school. Rachel shares the struggles public school teachers face with preparing their learners to perform well in the classroom as well as on standardized tests. She mentions the pressure learners face to meet metrics and criteria set by district leadership.

What We Mentioned

Michigan homeschool laws

Transitioning to public schools

Accommodations for gifted learners

Behavioral intervention plans

Communal mentality in public schools

Teacher incentives and standardized testing

Remote learning and technology

Resistant readers and reading strategies

Deschooling and flexibility

Special services for homeschoolers

Make memories and experiences

Roadschooling and nature learning

Resources Mentioned

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Dearborn, MI)

Air Zoo Aerospace And Science Museum (Portage, MI)

Disney World Epcot World Showcase (Bay Lake, Fl)

Children's Museum of Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN)

Getaway House Tiny Cabin (Barber Creek, MI)

Rachel reminds us that our children's abilities are not a reflection of us as homeschoolers. Parenting is the most important job in the world, and it's also the hardest. As our learners develop, their brains mirror ours, but not symmetrically. Little learners can benefit greatly from having parents that are aware and emotionally healthy, including when homeschooling. Homeschool parents should remember that to learn is to grow.

Connect with Rachel Hamilton on social media. Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple. Follow the podcast on social media.

Ep.42 Engaging Neurotypical Learners feat. Natasha Anee

Welcome back to the show! This week the conversation is centered around neurotypical and diverse learners. I invited Whole Family Coach and Michigan native, Natasha Anee, to the show. Natasha shared her personal experience as a neurotypical learner and her homeschool experience with educating a neurotypical learner. Natasha's path to homeschooling started while volunteering in her son's third grade classroom and observing with rising concerns while he was in third grade. Natasha is the proud owner Consulting By Anee.

In This Episode

In this episode, Natasha shares how she advises parents and educators on differentiated instruction for learners who may be struggling within specific subjects. She highlights the importance of parents identifying possible neurological needs and supports that their children may have. Natasha breaks down the purpose of differentiated instruction for diverse learners with special needs. She encourages parents to look at each child separately to understand what the child's needs are. Parents should not force children to learn the same as others when their comprehension levels vary. Natasha encourages parents to allow their children to freely flow and learn without the typical structure found in public school settings. Natasha also shares how parents can find the resources needed for neurotypical and diverse learners.

Natasha believes that all parents should be their child's advocate. She believes parents do not need public school educators to direct the educational path of neurotypical learners. It is the job of parents. Parents can search for organizations and businesses that can provide services and support to neurotypical learners. Parents can help support their in learning how to order and plan things in their day-to-day tasks.

What We Mentioned

Michigan homeschool laws

Tier 1 differentiated instruction

Identifying neurological needs

IEPs (Individual Educational Plans)

Holistic education

Evaluations through health insurance

ADHD and executive function

Dsylexia and sensory motors

Orton-Gillingham approach

Natasha strives to help parents liberate their children's learning and holistically improve the family's wellness. She believes that parents should identify and locate the educational, neuropsychological, and wellness tools and resources needed to personalize plans for their children.

Connect with Natasha Anee at www.consultingbyanee.com. Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple. Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on social media.

Ep.41 Homeschooling My Diverse Learner ft. Angela Thomas

Welcome back! I invited Michigan native and Virginia resident, Angela Thomas, to join the show and share her knowledge and expertise with educating diverse learners including her daughter. Angela shares why she and her husband decided to homeschool their daughter during the time of the covid-19 pandemic. She expresses how parents should be able to have a choice in how they would like their child to be taught. Angela is a former public school educator and has spent over ten years working with children identified as diverse learners with behavioral and educational needs. Currently, she homeschools her daughter and provides her with a unique experience tailored to her learning goals while embracing African American culture and excellence. Angela holds a masters degree in Special Needs Education from the George Washington University.

In This Episode

In this episode we discussed how parents can take first steps to supporting their diverse learners in both public school and homeschool. Angela suggested how parents can pay attention to specific elements that would define children as diverse learners. She described her daughter's experience with being tested for cognitive and behavioral disturbances. She also shares how homeschool families benefit from their choice to choose how and where they want their children to learn. We discussed how exploring your community network can help your child's to have a rich and adventurous learning experience while making memories.

Angela stresses the importance of pacing our children's learning, where they are able to gather little chunks of information at a time. She encourages us to guide our children through paced learning and affirm their strong areas. She shares how she encourages and empowers her daughter to serve others while enjoying her homeschool experience.

What We Mentioned

Virginia homeschool laws

Testing for diverse learners

Behavioral supports for diverse learners

Pacing in homeschooling

Processing math skills

Intersected math skills

Teaching plans

Annual testing for homeschool

Homeschool yearbook

Exploring local history and art

Supplementing teaching time

Dual enrollment for teen homeschoolers

Reinvesting tax dollars in communities

Homeschool communities and travelers

Independent learning time

Scheduling and balance

Learning styles

Critical thinking skills

Resources Mentioned

Common Core Standards (Virginia)

California Achievement Test

VNA Convention, Coin, And Currency Show (Virginia)

Shutterfly

National Museum of African American History And Culture (Washington, D.C.)

Alexandria Archaeology Museum (Alexandria, VA)

The Art League (Alexandria, VA)

National Geographic Kids Magazine

Outschool

Northern Virginia Community College high school programs

Panera Bread Little Bakers In Training

Louisville Slugger Museum And Factory (Louisville, KY)

Louisville Free Public Library 4-H classes (Louisville, KY)

Friends of Cabrini (Chicago, IL)

Kids Give Back (Virginia)

Angela challenges us to take initiative with guiding and supporting our children's educational journeys so that we are in the know of what their achievements, opportunities, needs, and struggles are. Angela reminds us of how guide our children through the practice of autonomy so they can be free to enjoy learning on their own terms. She encourages us to embrace our children's abilities to be critical thinkers and have conversation about what their learning. We should all be inspired by Angela on how we can create a well-rounded, interactive and fun learning environment for our children.

Connect with Angela Thomas on LinkedIn. Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple. Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on social media.

Ep.40 My First Year Unschooling ft. Amy Lakeberg

Hey friends! It's obvious that unschooling is radically different from institutionalized classroom learning. For many families, unschooling helps children to unlock their potential and takes away the pressure to perform under distress and unwarranted circumstances. Unschooling children fully embrace their interests and discover new ideas and concepts. This is exactly Indiana native, wife, and librarian, Amy Lakeberg, realized with her son. This week, I invited Amy to share how she has addressed her son's unique learning needs through unschooling and how she empowers him to be free to find the right learning strategies that work for him. Amy joins the show to share her family's first year experience with unschooling. Don't miss it.

In This Episode

In this episode, Amy and I converse about her family's first year experience with unschooling. She shares why she decided to remove her son from the public school registry following her observation of his interests. She shares how she maintains her faith when facing conflicting opinions from others regarding unschooling. Amy believes that parents are the first advocates for their children's educational needs and she thinks supportive legislation policies should be created to legally protect unschoolers and homeschoolers. Amy values community and has found many community support groups online and within her personal network. Amy embraces nature based and interest-led learning as she follows her son's lead and his passion for putting things together and discovering the mechanics of objects.

What We Mentioned

Indiana homeschool regulations

Nature-based learning

Project-based learning

Scheduling and planning

Using manipulatives to teach math

Traveling and exploring outdoors

Understanding your why

Importance of research skills

Modeling behavior for your children

Resources Mentioned

KiwiCo subscriptions

Alice H. Parker heating furnace invention

Gabis Arboretum (Valpariso, IN)

Washington Park Zoo (Michigan City, IN)

Indiana Dunes National Park (Porter, IN)

Tallgrass Sudbury School (Riverside, IL)

Crown Point Library (Crown Point, Indiana)

Nuture Nature Facebook Group (Cedar Lake, IN)

Amy encourages us to help our children manifest their creative and scientific ideas. She encourages us to have confidence in your decision and understanding your why. We should all remember to trust our children in their learning journey.

Connect with Amy Lakeberg via email at [email protected]. Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple. Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on social media.

Ep.39 My First Year Homeschooling ft Janeea Wright

Hey friends! This week, I invited Michigan native, wife, and homeschooler of three, Janeea Wright, to join the show to share her first year homeschool experience. Janeea shares her experience following the Charlotte Mason teaching method and explains how she plans her day with her little ones.

In This Episode

In this episode I chatted with Janeea about her experience in public school as a child as well as her experience as a first year homeschooler to her children.

What We Mentioned

Charlotte Mason philosophy

Scheduling the day

Learning through play

Travel and roadschooling

Resources Mentioned

Children’s Discovery Center (Baltimore, MD)

Connect with Janeea Wright on social media. Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple.

Ep.38 Why Home Education Should Be An Option Pt 2 feat. Teleasha Edwards

Hey friends! I invited wife and homeschooler, Teleasha Edwards of North Carolina, to join the show this week. She's a phenomenal educator, a licensed sign language interpreter, and health practitioner of Sanoka Holistic Healing Solutions. Teleasha made the decision to homeschool her children following their experiences in public school. She shares with us how she cultivates her children's interests and the things they want to do as a musical family.

In This Episode

In this episode, we talked about how to teach children about holistic nutrition and learning through wise food choices and unique learning experiences. Teleasha expressed the difference in the issues that African American children face based on gender and the importance of empowering our children to express themselves. Teleasha believes in the importance of helping your children to find solutions to problems that they face and those in the world around them.

What We Mentioned

North Carolina homeschool regulations

Deschooling your mindset

Liberated Minds University

How to support your child's interests

Budgeting for homeschool

Public library resources

Teleasha inspires us to find things that will uplift you and your family during your homeschool experience. She also shares how to listen to your children and allow them to share and identify their ideas.

Connect with Teleasha Edwards on social media. Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast now on Google, Spotify, and Apple. Follow the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on social media today.

Ep.37 Why Home Education Should Be An Option Pt 1 feat. Yalonda Chandler

Welcome back! This week, I invited veteran educator and entrepreneur, Reverend Yalonda Chandler of Alabama, to join our show. Yalonda is the co-founder of Black Homeschoolers of Birmingham, and she owns and operates Legacy Builders Academy, the premiere cover school in Birmingham that centers African American children and their families. Legacy Builders Academy offers legal homeschool classes for children in grades K-12. As a member of the community, Yalonda helps families to navigate, fulfilling their God-calling to homeschool by embracing non-traditional learning and forward thinking. Like many parents, Yalonda has found her family's homeschool journey to be one of strategic and creative learning and discovery. She is passionate about showing families that successful home education is possible.

In This Episode

In this episode, I'm delighted to talk to Reverend Yalonda Chandler as we discuss why home education should be an option for parents in the United States. Among other things, we discuss how homeschooling is a journey of unraveling our own deep conditions. Yalonda shares with us the importance of trusting your child and understanding your why when homeschooling. Yalonda shares tips on how to connect with their children and learn how they learn, as learning happens every day. She also revealed how we can take the pressure off of ourselves as being the source of all information; but, whether encourage our children to research information in order to be independent learners.

What We Mentioned

• Alabama regulations and laws

• How to trust your child

• How to spark your child's curiosity

• How to engage your child in learning

Resources Mentioned

• Legacy Builders Academy

Yalonda reminds us treat our children like people, and build lasting memories with them to nurture relationships. Yalonda's positive outlook on life and her belief in keeping things authentic and joyful are truly inspiring.

Connect with Mrs. Chandler online via Facebook and Instagram. Visit her website, www.revychandler.com. Subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast now on Google, Spotify, and Apple. Join the community on social media.

Ep.36 Making School Inclusive feat. Kaz Wright

This week, I invited Kaz Wright, a native of New Jersey, a veteran educator and reading interventionist with over 20 years of experience working in public and charter school districts to join our show. Kaz is the founder of K. Monica Consulting and an author of the book titled How Do I Get My Kid To Read. Kaz has primarily taught middle schoolers in Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, and China. She was awarded twice as Teacher of the Year and has been recognized for her advocacy for young people both inside and outside of the classroom.

In This Episode

In this episode, Kaz shares a little of her experience as a reading interventionist working with middle schoolers to fill gaps in literacy. She supports families and youth organizations with closing the literacy gaps that many inner city youth are facing today. She also mentions specific tips that teachers and homeschoolers can implement to build social and emotional learning for children. Kaz shares the importance of building a relationship with children before introducing classroom topics. Kaz speaks on how teachers can connect with children during challenging times while supporting them.

What We Mentioned

• Effects of the covid-19 pandemic

• Social and emotional learning

• Culturally relevant content

• Literacy support for resist readers

• Differentiated instruction

Resources Mentioned

• K. Monica Consulting

• Chicago Public Museums

Kaz leaves us with insights on how teachers in public education can pivot their instruction within public schools and tips on how parents can support their children's learning.

Connect with Kaz Wright at K. Monica Consulting or via email at [email protected]. Follow Friends of Cabrini and subscribe to the Friends of Cabrini Podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple.