Yesterday I was clever,

So, I wanted to change the world

Today I am wise

So, I am changing myself

by

RUMI

Barbara’s method of teaching little humans is to intentionally create a safe, creative environment where the individual’s intrinsic needs and goals are supported in harmony with the needs and goals of the group. Partly in jest, I’ve labeled it the GFP Method – a creative blend of Glinda the Good, Ms. Frazzle the Fantastic, with a touch of Patton the Powerful for good measure. However, her methods use the essence of all those beings and more!

In this episode we discuss transitions, dealing with change – which has been such a challenge during the last few months – and Barbara’s masterful techniques of transforming the energy and atmosphere of a classroom or home environment. A couple of anecdotes show how Barbara’s light-hearted, perceptive approach magically changed the energy of intense situations bringing peace and harmony.

Insightful Gems – SunGems – are delightfully shared!

How do we love the little ones and the large ones in front of us? It can be as simple as opening one’s heart; and as difficult as letting go of one’s own desires, pre-conceived ideas, and plans, seeing the big picture of the tapestry of Life, accepting the human in front of us, and welcoming what is happening in the moment. This episode will provide you with some beautiful SunGems of insight into how to love the little ones and the large ones in front of you! The best teachers and parents care. Let's all do it together - "All you need is love!" Love, L’amour, Amore, Liebe, Amor, 愛する – Aisuru, 爱 – Ài, Aloha, Prem! 

All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one human in their time plays many parts…

Words can create storm clouds of disharmony or rainbows of unifying peace and joy. In this week’s episode listen to Barbara’s SunGems on the Power of Words. There are some wonderful ideas, concepts, and practices shared in this episode to help you and the young ones around you understand what's behind your words and how best to use them. I really enjoyed listening to the episode on my drive from Santa Cruz to San Mateo to pick up a heart rate monitor for my biking. Even after having listened to it numerous times in the editing process, I found myself engaged in the conversation. I hope you will be too! Also, how are Star Trek’s the Borg and The Matrix Reloaded connected to the power of words? Listen to find out.

In this episode, we discuss Barbara's development of her Morning Routine and Circle Time, and the practices she and I shared with the children in our care. The practices are applicable to children both large and small, adults even. There's a beautiful candid conversation of the power of words and affirmations at the end when it seems as if the podcast is over. Again, my apologies for the jangle-click. The angels have yet to give up on disturbing the conversation; however, in future episodes, they make a retreat as a new headset is purchased for Barbara. I did all I could to dampen their sound but some jangles and jinks remain. Thank you for listening!

“I can be an artist, you can be an artist, we are all artists!” ~ Barbara Rabin

You didn’t know you’re an artist? You needed, need, Barbara as your teacher. Barbara is an art expert. She could easily grace the halls of any art museum as its docent. In this episode, learn how Barbara introduces art to children in a meaningful way, creating a supportive artists’ environment where they can let their inner artist's creativity shine!

In this week's episode THE RULES, how Patton inspired Barbara in her teaching - how did he do that?! - and the use of Glinda's magic-wand...

Barbara gives deep insight into how and why she created her classroom rules and how to implement them with children at school and in the home. The first rule is: "Enjoy yourself!" Find out why Barbara made this her first rule and how it impacts the children in the classroom or home environment. We also discover the meaning to Barbara of Glinda the Good, Ms. Frizzle, and General Patton. We apologize for the slight crackle that can be heard on occasion. I edited the sound to the best of my ability. A little crackle remains like the sound of waving a magic wand which you will also learn about the use of towards the end of the episode.

This is the inaugural episode of SunGems Podcast - "Rocks in the Basket!"

SunGems Podcast’s mission is to share methods developed over a forty-year career by teacher Barbara Rabin to support the creation of a happy classroom or home environment. When asked what they want for their children parents often respond, “I want my child to be happy.” Sungems Podcast will discuss Barbara’s methods to help teachers, parents, and humankind raise successful, confident, happy children.

Barbara is an expert in primary education. Her innate wisdom, artfulness, and mastery of teaching were forged over 40 years as an educator. She has taught in many fine schools. She helped found a successful holistic school in California based on her principles and practices of education. She has been the driving force, primary curriculum resource, and inspiration behind other educational ventures. She has an artful, magical approach to educating children.

In this episode, Barbara shares the story behind the creation of her quietly revolutionary classroom practice of "Rocks in the Basket!" The creation of “Rocks in the Basket” was a pivotal moment in Barbara’s teaching career. It came during the 70s when she worked in upstate New York in a rural area of low socioeconomic status with families struggling with poverty. This is an inspiring true story you won’t want to miss! It's definitely worthy of a scene or two in a movie!