Teach Your Kids

Join Manisha Snoyer in this episode of "Teach Your Kids" as she delves into a thoughtful conversation with Leo Babauta, the creator of Zen Habits and an advocate of unschooling. Manisha and Leo delve into the principles of unschooling, its impact on children's development, and how it aligns with Zen practices. They explore themes like trust, freedom, self-directed learning, and facing life's uncertainties. Leo shares personal experiences and insights on preparing children for an unpredictable future, emphasizing creativity and adaptability. This episode provides insightful reflections on finding the right mix of freedom and loving support in raising self-motivated, curious learners.

Leo Babauta, the esteemed author and founder of "Zen Habits," is widely acclaimed for his deep understanding of simplicity and personal development. As a proponent of unschooling and a father of six, Leo blends the principles of Zen Buddhism with parenting and education. His philosophy champions self-guided learning, strong emotional connections, and a positive acceptance of life's uncertainties. Through his work, Leo inspires countless individuals to embrace a more mindful, less rigid approach to life and learning.

In this “Teach Your Kids” episode, Manisha Snoyer and her mother, Janet Snoyer, engage in an intimate conversation about how love and attachment in education and parenting are fundamental to fostering lifelong learning, curiosity, and creativity. Janet shares insights from her Montessori training and decades of experience as an educator, emphasizing the power of trusting children's natural desire to learn. She advocates for nurturing individual growth rather than transactional, test-driven methods. The conversation highlights the importance of community and friendship in raising well-rounded kids. Manisha and Janet offer an honest look at their own evolving mother-daughter bond, emphasizing the continuous effort needed for deep understanding. This episode offers listeners a glimpse into the art of parenting with empathy, intention, and a focus on cultivating lifelong learners.

Janet Snoyer, an experienced educator with a rich background in Montessori teaching, has significantly influenced the field of education through her innovative approaches. As the founder and director of the Mentoring Alliance, she specializes in coaching pre-med students. Janet is renowned for integrating emotional intelligence and empathy into her teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of personal growth alongside academic achievement.

In this episode of "Teach Your Kids," Manisha Snoyer delves into the limitations of conventional schooling and homeschooling, introducing the innovative concept of "modular learning." She challenges the notion of a one-size-fits-all educational model, advocating instead for a flexible, evolving system that is tailored to the unique needs and diversity of each child and family. Drawing inspiration from philosopher Ivan Illich's 1970s concept of "educational webs," Manisha outlines a vision for a decentralized educational system that includes directories for learning resources, peer matching, and professional services. She illustrates how the modular learning movement is actualizing these ideas, allowing families to craft a customized education for their children by harnessing a variety of in-person and online resources. Throughout the episode, Manisha highlights real-life examples of modular learning in action, underscoring the importance of inclusive, supportive communities that emerge from this approach. Concluding with an invitation to join the Teach Your Kids movement, Manisha encourages listeners to be part of this transformative educational journey, fostering connections and empowering families to pioneer new, adaptable forms of learning.

In this episode of 'Teach Your Kids,' Manisha Snoyer and Lisa Julian Keniry discuss the importance of educating students about sustainability and green communities. Together, they provide real-life examples and practical strategies to make educational settings and wider communities more eco-friendly. The conversation includes essential skills needed for green careers, with a focus on forward-thinking and systems analysis, and Keniry offers valuable tips on incorporating sustainable practices into daily education and life. This episode not only delves into how to build sustainable communities but also motivates listeners to understand that individual actions can lead to significant environmental improvements. It's a compelling listen for anyone passionate about environmental education and committed to nurturing a more sustainable future.

Lisa Julian Keniry, a driving force in the realm of sustainability and climate jobs, co-founded Green Teach for Opportunity and has developed numerous influential programs across the higher education sector. Her work with organizations like NWF and the Energy Action Coalition has led to the creation of initiatives such as Cool-it!, Campus Ecology, and EcoLeaders. Author of 'Ecodemia,' her publications and guides have significantly impacted environmental performance and career development, resonating powerfully across various educational settings, including homeschooling communities.

In this episode of "Teach Your Kids," we explore the world of sex education with Heather Corinna, the founder and director of Scarleteen. As Scarleteen celebrates 25 impactful years, Heather takes us through its journey as a trailblazing online resource dedicated to offering young people honest and inclusive insights into sex, sexuality, and relationships. Heather discusses the significance of acknowledging young people's questions and creating a supportive environment for them to explore delicate topics, the appropriate timing for initiating sex education discussions with children, and addressing the challenges and pushbacks encountered in a society often shrouded in misconceptions. The conversation also delves into customizing sex education for diverse audiences, such as neurodivergent individuals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern sex education with clarity and confidence.

Heather Corinna is the founder, director, designer, and editor of Scarleteen. With over 25 years of experience, Heather has been a tireless advocate for inclusive and accessible sex education for young people.

Diving into the heart of America's gun violence issue, Manisha Snoyer and Megan Kang bring their insightful perspectives to the forefront in this compelling episode of 'Teach Your Kids.' Manisha navigates a candid discussion on how gun violence reshapes communities, particularly its profound impact on the lives of children. With her rich background as both a teacher and a researcher, Megan discusses the effectiveness of various state-level gun policies and their role in curbing gun-related tragedies. Together, they unravel the nuanced debates over gun control, weighing the significance of Second Amendment rights against the pressing need to ensure community safety. They explore the use of cognitive behavioral therapy in preventing violence and assess the effectiveness of community-based programs in reducing violence. This episode promises an engaging and thought-provoking look at gun violence, offering valuable insights and perspectives for parents, educators, and anyone deeply concerned with the security and future of our children in these complex times.

Megan Kang is a dedicated sociology doctoral candidate at Princeton University, specializing in the critical study of gun violence and its societal impacts. Her academic journey began as a Teach for America educator in Detroit, where she developed a keen interest in public policy and community interventions to address violence. Megan's research is recognized for its significant contributions to understanding the dynamics of gun-related violence and policy effectiveness. Her work, particularly on state-level gun regulations, has gained notable attention for its depth and influence in the field.

In this episode of “Teach Your Kids," Manisha welcomes Rachel Tidd, the creator of nature-based curriculum Wild Learning, to share her inspiring journey from special education teacher to homeschooling mom and curriculum developer. They discuss the wonders of outdoor learning, its role in reducing stress, boosting engagement, integrating sustainability into core subjects like literacy and math, and enhancing academic performance in a hands-on, multisensory way. This episode offers insightful perspectives on alternative education and illuminates the significance of connecting children with the natural world in today's fast-paced, technology-driven environment, and the significance of outdoor experiences in whole child development.

Rachel Tidd is an innovative educator and the creator of Wild Learning, a nature-based curriculum. With a background in environmental science and special education, she integrates her passion for the natural world into her teaching. Rachel's approach is centered on outdoor, multisensory learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of nature in child development and education, especially for those with sensory challenges. Her work highlights the transformative power of connecting children with nature in their learning journey.

Dive into a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Manisha Snoyer and Debbie Reber in this episode of "Teach Your Kids" as they explore the nuances of homeschooling children on the autism spectrum and other neurodiverse conditions. Together, they delve into a wide array of topics, such as decoding the complexities of an autism diagnosis, empowering self-determination in neurodivergent children, understanding the multifaceted world of therapy, and nurturing skills aligned with personal interests. Their conversation also covers tailoring learning to a child's unique interests, reshaping homeschooling to suit various learning archetypes, and the essential practice of parental self-care. Packed with empathy, insightful wisdom, and actionable tips, this episode is an essential listen for parents and educators dedicated to the thoughtful upbringing and education of 'differently wired' children.

Debbie Reber, a New York Times bestselling author and recognized parenting activist, brings a wealth of experience and empathy to the homeschooling community. As the heart and brain behind Tilt Parenting, Debbie's insightful podcast and resources offer a treasure trove of support and guidance for those homeschooling atypical children. With her latest book, "Differently Wired," Debbie offers more than just knowledge; she provides a deep well of empathy and practical wisdom, empowering parents to educate their unique children with confidence and hope.

In this "Teach Your Kids" episode, "What is Homeschooling?" Manisha Snoyer provides an in-depth exploration of homeschooling and its various styles, including traditional, online, unschooling, hybrid, and modular learning. She discusses the rise in homeschooling popularity post-pandemic, tackles common challenges and misconceptions surrounding it, and showcases homeschooling's adaptability and personalized touch. Emphasizing parental involvement, the episode shines a light on innovative educational tools, methods, and technologies that support homeschooling. Manisha aims to demystify homeschooling and offers insights for families curious about this tailored educational approach.

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of math education with Christopher Danielson, Ph.D., founder of "Talking Math with Your Kids," author of the iconic "Common Core Math for Parents for Dummies," and creator of many of the social and online games at Desmos. Christopher shares insights into the purpose of learning math and offers a nuanced perspective on the Common Core curriculum and its application for parents. The discussion extends to the future relevance of math skills, the feasibility of a universal curriculum, and practical ways parents can integrate math into daily life, such as through cooking and puzzles. The conversation also touches on alternative approaches to math education, addressing questions about formal curricula versus unschooling. Throughout, Christopher draws on his extensive experience, including his work at Desmos, to shed light on the challenges and opportunities in math education. Whether you're a parent navigating second-grade math, trying to understand what math skills your child needs to know, or interested in the broader landscape of math learning, this episode provides valuable insights and perspectives.

Christopher Danielson, an educator with a Ph.D. in mathematics education, excels at making math both accessible and engaging. Danielson's creation, "Math On-A-Stick," has become a hallmark in interactive math education, transforming abstract concepts into tangible, playful activities. Beyond this, his contributions include authoring several influential books and resources that challenge traditional methods, encouraging a more exploratory and intuitive understanding of mathematics.