Teach Your Kids

Manisha Snoyer sits down with Dr. Cheryl Fields-Smith, a leading expert on Black homeschooling and family engagement. They delve into the significant growth of the Black homeschooling population, debunk myths about Black families' commitment to education, and explore the transformative power of homeschooling. From the historical struggle for education to modern-day innovations, this episode offers a nuanced look at the Black homeschooling movement.

Dr. Cheryl Fields-Smith is a renowned Professor at the University of Georgia, focusing on Black families' engagement in home education. Her groundbreaking study from 2006-2008 paved the way for significant publications on Black homeschool families, including books and numerous journal articles. Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Fields-Smith's research has been featured on major media outlets such as PBS NewsHour, NBC, ABC, CBS, and The Atlantic. Cheryl's dedication to her work exemplifies a strong commitment to the academic community and the betterment of education as a whole.

Manisha Snoyer sits down with Blair Lee, the founder of SEA Homeschoolers, a community of 90,000 members, that has revolutionized the way we think about education. Blair, a professor, scientist, and author, delves into her journey from teaching college chemistry to pioneering a homeschooling movement. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the importance of a tailored education to the role of community in homeschooling. Blair also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the homeschooling landscape, including the need for evidence-based, secular academic materials. Manisha and Blair explore the concept of a paradigm shift in education, focusing on how well a child is learning rather than how well one is teaching. They also touch on the importance of inclusivity, debunk myths about homeschooling, and discuss the future of education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in a more personalized, compassionate, and effective approach to education.

Blair Lee, M.S., (@blairleescience) is the founder of SEA Homeschoolers and a seasoned educator with over two decades of experience. Initially a community college professor, she transitioned into curriculum development, authoring courses like "Microbiology" and "The Science of Climate Change." Blair is also the primary author of the critically acclaimed REAL Science Odyssey Series from Pandia Press. Passionate about innovative academics, she empowers home educators to create unique, academically-rich learning experiences. Her courses are hands-on and concept-rich, adhering to mainstream scientific consensus.

Step into a world of educational inspiration as Manisha Snoyer welcomes Julie Bogart, a true luminary - an accomplished author, and the ingenious mind behind the Brave Writer program. The conversation dives into the world of homeschooling, exploring Julie's personal journey and her innovative methods. Both guests engage in a sincere discussion on the joys, challenges, and practical aspects of educating children at home, including ways to inspire creativity in writing. Julie's approach emphasizes the importance of parents as writing coaches and the need to make learning enjoyable. Additionally, she sheds light on the Brave Writer program, her book "Raising Critical Thinkers," and her philosophy of adapting education to align with a child's unique pace. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone interested in the future of education, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Host Manisha Snoyer dives deep into the world of game-based learning with Rohan Mahimker, co-CEO and founder of Prodigy Education. They delve into Prodigy's mission to make learning math engaging through game-based learning. From uncovering the origins of Prodigy and the concept of mastery-based learning to sharing inspiring success stories, the episode encapsulates a revolutionary approach to education. The discussion also explores Prodigy's commitment to providing free educational content for children of all socio-economic backgrounds and their plans to expand beyond math. The conversation ends on a high note with Rohan sharing his passion for racing and a hint at a new racing-inspired Prodigy game.

This episode features a heartfelt conversation between Manisha Snoyer and Deb Vilas, a child life specialist, and educator, as they unravel essential aspects of child development, play-based learning, and parenting strategies. Deb Vilas emphasizes the significance of giving children agency, encouraging self-directed learning, and understanding their perspective. Through Deb's innovative approaches in her classes, the conversation illuminates the profound impact of play on children's growth. A deep dive into societal expectations, gender stereotypes, bullying, and the role of empathy enriches the discussion. Manisha's queries on healthy socializing and the utilization of alternative tools for children with learning difficulties blend with Deb's insights into grief counseling, clear communication, and limit-setting in families. This episode resonates with educators, parents, and anyone interested in the nuances of child development.

Manisha Snoyer explores the intricate subject of socialization, with a particular emphasis on homeschooling, by addressing misconceptions, sharing personal experiences, and offering practical guidance. She refutes the stereotype that homeschoolers are antisocial, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy within these communities. From discussing her own loneliness as a business owner to detailing the multifaceted approach to socialization, Snoyer offers insights into building friendships in both homeschooling and traditional environments. Emphasizing the role of parents, community, and inclusivity, she showcases various strategies to foster connections. Whether it's joining online groups, engaging in after-school activities, or even considering relocation, Manisha's ideas encourage a balanced and open-minded approach to homeschooling.

Manisha Snoyer sits down with Iman Alleyne from Kind Academy and Shiren Rattigan from Colossal Academy, trailblazers in the microschool movement in South Florida. They share personal journeys, emphasizing the importance of student autonomy, character education, personalized learning, and unique methodologies like Montessori 2.0. Thought-provoking discussions on topics such as the empowerment of students, criticism of traditional schooling systems, and the utilization of hands-on entrepreneurial projects reveal new insights into modern education. They also address sensitive subjects like bullying, acceptance, inclusivity, and the significance of specialized education during adolescence. The episode concludes with both guests sharing valuable resources and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to voice their innovative ideas. This is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the future of education.

Nir Eyal, author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," joins Manisha Snoyer to discuss his family's homeschooling journey, the philosophy of child-led learning, the role of technology in education, and how to raise indistractable kids. Throughout the conversation, Eyal highlights his daughter's experiences with self-directed education, the importance of personalization in learning, and the benefits of a flexible homeschooling schedule. He also shares insights into managing screen time, distinguishing between good and bad digital experiences, and fostering a love for learning. This episode offers a profound exploration of the current educational landscape, providing valuable perspectives for parents, educators, and anyone interested in a modern approach to teaching and learning.

Manisha Snoyer unravels the untapped potential of homeschooling and mastery learning, laying a roadmap for parents eager to take control of their children's education. Drawing from personal experience and a passion for transformative education, Snoyer criticizes the traditional, rigid educational system, advocating for a more flexible, child-centric approach. She discusses the importance of parental involvement, self-directed learning, and the increasing accessibility of homeschooling tools and communities. Snoyer emphasizes that homeschooling isn't only for the affluent but a feasible option for all, showcasing its positive impact on family well-being and a child's development. Her insights into educational communities, practical life skills, and modular learning are eye-opening, presenting a fresh perspective on modern education. From dealing with screen addiction to teaching financial literacy, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for parents and educators alike, a call to action for anyone yearning for a more compassionate, innovative education system.