Helping parents find the best school for their child by exploring different educational methods through interviews with teachers, administrators and parents.
48. Should You Switch Schools? What to Consider Before Making a Change
As a parent, you want your child to feel safe, supported, and engaged in their learning. But what happens when something feels off? If your child dreads school, struggles academically, or faces ongoing challenges that aren’t improving, you may be wondering: Is this the right school for my child?
In this episode, I’ll walk you through:
Common reasons parents start questioning their child’s school fit, including:
A lack of support for learning differences or special needs
A mismatch between your child’s learning style and the school’s approach
Emotional distress, anxiety, or frequent school refusal
Social challenges, including bullying that isn’t being addressed
Logistical or family changes that make the current school less practical
How to assess whether the issues are temporary or long-term concerns
Steps to take before making a switch
Why trusting your instincts as a parent is so important in making the right decision
Switching schools is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By taking a thoughtful, step-by-step approach, you can determine whether a change is truly the best move for your child—and feel confident in whatever decision you make.
Listen in for practical guidance and reassurance as you navigate this process!
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47. Reggio Emilia Explained: The Power of Child-Centered Learning
Curious about the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jennie Ogden, a seasoned preschool teacher and director with 15 years of experience, to provide a primer on this child-centered philosophy. What makes Reggio Emilia unique? How does it encourage deep learning through play and exploration? Jennie breaks down the core principles, from child-led learning to the importance of environment and intentional teaching. She also shares insights from her visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, offering real-world perspectives on how this approach nurtures creativity, curiosity, and respect for young learners. Tune in for a clear and engaging introduction to one of the most inspiring educational philosophies!
The Image of the Child by Loris Malaguzzi https://www.sightlines-initiative.com/images/Library/reggio/Your_Image_of_the_Child-Where_Teaching_Begins.pdf
The Little School: https://thelittleschool.net/
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46. Why Should Parents Care About Different Educational Methods?
In this episode, Tom sits down with Sarah, who works as an Education Consultant, to explore why learning about different educational methods is essential for parents. They discuss the rapid pace of change in today’s world, what it really means for a child to be “successful,” and how parents can make informed choices about their child’s education. Sarah breaks down the impact of school choice on public education, the crucial role teachers play in student outcomes, and why more people don’t think critically about these factors. She also shares practical advice for parents looking to navigate the complex education landscape and make the best decisions for their children. Join Sarah and Tom for this fun and insightful conversation!
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45. Choosing the Best Preschool: What Every Parent Should Know
Join us as we learn from Maggie Connolly, an expert in early childhood education with nearly 50 years of experience! Maggie joins us to talk about what truly makes a great preschool environment and what parents should know when choosing the right fit for their child.
In this episode you will hear:
Best practices in early childhood education like hands-on learning, unstructured play, and the importance of social-emotional development.
Maggie’s list of the Top 5 things parents should look for when researching or touring a preschool for their child —what you should hear, see, and even feel in a thriving classroom.
The challenges facing early childhood educators, including low teacher pay and its impact on the field.
The importance of outdoor time, access to nature, and limiting screen time in early learning settings.
If you have a young child and are considering what to do for preschool, Maggie offers an absolute wealth of knowledge that will leave you feeling inspired and confident to take on the challenge of finding a great school for your child.
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44. Charlotte Mason’s Revolutionary Ideas with Julie Ross
In this episode of The Education Breakdown, Sarah sits down with Julie Ross, longtime educator, homeschooler, and founder of A Gentle Feast, to explore the revolutionary ideas of Charlotte Mason. They dive into Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on natural learning, rich literature, and real-world experiences.
Julie explains the concept of living books—narrative, engaging stories that ignite curiosity and foster deep thinking, unlike dry textbooks. She and Sarah also explore narration as a powerful higher-order thinking skill that helps children deeply process what they learn.
But Charlotte Mason’s philosophy goes beyond just reading—she believed children should experience the world. Sarah and Julie discuss the importance of hands-on learning: not just reading about science, but doing experiments; not just studying nature in books, but being in nature, observing and interacting with the world firsthand. They highlight why modern kids need more opportunities to see, touch, and engage with their surroundings to develop a love of learning.
If you’re a parent or homeschooler interested in learning more about Charlotte Mason or Julie’s work at A Gentle Feast, check her out at:
https://agentlefeast.com/
Instagram: @agentlefeast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC0fjzi4FCLtZFIPOgL-ZcN7za_LZU6d-&si=YTEnhXM1j1Py61WA
Julie also created a 15% off code just for Education Breakdown listeners. It is edbreakdown15 and it is good till the end of the month.
The free Charlotte Mason course Julie mentioned https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in
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Helping parents find the best school for their child by exploring different educational methods through interviews with teachers, administrators and parents.
Ireland