54. How to Prevent Summer Learning Loss Without Killing the Fun
Summer should be full of popsicles, late bedtimes, and muddy adventures—but what about all that learning your child worked so hard for during the school year?
In this episode, Sarah breaks down the facts around summer learning loss (aka “the summer slide”) and why it matters—especially for young children. But don’t worry—this isn’t a lecture or a list of pricey programs. You’ll walk away with simple, affordable, and low-pressure ways to keep your child’s brain engaged this summer, without sacrificing fun or freedom.
From board games to bedtime reading, and even letting kids be bored, Sarah shares practical tips and a big dose of reassurance. Because yes—your child can keep learning all summer long…and still be a kid.
Resources Mentioned
Episode 1- Is Public School Right for My Child?
Episode 4- Public School Parent Interview re: Year-Round Schooling
Episode 38- Game On! All About Game-Based Learning
Best Summer Games and Books
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53. Relocating with Kids? What to Know About School Searches
Moving to a new area with school-aged kids? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the only one feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most stressful parts of relocating: choosing a school.
We discuss why relying on online ratings and rankings like GreatSchools might be leading you in the wrong direction—and what you should be focusing on instead. You’ll hear the biggest pitfalls families run into when using school ratings to choose where to live, and walk away with practical steps for structuring your search around fit, not just test scores.
Whether you're moving across town or across the country, this episode will help you feel more grounded, more informed, and more confident in your next steps.
💛 Need extra support with your school search during a move? Learn more about Sarah’s relocation consulting services at TriangleSchoolConsulting.com.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why school ratings can be misleading—and what they actually measure
How to ask the right questions when touring schools (even virtually!)
What to prioritize when building your school list
How to get honest, on-the-ground insight from local families
How a school consultant can make your transition easier
📩 Know a friend who’s moving? Send this episode their way—they’ll thank you later.
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52. Please Yell at My Kids: Rebuilding the Parenting Village in America
What if the key to raising confident, independent kids isn’t doing more—but letting go a little? In this episode, we sit down with Marina Lopes, author of Please Yell at My Kids, to explore how community shapes childhood. Drawing from years of travel and conversations with parents around the globe, Marina shares insights into how different cultures support both children and caregivers. We talk about the loneliness of American parenting, the pressure to perform, and why the breakdown of extended families and community ties impacts our kids more than we realize. From spontaneous neighborhood playdates to rethinking our approach to parental control, this conversation invites us to imagine a more connected, less anxious way of raising children—one where we trust others, embrace imperfection, and build a village around our kids.
The Education Breakdown
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51. Kindergarten Readiness: What Teachers Wish Every Parent Knew
Worried about getting your child ready for kindergarten? You’re not alone—and the good news is, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In this episode, we’ve gathered wisdom straight from seasoned kindergarten teachers to give you the real essentials of kindergarten readiness. No expensive supplies. No Pinterest-perfect crafts. Just everyday routines, bite-sized strategies, and developmentally supportive tips you can start today.
You’ll learn the 6 most important areas to focus on this summer—including social skills, independence, and early literacy—all shared with encouragement and realism. Whether you're feeling excited, anxious, or a little sad about this big transition, this episode is here to support you and your child.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ What kindergarten teachers really want kids to be able to do
✅ How to teach ABCs and counting without workbooks
✅ Why independence matters more than early academics
✅ The value of social-emotional readiness—and how to support it
✅ How to make the transition smooth without creating pressure
Join us today!
The Education Breakdown
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50. Is a Dual Language Immersion Program Right for Your Child?
If you’ve ever wondered whether enrolling your child in a dual language immersion (DLI) program is the right move, you’re not alone. As an education consultant, I hear this question all the time—and in this episode, we’re breaking it down together. We’ll dive into what DLI programs actually are, why they’re growing in popularity across the U.S., and what makes them so appealing to families hoping to raise bilingual kids.
You’ll learn:
The difference between 50/50 and 90/10 language models
The real benefits of bilingualism, from better memory to higher adaptability
Common concerns, like whether your child will fall behind in English
The type of child (and family) that tends to thrive in these programs
And key questions to ask before committing to a DLI school
Whether you’re excited about the idea of raising a bilingual child or feeling overwhelmed by what it would mean for your family, this episode is your starting point. As always, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but by the end, you’ll feel more confident knowing what to consider and what to ask.
Listen in, take what resonates, and remember—you know your child best.
The Education Breakdown Instagram | Facebook
Helping parents find the best school for their child by exploring different educational methods through interviews with teachers, administrators and parents.
Ireland