Ashley and Julie are hear talking about what Risky Play has to do with Curiosity in the classroom. They highlight the need for educators to shift from replication to genuine learning, valuing respectful relationships and deeper skills. Ashley reflects on her experience with a homeschool group, noting the challenge of balancing student agency with personal expectations.

Link to Article on Risky Play

Intro Music: David Biedenbender

Outtro Music: Music by Christoph Scholl from Pixabay

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Ashley O'Neil and Julie Cunningham, hosts of the Teach Wonder podcast, discuss the Educator Institute, a new project at Central Michigan University's Center for Excellence in STEM education. The Educator Institute began this summer when a group of educators and Center staff created a professional learning community who then developed an educator observation tool. This tool is intended to scaffold reflection on equitable classroom practices in STEM education. The tool will be piloted by members of the learning community, Center staff and pre-service teachers who work with children in the maker space at the Center. You are invited to join us on our journey this fall as we make meaning out of our experiences with the tool in our learning community.

Intro Music: David Biedenbender

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In this episode we sit down with Steve Frisbee, camp director at the Chippewa Nature Center. We discuss the importance of experiential learning and community in childhood development. Steve emphasizes the shift from content-driven to experience-focused education, highlighting the transformative impact of nature on children's lives. We hear how the center's programs foster risk-taking, social interaction, and personal growth, using examples like frogging and group adventures. This conversation underscores the need for collaboration between parents, educators, and the community to create safe, nature-rich spaces that nurture children's development. You won't want to miss it!

Intro Music by: David Biedenbender

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In today's episode, we discuss the elements that build community, drawing from our experiences in various settings. We highlight the importance of predictability, humanizing leadership, and intentional communication. Sharing examples from both our personal lives and the makerspace, we note how social interactions and choice foster community among students. Community emerges from intentional practices and shared values, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration.

Introduction Music by: David Biedenbender

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In this episode of Teach Wonder, we explore the powerful intersection of agency, playful learning, and social interactions. Drawing from our experiences in Iceland and classroom observations, we dive into how stepping back as educators can create rich, organic learning communities. Discover how giving students choice and autonomy can lead to more meaningful peer interactions, deeper engagement, and joyful learning experiences. Whether you're an educator, parent, or curious learner, this episode offers insights into fostering environments where children can explore, connect, and grow together.

Pedagogy of Play - Diagram on page 50

Intro Music: David Biedenbender

Other music: Pixabay

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This episode focuses on the subtle teaching moves that matter most. Our guest, Sveinlaug Sigurðardóttir- an Icelandic teacher- discusses her role as an outdoor teacher at a joint primary and play school. She talks about the importance of outdoor education for children's development. She highlights the value of nature, autonomy, and social skills learned through adventure trips, which are designed to be flexible and responsive to the children's needs and interests. This episode is a fantastic listen for parents and educators alike.

Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: Pixabay

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About Laura

Intro Music: David Biedenbender
Other Music: Noru Pixabay

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This is part two of our conversation. If you haven't yet listened to part one, you'll want to start there. In this episode, we discuss the concept of control in educational settings, drawing insights from our observations in Icelandic schools. We highlight how Icelandic schools foster autonomy and responsibility in children, allowing them to manage their own time and decisions, such as meal choices and transitions. We touch on the curriculum we learned about from our observations and conversations with teachers, and talk about the important takeaways for us an educators.


Intro Music: David Biedenbender

Other Music:
Music by Novifi from Pixabay

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