Path to Learning

15/03/2022

You did it! Thank you everyone for helping fund this first episode of our documentary series. The first Episode will be focused on "CHILD CENTERED" education and we can't wait to get started.

There's still time to back this project if you want to be one of the first to see the episode or get other perks! The campaign ends Saturday March 19th, so don't delay!
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19/02/2022

28/05/2021

Can a 19th century children's toy inform modern dance? Lincoln Jones, co-founder/artistic director of the American Contemporary Ballet in Los Angeles (and host of The Outsiders podcast), describes how he uses Froebel® blocks to boost his understanding of design.

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Can a 19th century children's toy inform modern dance? Lincoln Jones, co-founder/artistic director of the in Los Angeles (and host of ), describes how he uses Froebel® blocks to boost his understanding of design.

12/05/2021

The Path To Learning Podcast : Nurturing the Creative Process - Vik Muniz

Renowned Brazilian artist/photographer discusses Froebel, creativity, and the he established in Rio. Vik shares his experiences growing up in São Paulo and how creativity is not often nurtured in children.

06/05/2021

Past guests Alex and Vijal of na2ure just launched their awesome new product on Kickstarter. Don't miss the early-bird deals.

New product from Na2ure launching now on . Don't miss the early bird special deals https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alexwolf/pattern-alphabet-cards-for-exploring-nature

05/05/2021

The Path To Learning Podcast : The Power of Failure - Ilana Ben-Ari

What skills should our children learn to succeed in the 21st century? Industrial designer Ilana Ben-Ari shares how she approached the problem through design thinking and why she developed the Empathy Toy and Failure Toy for her company . For more information visit and to support this podcast visit:....

28/04/2021

Just finished a fabulous episode with toy designer Ilana Ben-Ari from Twenty One Toys (famous for Empathy Toy and Failure Toy).

They have an awesome Global Play initiative now https://twentyonetoys.com/pages/global-play-sessions-empathy-failure-toys including a FREE session tonight https://www.eventbrite.com/e/twenty-one-toys-failure-toy-global-play-sessions-tickets-141375827907). Check it out and standby for her episode (next week).

Join our Failure Toy Global Play Session!

21/04/2021

Happy Birthday F.W.A Froebel, the Father of ... and so much more!

Happy Birthday Friedrich Froebel! Because of his work, 180 years ago childhood was elevated to a higher level and creativity at all ages was encouraged. He didn't live to see its worldwide impact but we celebrate it for him.

21/04/2021

🍃𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙨 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩
Presented by Rachel Larimore
🗓Join Us for Free Today at 1pm EST 🗓
View LIVE here on the Kaplan Early Learning Company page.

01/04/2021

"The Creative Mind" on April 6 with special guest Norman Brosterman from 4 - 5:30 p.m hosted by the Po***ck-Krasner House and Study Center
Free on Zoom ... Register here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArcOCqpjMsGdJbxx0-ODt8gfJZbft8ObB-

Can creativity be taught? This special event explores how education can foster creativity. Po***ck-Krasner House director Helen A. Harrison will discuss the educational forces that inspired Jackson Po***ck and Lee Krasner’s groundbreaking abstract expressionist art, followed by a tour of the artists' studio.

After the tour, Norman Brosterman , author of Inventing Kindergarten , will present on how the original kindergarten influenced the creativity of world renowned abstract artists.

Next, education coordinator Joyce Raimondo , who is also author of the Art Explorer book series, will invite participants to share their interpretations of modern art as she demonstrates questioning techniques to promote open-ended creative thinking and visual literacy.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meetings.

29/01/2021

Are we seeing the problem from all sides? We hear often from parents and teachers, and from nonprofit reformers. Today we discuss the view of education at an administrative level.

Jonathan Tobar is Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Learning at Livingston Educational Service Agency. With nearly 20 years of experience in the classroom and district offices, his vantage point provides a unique perspective on the problems facing education today.

To learn more about Michigan's statewide network:
https://www.gomaisa.org/

Support us: www.patreon.com/pathtolearning/ or www.pathtolearning.us

Are we seeing the problem from all sides? We hear often from parents and teachers, and from nonprofit reformers. Today we discuss the view of education at an administrative level. Jonathan Tobar is Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Learning at Livingston Educational Service Agency. With nearly....

13/01/2021

As a result of the Pandemic, many parents find themselves playing the "Teacher" role in their homes in some form or another. Without being trained as teachers, how can we make the most of this moment with our children and foster wonder in their learning?

In this episode Lynell Miller, a photographer based in Grand Rapids found herself searching for answers to these questions. Her inspirational story is one that we can all relate to, and be inspired by as we search for ways to foster child centered learning at home.

Follow Lynell's Instagram journey here: https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_photo/

To see photos mentioned in this podcast, visit our website at pathtolearning.us

Support our podcast: patreon.com/pathtolearning/

As a result of the Pandemic, many parents find themselves playing the "Teacher" role in their homes in some form or another. Without being trained as teachers, how can we make the most of this moment with our children and foster wonder in their learning? In this episode Lynell Miller, a photographer...

24/12/2020

Play is a powerful way to learn ... so why is it disappearing from children's lives? Our guest, Nancy Carlsson-Paige, professor emerita of early childhood education at Lesley University (where she trained teachers for 30+ years), shares her insights. As a vocal advocate for children's right to play (and co-founder of Defending the Early Years (http://dey.org), Nancy is a prolific author of many book/articles on media violence, conflict resolution, and peaceable classrooms/schools. Her most recent book is Taking Back Childhood: A Proven Roadmap for Raising Confident, Creative, Compassionate Kids.

www.pathtolearning.us

www.patreon.com/pathtolearning/

Play is a powerful way to learn ... so why is it disappearing from children's lives? Our guest, Nancy Carlsson-Paige, professor emerita of early childhood education at Lesley University (where she  trained teachers for 30+ years), shares her insights. As a vocal advocate for children's right to pla...

02/12/2020

Is it possible to have a child centered approach in any classroom? Julie Bennett talks through how she has done this in her career and how important it is to keep a child centered approach in every educational endeavor.

Julie Bennett, M.Ed. has taught for over 30 years in both private and public schools, teaching a range of ages from early childhood to adult continuing ed. Introduced to Froebel in 2002, she was an original board member of the Froebel Foundation USA. Julie maintains the purest sense of Froebelian teaching. She is a frequent presenter at the Froebel USA events and lectures on Froebel to university education students.

Follow us at http://pathtolearning.us
Support us at: http://patreon.com/pathtolearning/

Is it possible to have a child-centered approach in any classroom? Julie Bennett describes how she's done this throughout her career and the importance of a child-centered approach for every educational endeavor. Julie Bennett, M.Ed has taught for over 30 years in both private and public schools, te...

19/11/2020

It's been a trying time for everyone ... and especially disruptive to education. We feel our podcast and documentary series are even more necessary now to remind everyone how/why we established the American public school system and how it got off-track from once being the envy of the world.

One silver lining of the pandemic has been the opening of our schedules to work on the series. We'll be fundraising in the coming months to support the work of Match Frame Creative.

For those currently planning year-end charitable giving, you can donate to CEI https://ceinternational1892.org/timeline/ and earmark the funds for our project. CEI was the original Froebel Kindergarten organization ... the first group of early childhood educators in America (the International Kindergarten Union). They've been our partner over these past five years.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, your contributions may be tax deductible (consult your tax advisor). You can mail donations to:

Childhood Education International
ATTN: Michelle Allen / Documentary Fund
1875 Connecticut Ave NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20009

Thank you again for your continued interest and support for our story. We look forward to sharing it with you soon.

Since 1892, CE International Has Been Committed To Advancing Education As A Tool For Global Development And Sustainable Futures For All.

01/10/2020

Our latest episode concerns the benefits of risky play with nature-based educator Rachel Larimore of Samara Early Learning, LLC explaining how to encourage children to explore nature while mitigating risks. https://pathtolearning.us/podcast/the-benefits-of-risky-play/

How can we stop shielding kids from nature and help them explore it safely? Nature-based educator/author/consultant Rachel Larimore, of Samara Early...

01/10/2020

How can we stop shielding kids from nature and help them explore it safely? Nature-based educator/author/consultant Rachel Larimore, of Samara Early Learning, explains how to better manage beneficial risky play.

As a founder of Chippewa Nature Center Preschool in Midland, Michigan, Rachel has years of experience working with parents, teachers and children in a nature-based setting. She’s also just released an online video course on risky play, complete with helpful forms and worksheets that schools can immediately put to use.

Check out Rachels Books:

"Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool"

https://amzn.to/3kU7rGO

"Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning"

https://amzn.to/30lx3EV

Follow us at http://pathtolearning.us

Support us at: http://patreon.com/pathtolearning/

How can we stop shielding kids from nature and help them explore it safely? Nature-based educator/author/consultant Rachel Larimore, of , explains how to better manage beneficial risky play. As a founder of Chippewa Nature Center Preschool in Midland, Michigan, Rachel has years of experience workin...

17/08/2020

Why is the Reggio Approach So Popular? Jennifer Azzariti, an artist, studio teacher, and atelierista, joins us to explain. She began her career at the Model Early Learning Center (MELC) in Washington, DC … a landmark school in the history of the Reggio Approach in the U.S. She’s worked closely with Amelia Gambetti and Lella Gandini, and is the founder of the DC Area Reggio Study Group.
https://pathtolearning.us/podcast/why-is-the-reggio-approach-so-popular/

Become a patron of Path To Learning today: Read posts by Path To Learning and get access to exclusive content and experiences on the world’s largest membership platform for artists and creators.

07/08/2020

Does anyone really​ know what Froebel​ intended his Kindergarten to be? How much of that survives today, who changed it ... and why? Helge Wasmuth, Associate Professor in the Department of Childhood Education​ at Mercy College, researched these questions and joins us to discuss.

Check out Helge's Book:
"Fröbel’s Pedagogy of Kindergarten and Play"
https://amzn.to/30EtsSW

Check us out at: http://pathtolearning.us

Support us at: http://patreon.com/pathtolearning/

Does anyone really​ know what Froebel​ intended his Kindergarten to be? How much of that survives today, who changed it ... and why? Helge Wasmuth, Associate Professor in the Department of Childhood Education​ at Mercy College, researched these questions and joins us to discuss. Check out Helg...

30/07/2020

What are parents and teachers going to do about school this year? Many are talking about starting pods or micro schools. After decades in the Pittsburgh public schools, from the classroom to upper administration, Mara Linaberger of https://microschoolbuilders.com has experience to share.

Mara is the author of two books:

The Micro School Builder’s Handbook: https://amzn.to/2Die1Xj

My Kid Hates School: https://amzn.to/312IT6j

Follow us: http://pathtolearning.us

Support us: http://patreon.com/pathtolearning/

What are parents and teachers going to do about school this year? Many are talking about starting pods or micro schools. After decades in the Pittsburgh public schools, from the classroom to upper administration, Mara Linaberger of  has experience to share. Mara is the author of two books: The Micr...

24/07/2020

Rhian Allvin of The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is our guest for episode 14 https://pathtolearning.us/podcast/014-rhian-allvin-naeyc/

What can we do to empower teachers in early childhood to ensure all children get a quality education? Our guest today is Rhian Evans Allvin, CEO of NAEYC,...

23/07/2020

What can we do to empower those working in early childhood to ensure all children get a quality education?

Our guest today is Rhian Evans Allvin, CEO of NAEYC https://naeyc.org, the largest organization or early childhood professionals in the US. She has a new initiative to do just that.

Power to the Profession http://powertotheprofession.org/ is a national collaboration to define the early childhood education profession (birth through age 8) across states and settings, and establish a framework for career pathways knowledge and competencies, qualifications, standards, accountability, and compensation.

Rhian Evans Allvin has been guiding the strategic direction of NAEYC and overseeing daily operations since 2013. Before joining NAEYC, Allvin was a guiding force in Arizona’s -early childhood movement for more than 15 years, including serving as CEO of Arizona's "First Things First."

Visit us at: http://www.pathtolearning.us

Support us at: http://patreon.com/pathtolearning/

13/07/2020

Which of Bucky's ideas do you think is most needed today?

07/07/2020

Powerful learning happens through creative hands-on activities. How can schools better promote learning beyond eyes and ears? Doug Stowe, an expert in both Sloyd and Froebel methods, shows us how.

Doug, master woodworker, developed the Wisdom of the Hands program at Clear Spring School, a small independent school in Eureka Springs, AR. He's written over a dozen books on woodworking, including a Guide to Woodworking with Kids, and advocates for environmental stewardship. Check out his Wisdom of the Hands blog. http://www.dougstowe.com/

Visit us at: http://pathtolearning.us
Support us at: http://patreon.com/pathrolearning

Powerful learning happens through creative hands-on activities. How can schools better promote learning beyond eyes and ears? Doug Stowe, an expert in both Sloyd and Froebel methods, shows us how. Doug, master woodworker, developed the program at , a small independent school in Eureka Springs, AR. H...

18/06/2020

In the first of several “behind the scenes” episodes, John, Jay and Scott discuss the history and motivation behind the Garden of Children documentary series and Path to Learning podcast. With all the talk about Froebel (and Scott’s involvement in making/selling Froebel Gifts) this session addresses questions about the end goal for the projects.

In the first of several “behind the scenes” episodes, John, Jay and Scott discuss the history and motivation behind the Garden of Children documentary series and Path to Learning podcast. With all the talk about Froebel (and Scott’s involvement in making/selling Froebel Gifts) this session add...

08/06/2020

In this episode Paul Andersen, an educational consultant and YouTube creator based in Bozeman, Montana USA reflects on the difference in good and bad teaching. Paul provides some powerful insight on how we as parents and educators can move away from simply dumping information onto children, and instead work towards fostering wonder and inquiry to let the child lead their own learning.

Paul's classroom experience, video lessons, and worldwide consulting make him a wonderful resource for teaching science. The disruption to education from the global pandemic make his experience and commentary on the state of education even more valuable. He's on the front lines with a unique perspective on what's working now and the pitfalls to avoid.

Paul has taught classroom science for over 20 years. Through his website https://thewonderofscience.com/ and on-site consulting, he now provides training for students, teachers, and administrators on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), educational technology, effective classroom design, and more.

Voted 2011 Montana Teacher of the Year, he was one of four finalists for the 2011 National Teacher of the Year. A top ten YouTube Edu Gurus in 2012, Paul has several hundred YouTube science videos online and a following of nearly a million subscribers around the world.

Paul Anderson, an educational consultant and YouTube creator based in Bozeman, MT, reflects on the differences in good and bad teaching. He explains how parents and educators can move away from dumping information onto children, and instead foster wonder and inquiry so children lead their own learni...

27/05/2020

Stacey Wellman, a speech/language pathologist with Winnetka public schools, describes how the Froebel method helps her identify and assess a child's learning profile. This natural play-based approach often avoids the need for prescriptions or disruptive interventions which can undermine a child's confidence.

In addition to her 25 years experience in the public schools with children ages 3 to 14, Stacey also works with high school and college students on organizational/integrated thinking and learning strategies. She runs a Roots and Shoots program and travels internationally with students, believing that learning must extend beyond the classroom and into nature.

If you like this podcast, consider supporting us at: www.patreon.com/PathToLearning/

Visit us on the web at www.pathtolearning.us for more information on each of our podcasts.

Stacey Wellman, a speech/language pathologist with Winnetka public schools, describes how the  Froebel method helps her identify and assess a child's learning profile. This natural play-based approach often avoids the need for prescriptions or disruptive interventions which can undermine a child's ...

14/05/2020

In this episode we speak with Dr. William Jeynes, Professor of Education at California State University, Long Beach about standardized testing in America. How did testing and our industrial model get come about, and is it right for young children?

Professor Jeynes is most interested in how research can be applied to public policy, especially quantitative and qualitative research on bridging the achievement gap, parental involvement, religious commitment, historical trends, school choice, family structure, religious schools, discrimination, bullying, reading instruction, and public policy.

Dr. Jeynes is a well-known public speaker having spoken in 49 US states in the country and in every inhabited continent, including Peking University, Moscow State University, and has been a consultant for both the U.S. & South Korean governments.

He has published over 100 academic articles, 14 books, and written for both the G.W. Bush and Obama administrations. Two books to check out are:

Eliminating the Achievement Gap

Parental Involvement and Academic Success

If you like this podcast, consider supporting us at: www.patreon.com/PathToLearning/

Visit us on the web at www.pathtolearning.us for more information on each of our podcasts.

In this episode we speak with Dr. William Jeynes, Professor of Education at California State University, Long Beach about standardized testing in America.  How did testing and our industrial model come about, and is it right for young children? Professor Jeynes is most interested in how research ca...

04/05/2020

In this episode we discuss visual-spatial learning with Alex Wolf and Dr. Vijal Parikh of http://Na2ure.com. Hear how they got started, about their Pattern Alphabet, and their work with SILC (Spatial Intelligence Learning Center) and the Tanzania Pilot Study with the Radius Foundation (https://radiusfoundation.org/pattern-abc/)

You can find their Ani-gram-it and BARK games here: https://tinyurl.com/y749e4j7

If you like this podcast, consider supporting us at: www.patreon.com/PathToLearning/

Visit us on the web at www.pathtolearning.us for more information on each of our podcasts.

In this episode we discuss visual-spatial learning with Alex Wolf and Dr. Vijal Parikh of . Hear how they got started, about their Pattern Alphabet, and their work with SILC () and the with the . Check out and shop for their . If you like this podcast, consider supporting us at: Visit us on the web....

24/04/2020

A huge thanks to Alex Wolf and Vijal Parikh from na2ure for taking time today to discuss and their Tanzania project (video below) for our podcast.

21/04/2020

For more about Froebel listen to our most recent podcast with Norman Brosterman

17/04/2020

Here's the latest episode, our October 2015 interview with Norman Brosterman at Blockspot in Southampton. We discuss the history of Froebel Kindergarten and its connections to modern art, architecture and design. Check it out online or at your favorite podcast app (iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, etc.).

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17/04/2020

In this episode John, Jay and Scott interview Norman Brosterman at Blockspot Learning in Southampton, NY (October 2015). We discussed the history of the Froebel Kindergarten and its impact on modern art, design and architecture. We've re-recorded the original questions as only Norman was mic'd at the time.

For more information about Norman visit his website at www.brosterman.com - or click the link below to purchase Norman's book Inventing Kindergarten. https://bit.ly/3cuyWTl

If you like this podcast, consider supporting us at: www.patreon.com/PathToLearning/

Visit us on the web at www.pathtolearning.us for more information on each of our podcasts.

In this episode John, Jay and Scott interview Norman Brosterman at in Southampton, NY (October 2015). We discussed the history of the Froebel Kindergarten and its impact on modern art, design and architecture. We've re-recorded the original questions as only Norman was mic'd at the time. For more in...

15/04/2020

Just wrapped up the next podcast featuring our interview with Norman Brosterman back in 2015 for the Garden of Children series. We discuss his acclaimed book, Inventing Kindergarten (photos attached) and deeper aspects of the Froebel Kindergarten and its conenction to modern art, the Bauhaus and more. Look for the new episode soon wherever you get your podcasts.

08/04/2020

In this episode we discuss who Friedrich Froebel was and what his educational pedagogy is all about. Learn about the Froebel's Gifts and Occupations and how he combined child-centered, play-based, hands-on, and nature-focused approaches to education.

You can find products mentioned today available online at Red Hen Toys and upcoming events at www.froebelusa.org.

If you like this podcast, consider supporting us at: www.patreon.com/PathToLearning/

Visit us on the web at www.pathtolearning.us for more information on each of our podcasts.

Today we discuss who Friedrich Froebel was and what his educational pedagogy is all about. Learn about the Froebel's Gifts and Occupations and how combined child-centered, play-based, hands-on, and nature-focused approaches to education. You can find products mentioned today available online at .and...

05/04/2020

Data tells us a different story about what's really going on in the classroom. Business consultant/coach, Rex Miller http://rexmiller.com shares the research from his new book WHOLE: What Teachers Need to Help Students Thrive on chronic stress in the classroom and how it is reducing teacher effectiveness and students' ability to learn.

If you like this podcast, consider supporting us at: www.patreon.com/PathToLearning/

www.pathtolearning.us

Data tells a different story of what's really going on in the classroom. Business consultant/coach, Rex Miller shares the research from his new book on  chronic stress in the classroom and how it is reducing teacher effectiveness and students' ability to learn. Rex's other books include and availab...

25/03/2020

In this episode, Mariah Bruehl talks about how play should be at the center of learning. She gives key insights on how to "follow a child's natural curiosity" to help guide the teaching process. Children are filled with wonder and tapping into that is key to keeping kids engaged in the learning process.

Mariah is a parent, educator, entrepreneur, and author with over 25 years of experience working in the field of education. She is the founder of a school in East Hampton, New York called "Playful Learning" which can found here: www.playfullearning.net

Mariah has authored 2 books:

"Playful Learning: Develop Your Child's Sense of Joy and Wonder"
https://amzn.to/3druUfC

"Real-Life Rules: A Young Person's Guide to Self-Discovery, Big Ideas, and Healthy Habits"
https://amzn.to/3bpwPPV

If you like this podcast, consider supporting us at: www.patreon.com/PathToLearning/

www.pathtolearning.us

In this episode, Mariah Bruehl talks about how play should be at the center of learning. She gives key insights on how to "follow a child's natural curiosity" to help guide the teaching process. Children are filled with wonder and tapping into that is key to keeping kids engaged in the learning proc...

20/03/2020

In this episode, Geralyn Bywater McLaughlin talks about her experience as an early childhood teacher at Mission Hill School in the Boston Public Schools. She unpacks what "child-centered" means and the importance of play and imagination in the learning process. She also discusses the importance of open-ended materials as a learning tool, and how teachers can follow a child's curiosity.

Geralyn Bywater McLaughlin is one of the founders of Defending the Early Years (D.E.Y.) whose mission is to "support the rights and needs of young children." To learn more about the wonderful work D.E.Y. does, visit their website: www.dey.org

If you like this podcast, consider supporting us at: www.patreon.com/PathToLearning/

www.pathtolearning.us

In this episode, Geralyn Bywater McLaughlin talks about her experience as an early childhood teacher in the Boston Public School System.  She unpacks what "child-centered" means, and the importance of play & imagination in the learning process.  She also discusses the importance of open-ended mate...

17/03/2020

Julie Wilson gives an inspiring interview on how our current educational model is failing us, and how we need to begin to ask the deeper question, "What's worth learning" as the guide for the future. Do we value testing over the content being taught? What kind of humans do we want to raise?

Julie Wilson gives an inspiring interview on how our current educational model is failing us, and how we need to begin to ask the deeper question, "What's worth learning" as the guide for the future.  Do we value testing over the content being taught? What kind of humans do we want to raise? Julie'...