Eps 491: Motivating homeschooled teens with Maren Goerss and Angela Sizer
May 27, 2024
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Former school teachers turned homeschool advocates Maren Goerss and Angela Sizer discuss collaborating with teens on learning, effects of homeschooling post-Covid, school refusal, trusting kids with education choices, disinterested learners, grades purpose, leaning into strengths as a parent, and homeschooling kids with learning differences. Check out their book 'Think Differently about Learning' for more insights.
Collaborating with your child on their education promotes a positive learning environment.
Finding community for homeschooled teens is essential for social development and support.
Children should be trusted and given authority over their choices, fostering independence and self-awareness.
Deep dives
Importance of Active Skin Repair in Summer Skin Care
Active Skin Repair is highlighted as a pivotal solution for various skin issues during summertime. Utilizing a molecule called hypochlorous acid, it aids in soothing irritation, reducing inflammation, and supporting healing. Its non-toxic nature allows safe usage on different skin types and conditions such as cuts, burns, and rashes.
Promoting Positive Discipline and Conscious Parenting
The podcast delves into the essence of positive discipline and conscious parenting, emphasizing the significance of nurturing connections with teenagers. The hosts, Kasey O'Rourdy and guests, Marin Gorse and Angela Seizer, advocate for considering individual expectations and strengths while encouraging learning through experiences and exploration.
Encouraging Individualism and Strengths in Homeschooling
Homeschooling dynamics spotlight the importance of fostering individual strengths and interests. Parents are encouraged to engage in activities that resonate with them, inviting children to share the experience regardless of conforming to traditional standards. Celebrating uniqueness and advocating for a personalized learning environment are central themes in enhancing homeschool experiences.
Addressing Neurodivergence in Education
The discussion touches on accommodating neurodivergent children in educational settings. Highlighting the value of recognizing diverse learning styles, the hosts stress the need to tailor learning approaches that align with individual needs, even within conventional schooling systems. Empowering children with self-advocacy skills is deemed crucial for navigating educational environments effectively.
Nurturing Relationships and Acceptance in Parenting
The podcast underscores the pivotal role of relationships and acceptance in parenting. Emphasizing authentic connections, the hosts stress the significance of creating a safe space where children feel seen, accepted, and supported. Encouraging vulnerability and trust in parent-child interactions, the focus remains on fostering a strong bond grounded in mutual understanding and acceptance.
My guests today are Maren Goerss and Angela Sizer - two former school teachers who both chose homeschooling for their families (and created an awesome podcast & book about it!). We get right into it today, jumping into collaborating with your teen around their learning, lasting effects to the homeschool community post-Covid, and what to do if you don’t mesh well with the homeschool community in your area.
We hit on a lot during this episode: school refusal, “optimally” scheduled days, trusting our children to know what’s best for them, disinterested (discouraged) learners, who teens are earning their grades for, leaning into your strengths as a parent and home educator, and saying no to things that don’t matter to your family.
We wrap up this week on homeschooling our kids with learning differences or who are neurodivergent. Check out Maren and Angela’s new book, “Think Differently about Learning,” to dig in even further to Homeschool Unrefined!
Takeaways from the show
Collaborating with your child on their education
Finding community for homeschooled teens
Asking kids for their opinion
Homeschooling shifts post-Covid
What can you do when you don’t mesh well with the homeschooling community in your area?
“Think Differently about Learning” book
Children deserve to be trusted & deserve authority over their choices
What can we do with our disinterested (discouraged) teens?
Grades - who & what are they for?
Leaning into your strengths as a teacher
Homeschooling kids with neurodivergence or learning differences
Accepting our teens (and making sure they know it)