LEMIWorks! Podcast Leadership Education Mentoring Institute

In this week's episode Heidi and Tatiana delve into the profound significance of reading in a captivating discussion. They explore how books broaden horizons, provide emotional catharsis, and engage readers in critical thinking.



Heidi reflects on her love for reading as a gateway to new perspectives. "Books transport us, allowing us to walk in someone else's shoes," she shares. Tatiana adds that great literature gives voice to the human experience, validating struggles and joys.







The role of educators in facilitating meaningful literary discussions is stressed. Challenging students with complex texts promotes intellectual growth. "We must guide them through deeper themes and big questions," Heidi explains. Tatiana highlights the need for beauty and creativity in the classroom, fostering freedom and inspiration through well-written works that ignite imagination. Drawing from literary examples and personal anecdotes, the pair offer strategies for deep textual engagement, such as journaling, creative writing, and Socratic discussions.



This insightful conversation reminds us of reading's enduring power in shaping minds, fostering empathy, and inspiring growth. Whether an educator, student, or literature lover, this discussion reignites passion for the written word's transformative potential. Be sure to listen and share!



00:00 Opening Conversation and Updates



00:49 Exploring the Importance of Reading



04:02 Why We Ask Students to Read: A Deep Dive



06:20 The Power of Reading and Imagination



14:36 Discussing 'The Rats of NIMH' and Its Lessons



22:40 Challenging Reads and Their Impact on Growth



28:06 The Role of Community in Learning



31:13 The Power of Book Discussions: Critical Thinking and Articulation



31:54 Challenging the Status Quo in Education



32:48 The Role of a Mentor: Engage and Challenge



33:35 Preparing Students for Meaningful Discussions



35:35 Navigating Student Responses: The Art of Mentoring



38:01 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Reading



38:32 Experiencing and Analyzing Emotional Hijacking by Authors



44:53 Applying Critical Thinking to Historical Contexts and Personal Growth



49:01 Understanding Individual Perspectives and the Essence of Education



56:38 Concluding Thoughts on Mentorship and Education

Why dive into four years of Shakespeare? In our latest episode, our brilliant Classical Acting trainer Jenny Forston passionately shares how Shakespeare’s works can transform students' lives.



Shakespeare's plays are the bedrock of English language and culture, packed with rich linguistic and emotional experiences. Students don’t just learn language; they also develop emotional intelligence by exploring the complex relationships in his works. A four-year journey with Shakespeare is more than just an academic endeavor. It’s a transformative experience that fosters self-awareness, empathy, and personal growth. Students gain essential life skills, boost their confidence through public speaking, and build strong community bonds by performing and analyzing these timeless works together.







In this episode, Jenny also unveils our updated Classical Acting manual, designed to deepen students' engagement with Shakespeare. With fresh insights into performance, textual analysis, and community involvement, this manual helps students develop leadership, academic skills, and personal growth.



Committing to Shakespeare isn’t just about studying a playwright. It’s about enriching students' lives in every way—academically, emotionally, and socially. For homeschool parents and educators, investing in Shakespeare education brings transformative, lasting benefits for students, preparing them with essential skills for the future.



00:22 The Stress and Reward of Tech Week in Theater



01:54 The Lifelong Journey of Studying Shakespeare



02:32 Why Shakespeare? Exploring Its Unique Value



02:53 Shakespeare's Impact on Language and Emotional Intelligence



07:25 Personal Growth Through Shakespearean Roles



10:33 Shakespeare Conquest: A Multi-Year Educational Journey



19:28 The Transformative Power of Shakespeare in Personal and Academic Growth



29:31 Building Community and Confidence Through Shakespeare



32:33 The Transformative Power of Shakespeare in Education



33:16 Building Community Through Shakespeare



37:13 The Lasting Impact of Classical Acting on Students



39:43 Deepening Understanding Through Repetition and Depth



41:53 The Universal Influence of Shakespeare



46:04 Personal Reflections on Shakespeare's Impact



56:33 Classical Acting: A Comprehensive Approach to Learning

Join Aneladee and Tatiana in this captivating "Classic Call" that unpacks the profound impact of understanding human nature on governance and relationships. Drawing from historical thinkers and the founding fathers, they explain how these timeless insights shape our Constitution, personal lives, and the way we engage with the world.







What You'll Learn:




The Constitution's Foundations: Discover how our founders' grasp of human nature deeply influenced the Constitution, providing valuable lessons that still hold true.



Philosophers’ Perspectives: Aneladee and Tatiana explore Rousseau’s belief in inherent goodness and Augustine’s contrasting view, providing a modern take on their philosophies and their relevance in shaping society.



Freedom & Control: Gain a fresh perspective on how societies can balance personal freedom and necessary regulation to foster positive contributions.



Education’s Role: Understand how education shapes individuals to become engaged and effective members of society, underscoring its crucial role.



Core Values: Reflect on how love, friendship, and understanding are foundational principles that uplift both society and personal relationships.




This discussion is rich with actionable insights. Aneladee and Tatiana draw from diverse viewpoints to help you grasp what it means to understand human nature and why it matters. This isn't just about looking back; it's about learning how to approach governance, education, and relationships today. They guide you through a fresh understanding of human nature that will reshape how you see the world!

In the world of education, traditional methods often involve students passively receiving and repeating information. Leadership education, however, aims to engage learners actively—encouraging deep reading, critical thinking, and character growth. This week, we’re diving into these concepts on our podcast with three Pyramid Project trainers (Camille McCausland, Cassie Dixon, and Leah Hone) and our host, Heidi. They’ll explore effective ways to lead a book colloquium, using the classic "Carry on Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham as a case study.



The discussion isn't just about listing facts from Nathaniel Bowditch's life or dissecting the book’s literary elements. It’s about sparking a connection between the scholars and the story. Our trainers will share their insights on the critical role of preparation and curiosity, along with practical techniques like annotating and questioning. These strategies aren’t just about understanding the text but engaging with it actively, from noting new words to pinpointing impactful passages.







This episode isn't just a resource for Pyramid Project trainers; it's also a treasure trove of inspiration for parents, mentors, and educators looking for dynamic ways to facilitate discussions and deepen engagement with literature.



LINKS



Carry on Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham



TIMESTAMP



00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Colloquium Discussion00:38 Preparing for Colloquiums: Insights and Strategies03:44 Engaging Scholars: Techniques and Anecdotes10:59 Transitioning to Public School Teaching: Applying Leadership Education Principles13:44 Deep Dive into 'Carry On Mr. Bowditch': Analyzing Themes and Learning Approaches21:59 Exploring the Capacity Triangle through Nathaniel Bowditch's Journey28:25 Welcoming a New Trainer to the Team28:42 Exploring Personality Tests in Education30:22 The Evolution of Nat's Social Skills33:37 Character Analysis and Personal Growth36:50 Navigating Challenges and Character Development41:56 Mentoring Techniques for Deep Learning46:37 Encouraging Self-Discovery and Critical Thinking49:32 Effective Strategies for Leading Colloquiums

Tune into this week's episode as hosts Tatiana Fallon and Heidi Christianson delve into the dynamic landscape of homeschooling methodologies. This episode provides a detailed look at four distinct educational approaches: classical education, leadership education, traditional education, and the Charlotte Mason method. They explore the evolution from the structured, history-focused classical method inspired by "The Well-Trained Mind" to the more fluid and flexible leadership education, which emphasizes child-led learning and real-world application. Join Tatiana and Heidi as they share personal stories and practical advice on integrating these methodologies to cultivate a rich, adaptable homeschooling environment.







LINKS



The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise



Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden



Laddie: A True Blue Story by Gene Stratton-Porter



Free to Learn by Peter Gray



Little Britches#1: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody



Cynthia Hampton - A Guiding Star podcast episode







00:00 Welcome to Our Homeschooling Journey!00:06 The Evolution of Our Homeschooling Methods00:33 The Classical Education Experiment01:41 Adjusting to Reality: The Shift from Classical to Creative04:30 Embracing Leadership Education and Personalized Learning08:22 Reflecting on Educational Philosophies and Goals15:47 A Critical Look at Traditional Schooling Systems20:58 Choosing the Right Educational Path for Your Child28:25 The Importance of Vision in Education and Parenting30:22 Exploring Homeschooling Expectations and Realities31:09 The Journey of Personal Growth Through Homeschooling31:54 Responsibility and Education Models32:40 Embracing the Homeschooling Lifestyle34:00 The Importance of Reading and Experiential Learning36:57 Navigating Life's Challenges While Homeschooling38:13 Managing Home and Education: A Balancing Act43:31 Leadership Education: A Personalized Approach49:23 Empowerment Through Intentional Parenting54:44 Vision and Legacy: The Long-Term Impact of Education

In this week's episode, hosts Tatiana Fallon and Heidi Christianson delve into a critical challenge facing today's educators: student apathy. As seasoned educators themselves, Tatiana and Heidi engage in a knowledgeable and insightful discussion about the evolving dynamics of student motivation and engagement.



Unlike past generations, today's students often show a distinct lack of enthusiasm for traditional learning methods. Tatiana and Heidi stress the importance of understanding the unique motivators for each individual student to effectively counteract this growing trend of inaction. The conversation navigates through various strategies to rekindle a passion for learning. Key among these is the concept of self-motivation. The hosts discuss how self-motivation isn’t just a skill to be taught but a personal drive to be fostered within each student. They highlight the crucial role of accountability in maintaining motivation and how mentors can play a significant part in this process.







Drawing on their backgrounds in education, Tatiana and Heidi explore how incorporating principles of autonomy, mastery, and purpose (see "Drive" by Daniel Pink) into teaching methods can significantly enhance student engagement. These elements help students feel in control of their learning journey, see the value in the skills they acquire, and understand the greater purpose behind their education.



Perhaps the most poignant part of their discussion centers on the role of mentors. Both hosts agree that mentors have the unique capability to recognize and nurture potential in students, even when it may not be immediately obvious. This process requires patience, empathy, and a deep commitment to student development.



This episode of the LEMIWorks Podcast is a must-listen for educators looking for practical and effective strategies to engage their students more deeply and combat the pervasive issue of apathy in education today.



LINKS



Wim Hof Ice Bath



Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink



Free to Learn by Peter Gray



"The Power of Yet" by Carol Dweck



The Giver by Louis Lowry



00:00 Opening Conversation: The Struggle of Doing Nothing00:40 Exploring Generational Challenges and Motivation01:30 Personal Strategies for Motivation and Accountability03:13 Cold Plunge Experiment: A Personal Motivation Story05:06 Understanding What Motivates Us and Our Kids05:34 The Power of Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose in Education07:34 Implementing Autonomy in Educational Projects13:12 The Importance of Failure and Growth Mindset23:36 Purpose and Parental Involvement in Education26:38 Rethinking Education: Obedience vs. Creativity26:47 The Crisis of Conformity in American Education28:25 Historical Perspectives on Education: Agrarian vs. Hunter-Gatherer Societies29:31 Visionary Education: Beyond Age and Standardized Testing30:51 Empowering Students: The Role of Play and Vision in Learning32:19 Addressing Apathy: Strategies for Engaged Teaching35:25 Understanding and Leveraging Classroom Dynamics37:48 Creative Interventions: Changing Classroom Culture42:23 The Mentor's Role: Inspiring and Understanding Students47:05 Concluding Thoughts: The Power of Love in Education