Can a 19th century children's toy inform modern dance? Lincoln Jones, co-founder/artistic director of the American Contemporary Ballet in Los Angeles www.acbdances.com (and host of The Outsiders podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outsiders/id1510875276), describes how he uses Froebel® blocks to boost his understanding of design. www.pathtolearning.us www.patreon.com/pathtolearning/

Renowned Brazilian artist/photographer Vik Muniz https://vikmuniz.net/ discusses Froebel, creativity, and the Escola Vidigal school https://escola-vidigal.org/ he established in Rio. Vik shares his experience growing up in São Paulo and how creativity is not often nurtured in children.

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 https://TwentyOneToys.com. For more information visit www.pathtolearning.us and to support this podcast visit: www.patreon.com/pathtolearning/.

Are we seeing the problem from all sides? We hear often from parents and teachers, and from those working in activist nonprofits. What's the view of education at an administrative level? Jonathan Tobar, with nearly 20 years of experience in the classroom and district offices, his vantage point gives a unique perspective on 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

Without being trained as teachers, how can we make the most of this moment (in a Pandemic) with our children at home 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. Lynell's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_photo/ pathtolearning.us

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, 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. www.pathtolearning.us www.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 over 30 years Julie Bennett, M.Ed has taught a range of ages from early childhood to adult continuing ed, in both private and public schools. A frequent presenter at Froebel USA events, she lectures on Froebel methods to university education students. Follow us at http://pathtolearning.us

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. Rachel's 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/

Why Is the Reggio Approach So Popular? Jennifer Azzariti, an artist, studio teacher and atelierista, 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.] Follow us at http://pathtolearning.us Support us at: http://patreon.com/pathtolearning/

Does anyone really​ know what Froebel​ intended his Kindergaten 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/