Being Your Child’s First Teacher with Amanda Blair MacDonald

Being responsible for your children’s education can feel high pressure - from fostering brain development to choosing schools. Today’s guest will help you zoom out from the details to help you focus on what’s important to you as you incorporate learning in your home. Children’s learning is a whole-self activity, and you might be surprised at the simplicity of the things you can do together that help them grow and develop! This week, episode 41 of Poised & Powerful Podcast reassures you that you have what you need to be your child’s first teacher! 

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find that time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

Amanda Blair MacDonald (she/her) is an educator, speaker, and consultant based in Chicago, IL. Amanda uses decision-making analysis (MPA), Alexander Technique, and developmental movement to help you gain self-mastery and optimal performance. 

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, Amanda and I discuss the following:

• How developmental movement, play, and daily activities can help children learn - no elaborate materials needed! 
• How Amanda’s perspective as an Alexander Technique trained teacher meshed with the Montessori philosophy when she was hired at a Montessori school. She gives an educator’s insight on scaffolding children’s learning so they can master skills with confidence, and the emotional and kinesthetic skills that are vital for their development. 
• Amanda compares the independence of her daughter's education with her own schools, which were more authoritarian and grades-focused. 
• Collaborative problem-solving with kids, and how that develops as they get older. 
• We hear from Amanda’s daughter about what she values in her education - you can hear her sense of ownership of her learning experience at a young age. 

We hope this conversation gives you the valuable perspective of the “big picture” of supporting children’s learning, and has you thinking about what you value in education, and gets you excited about sharing that with your family.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA BLAIR MACDONALD:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Website

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Stress Less in Pregnancy Class Online

Sunday night Zoom: Restore on the Floor

Work with Sarah! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Brain-Compatible Dance Education/ Anne Green Gilbert

Episode Transcript here