In this engaging interview, Caroline Moulsdale, founder of ABC Crate, shares her journey from Montessori teacher to educational entrepreneur. Discover how her hands-on, Montessori-inspired kits empower parents and children, fostering lifelong learning and independence.

Episode Highlights:

• Montessori philosophy in homeschooling
• Development of ABC Crate educational kits
• Parent-guided, hands-on learning strategies

Quotes:

• "Everybody else messes it up. It's a miracle"
• "I love the hands-on philosophy of Montessori"
• "Mistakes are teachable moments"

More on Caroline Moulsdale and ABC Crate:

• Email: abcrateorders@gmail.com
• ABC Crate Website - https://abc-crate.com
• Montessori Philosophy - https://www.montessori.org/
• HOPE Scholarship Program - https://hopescholarshipwv.gov/

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:

In this episode, Anne Davis, an educational consultant for Nancy Larson Science, shares insights into the curriculum's development, implementation, and benefits for homeschooling and classroom settings. Discover how this science program supports student learning, teacher and parent confidence, and the importance of hands-on, spiral learning approaches.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Nancy Larson Science
• 02:52 The Development of the Curriculum
• 05:39 User-Friendly Design for Parents and Teachers
• 08:26 Curriculum Structure and Purchase Options
• 11:13 Flexibility in Homeschooling
• 14:09 Implementation in Schools
• 16:51 Support and Training for Educators
• 19:38 The Importance of Early Science Education
• 22:22 Secular Nature of the Curriculum
• 23:05 Curriculum Flexibility and Individual Needs
• 24:14 Teaching Multiple Ages Together
• 25:20 Meeting Children Where They Are
• 26:51 Learning Alongside Your Child
• 27:28 Exploring Nature and Science
• 28:11 Accessing Educational Resources
• 29:56 The Importance of Non-Fiction Reading
• 31:58 Critical Thinking and Application
• 33:22 Hope in Homeschooling and Science Education

Episode Highlights:

• Curriculum development and field testing
• Homeschooling and public school use
• Hands-on and interactive science learning
• Teacher and parent support and training
• Alignment with national standards

Quotes:

• "Hope is about confidence in teaching science."
• "It's okay to fall back on what you've learned."
• "Knowing where to find information is a key skill."

More on Anne Davis and Nancy Larson Science:

• Nancy Larson Science Website - https://www.nancylarsonpublishers.com/
• Peterson Tree Guides

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:

Holly Britton, founder of Squiggle Squad, discusses the importance of handwriting as a foundational skill for children's learning, its connection to cognitive development, and practical strategies for effective handwriting instruction.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Handwriting Challenges
• 03:06 Rethinking Handwriting as a Tool
• 05:48 The Cognitive vs. Mechanical Aspects of Writing
• 08:39 The Importance of Handwriting in Education
• 11:33 Squiggle Squad: A New Approach to Handwriting
• 14:21 Developmentally Appropriate Handwriting Instruction
• 17:12 The Progression of Handwriting Skills
• 19:57 Addressing Learning Differences in Handwriting
• 19:59 The Importance of Early Handwriting Instruction
• 23:37 Group vs. Individual Instruction in Handwriting
• 26:42 Connecting Handwriting with Thought Expression
• 28:39 The Neurological Connection of Handwriting
• 33:15 Resources for Handwriting Instruction
• 36:34 The Impact of Technology on Writing Skills
• 38:33 Hope for the Future of Handwriting Education
• 41:13 We Have Hope Kim Outro.mp3

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of handwriting as a tool for thought
• Motor skills development and age-appropriate instruction
• The systemic issues in handwriting education and teacher training
• The science behind handwriting and cognitive development

Quotes:

• "If your hand can't flow, your thoughts can't."
• "Handwriting is the base unit for writing."
• "Writing your thoughts out is incredibly powerful."

More on Holly Britton and Squiggle Squad:

• Squiggle Squad Website - https://squigglesquad.com
• Holly's Substack on Science of Handwriting - https://hollyonsgood.substack.com

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.