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Learning At Home: The Big Picture

Learning At Home: The Big Picture

What’s Really Important When Learning at Home

 

Many minimalists correctly view their homes as havens. But because critical learning happens within the home during pandemics and always, our living spaces also provide daily opportunities to nurture lasting loves of learning in our children.

On today’s show my guests and I explore the ways in which parents can both facilitate and simplify learning at home, 365 days per year. First I bring you an interview with educational consultant Hillary Einboden, who suggests tangible tips to encourage our children to explore their passions while simultaneously putting down their screens.

Second, I chat with science educator Jess Purcell. Jess is dedicated to bringing environmental science into homes, and so Jess presents 3 simple activities for kids of all ages that get them thinking critically about issues surrounding sustainability.

 

Here’s a preview of this week’s episode:

[3:30] How to focus on the big picture (and not the learning standards)

[9:35] What our kids should *actually* be learning at home (hint: it’s not reading, writing, and arithmetic)

[10:45] How and why to encourage your child to prioritize his/her passion projects

[17:15] 3 no-stress ways to reduce screen time by 30 minutes per day

[29:15] Learning at home experiment #1: Examining petroleum-based versus starch-based packaging

[35:35] Experiment #2: How to teach the perils of food waste with science

[39:20] Experiment #3: Will they sink or will they float?

 

Resources mentioned in today’s episode:

 

 

* This episode is sponsored by Charlie Banana. Use code MINIMAL at checkout for 31% off your order!

* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #141: Minimalism During the School Year.

* Social distancing is the *perfect* time to review your favorite podcasts! On the Apple Podcasts app, hit the Library tab, scroll allll the way to the bottom past all prior episodes, then click on the stars to leave a review. (Thank you!)

* Join our (free!) community here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Pinterest.

 

Many of us believe our homes should be our havens. But the reality is they are also the most important place to nurture curiosity, and that's because important learning happens at home, during pandemics and always. On this episode of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast:  5 simple ways to academically engage kids without overwhelm, plus tips for encouraging them to cultivate their passions and put down the screens.

 

Many of us believe our homes should be our havens. But the reality is they are also the most important place to nurture curiosity, and that's because important learning happens at home, during pandemics and always. On this episode of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast:  5 simple ways to academically engage kids without overwhelm, plus tips for encouraging them to cultivate their passions and put down the screens.

 

Many of us believe our homes should be our havens. But the reality is they are also the most important place to nurture curiosity, and that's because important learning happens at home, during pandemics and always. On this episode of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast:  5 simple ways to academically engage kids without overwhelm, plus tips for encouraging them to cultivate their passions and put down the screens.

 

Many of us believe our homes should be our havens. But the reality is they are also the most important place to nurture curiosity, and that's because important learning happens at home, during pandemics and always. On this episode of The Sustainable Minimalists podcast:  3 simple science explorations that engage our children with issues surrounding sustainability.

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The Unfollow Effect

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From the the nostalgic days of AOL Instant Messenger to 2026's high-stakes, algorithmic landscape, constant connectivity has fundamentally shifted our attention spans, our peace of mind, and the way we show up for our families.

Worse, the desire to show up online often takes us directly out of real life. It's no surprise, then, that we're feeling the mental and emotional weight of the "scroll".

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Here's a preview:

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Resources mentioned:


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Hello there, I’m Stephanie. I live a crazy, beautiful life as a full-time wife, blogger + mother to two spirited daughters. I’m on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living so as to greater enjoy life’s sweeter moments.

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