Cleverly Changing Podcast

Click download above to listen to the podcast. This is episode 26 and we hope that every other week you are enjoying our conversations on the Cleverly Changing Podcast. This episode is especially important because we get to hear from a former homeschooler who is an only child. Candance Howze was homeschooled by her mom and dad and then went on to college. Listen to her interview and find out how homeschooling has impacted her life. Remember, our goal on the Cleverly Changing Podcast is to provide you with encouragement, insight about African history, and support as a parent and home educator. Please take a moment to tell a friend about our show and subscribe so our podcast can grow and we can continue to provide you with this resource. Intro (0:00) The African proverb for this week’s podcast: “You don’t teach a giraffe to run.” Word of the Episode (1:14) imbali means flower in Swahili. Cleverly Cultured Kids (01:38) One of our Cleverly Cultured kids will share a brief repo

Click download above to listen to the podcast. This is episode 25 and we hope that every other week you are enjoying our conversations on the CleverlyChanging Podcast. This episode is especially special because we are talking to a veteran homeschool mom Njeri Nembhard who shares her homeschool journey with us. Njeri from maroonlifelearning.com has homeschooled her children for at least 10 years and has many nuggets to help other moms as they navigate their homeschooling lives. Remember, our goal on the Cleverly Changing Podcast is to provide you with encouragement, insight about African history, and support as a parent and home educator. Please take a moment to tell a friend about our show and subscribe so our podcast can grow and we can continue to provide you with this resource. Intro (0:00) The African proverb for this week’s podcast: “Only a wise person can solve a difficult problem.” ~ Akan proverb. Word of the Episode (1:24) Bingwa means winner or champion in Swahili. Cl

Click download above to listen to the podcast. Welcome to Unschooling with Akilah S. Richards, which is episode 23 of the CleverlyChanging Podcast. Today’s guest is the brilliant self-directed education guru Akilah S. Richards. Our podcast is all about learning how to educate your kids. If you’re a new listener Please remember to subscribe and share. I am an entrepreneur, mom to twin girls, and Miriam is our co-host. She is a mom of 4. This podcast is not only for parents who homeschool their children, but it is also for all parents who want to supplement their child’s education. Our goal is to provide you with encouragement, insight about African history, and support as a parent and home educator. New episodes are uploaded biweekly. Today’s African proverb is “Wealth, if you use it, comes to an end; learning, if you use it, increases. ~ Swahili proverb Here’s Akilah’s Official bio Fare of the Free Child podcast focuses on Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color (BIPOC) fami

This is Episode 23 of the CleverlyChanging Podcast. Millennial moms Elle and Miriam talk to our featured guest Sly Tha Deace, who is a homeschool graduate, author, and musician. Here’s His Official bio This man is definitely a homeschool success. He is a self-published author of two books, a successful songwriter who used music to pay his way through college, a business owner and investor, plus a huge comic book fan. His message let’s “get” money is about understanding and leveraging your finances instead of just working yourself to death trying to collect money. Born in the beautiful state of Colorado and currently living in the great state of Texas. Source: Sly Tha Deuce Click download above to listen to the podcast. Support This Podcast Become a Patron! Intro (0:58) The African proverb for this week’s podcast: “If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents.” Word of the Episode (1:47) Kuumba means creativity in Swahili. Grown Folks Convo (

In Episode 22, millennial moms Elle and Miriam talk to their children about making realistic and practical goals. While it is the new year and resolutions are popular, it is also a time of reflection and planning. It is never too early for a person to start the art of goal setting. Feel free to chime in below to let us know how you feel about this topic or if you have future topic suggestions. Click download above to listen to the podcast. Support This Podcast Become a Patron! Intro (0:58) The African proverb for this week’s podcast: “What you help a child to love can be more important than what you help him to learn.” Word of the Episode (1:24) Afehyia paaaaa (ah-fee-she-ah pah-ah!) means a good meeting with the year in Twi and it’s the phrase that people who speak Twi say instead of Happy New Year. Cleverly Cultured Kids (1:57) Do you have a vision for yourself, when you close your eyes, where are you? What do you want to accomplish? How do you see yourself? These questi

In Episode 21, millennial moms Elle and Miriam share their process for keeping a homeschool portfolio. What is a homeschool portfolio? In the state of Maryland, parents who homeschool are typically expected to keep a portfolio of their child/children’s work. The portfolio is a collection of work that a child completes each week while under the parents’ and tutors’ instruction. Click download above to listen to the podcast. Support This Podcast Become a Patron! Intro (01:02) The African proverb for this week’s podcast goes as follows: “What a good person is looking for is doing good deeds.” This is a Swahili Proverb Word of the Episode (1:18) Medase means thank you in the Ghanaian language, Twi. Cleverly Cultured Kids (1:44) Sometimes our kids just want to express themselves and we have to take the time out of our busy schedules to listen. A List of Apps Mentioned Educational Apps * Prodigy – Math games* Star Walk 2 – An interactive astronomy guide* Photo Math

Welcome to the CleverlyChanging Podcast in this episode we talk about mental health. Our podcast is all about learning how to educate your kids. This is episode 20. Our goal is to provide you with encouragement, insight about African history, and support as a parent and home educator. New episodes are uploaded biweekly. Please remember to subscribe and share. Intro (02:06) The African proverb for this week’s podcast goes as follows: “Little by little fills up the measure.” – Swahili proverb Word of the Episode (2:33) Abusua means family or clan in Ghana Cleverly Cultured Kids (2:48) Talk to your kids. One way that we can help build confidence is by taking the time to listen to our kids. In this episode, we talk to the Cleverly Cultured Kids about confidence. Grown Folks Talk – Therapy and Health (7:07) As adolescents grow there may come a time when they need to speak to a mental healthcare professional. Having a tough time as a teen is common and is not something they shou

In today’s show, we are discussing college readiness with a college counselor who is a new homeschool mom. We find out more about the college admissions process and how to transition homeschoolers into thinking more about life and career goals. Please share this episode with all parents. Intro (00:00) The African proverb for this week’s podcast goes as follows (01:12): “A person who desires to rise must stay awake.” – Swahili proverb Word of the Episode (1:36) Akwaaba means welcome. The word comes from the Akan language of Twi. Cleverly Cultured Kids (1:57) If higher education is important to you, it’s never too early to start planting seeds about college. In this episode, I ask my children questions about college and I share my personal college experience with them. Grown Folks Talk With College Counselor Jewel Walwyn (7:52) Today’s guest is college counselor Jewel Walwyn. Jewel started counseling middle and high school students over 19 years ago. She is the founder of

Homeschooling isn’t new and there are parents who are achieving lots of success and fulfillment while teaching their children but what about getting ready for college? If I were to have a an official homeschool mom that I look up to, it would be Eva Wilson. Eva is a Caribbean Blogger and homeschool mom. She homeschooled her children for about 9 years. While homeschooling she achieved success personally and as an educator. What I’ve always admired most about Eva, as a homeschool mom, is that she seemed so knowledgable, confident, and carefree like she had reached homeschool “zen,” if there is such a thing. In today’s discussion, Eva shares how she helped her eldest child go from a homeschool student to a college student. Thank you, Eva, for sharing your candid wisdom on how get a homeschooler ready for college with the CleverlyChanging Podcast audience. Intro (00:18) The African proverb for this week’s podcast goes as follows: “If the rhythm of the beat changes the dance steps must adapt.” –

In this episode we answer some of your questions. Sometimes as parents the best thing we can do for our children is to listen to them. When you sit back and open your ears and let your kids express what’s on their hearts you may hear something endearing, laugh-worthy, or something that will move you into action. Intro (02:06) The African proverb for this week’s podcast goes as follows: “Wisdom is like fire, people take it from others.” – Hema Proverb Word of the Episode (2:33) Shule means school in Swahili Cleverly Cultured Kids (2:48) Sometimes our kids just want to express themselves and we have to take the time out of our busy schedules to listen. We are answering your questions (7:07) Questions from our listeners: * Is it possible to homeschool using a full curriculum in less than 5 weekdays? * How do you pick the right curriculum? * Homeschooling vs. Unschooling? * Is it possible to combine homeschooling with working part-time? * Can you split teaching different subje

Math doesn’t have to be hard, in fact some people love math. It also shouldn’t be frustrating but in order to learn with ease, a strong foundation is needed. In today’s episode, we discuss how parents can give their kids a strong foundation and how kids can learn to love math. Intro (00:00) Mathematics had a huge influence on Ancient Africa. In fact, the earliest measuring stick (the Lebombo Bone) that was ever found was found in ancient Kemet. The game mancala gets its origins from Ethiopia. If you want to learn more about mathematics in ancient Africa check out this youtube video Manu Ampim: “Classical African Contributions to the World in Math & Science“ Further reading about Math in Africa: Bangura, Abdul Karim. African Mathematics: From Bones to Computers.  Gerdas, Paulus. On the History of Mathematics in Africa South of the Sahara. Zaslavsky, Claudia. Africa Counts: Number and Pattern in African Cultures 3rd Edition

This is Elle’s sixth year of homeschooling and Miriam’s third year it has taken some time for them to become comfortable homeschooling. It can take a little time to find your groove within your homeschool and we are here to encourage you along your journey. Our goal is that you will remember that there is comfort after the fear subsides. Intro (00:11) He who learns, teaches. ~ Ethiopian Proverb Word of the Episode (1:18) Ukweli means truth in Swahili Grown Folks Talk about how to be Comfortable Homeschooling (1:45) Furthermore, Mariam and I discuss how we are feeling about our educational choices. Thus, we have a candid conversation about how we teach our kids within our comfort level, but also meet the state guidelines. This is a real discussion about how we found comfort homeschooling our children. After this conversation, we discuss a current news story. Homeschool Guidelines of Commar In addition, this link will tell you everything you need to know about homeschooling your chil

A new school year comes with great excitement. In this episode we talk about our hopes and plans for the new school year. Intro (00:15) Where you will sit when you are old shows where you stood in youth. — Yoruba proverb Word of the Episode (2:46) Mwanzo means beginning in Swahili Cleverly Cultured Kids (4:15) Our daughters discuss how there new school year is going. Grown Folks Talk about Homeschooling as a Family (7:05) Mariam and I shared our new curriculums and school regiment with the podcast audience. Homeschooling Resources Here are a few educational homeschool resources that were mentioned during the podcast * Math mammoth – https://www.mathmammoth.com * Blossom and Root – https://blossomandroot.com* Funcation Academy – https://www.funcationacademy.com * Child1st Publications – https://child1st.com * Hand Writing Without Tears (PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) afilliate links Subscribe to the Cleverly Changing Podcast Additional dire

This is the first episode of Season 2. I am honored to have my husband as a special guest. He will be discussing homeschooling from a dad’s perspective. Episode 13 of the CleverlyChanging Podcas Intro (00:15) African Proverb – “A single hand cannot nurse a child” Word of the Episode (2:46) Baba means father in Swahili Cleverly Cultured Kids (4:15) My daughters discuss how their dad assists with their homeschool education. Homeschooling as a family is a way of life for my daughters because they have always been homeschooled. It was great to hear from them about how they see their dad’s role in their education. Grown Folks Talk about Homeschooling as a Family(7:05) The Dad in the cleverly changing household speaks up and shares his thoughts about homeschooling our children. Homeschooling Resources for Maryland Here are a few educational homeschool resources in the Maryland area. These are the ones that I personalize utilize or ones that some of my friends are using.  Facebook

Intro Listener Discretion is Advised. Today’s episode is a follow up on Episode 11. We are interviewing Faith Davis, a licensed clinical social worker who has been licensed for dealing with substance abuse addictions. Faith has also done an internship with abuse victims, including sexual abuse and physical abuse. She has worked in North Carolina, Maryland and Washington DC. Red Flags and How to Protect our Children What are some of the red flags to look for in your children that can signal sexual abuse? You may be surprised by some of the warning signs. Non-verbal cues that something is going on are worth exploring. (8:15) Preventative Measures What can parents do to reduce our children’s likelihood of being victimized? (13:30) Steps to Take You just found out that something happened to your child, what do you do next? Faith tells us what the process is like when you file a report on behalf of your child. She also talks about getting the support needed to heal and move forward. (17:35

LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Today’s episode is all about doing our best to make sure our children are not easy target for sexual predators. This is a sensitive topic for many, as far too many people have been the victims of sexual predators, abuse and assault. You may not want your little ones present when you listen to this episode if you’re not ready to have this type of conversation with them or you are not ready to answer some of the questions this topic can raise. The Cleverly Changing Podcast 11 – how to protect our children from sexual predators As always, our conversation comes from a place of love and a genuine desire for your family to be safe and healthy, thriving in the best way possible. As parents we are our children’s first and best advocate, so please stay vigilant and trust your gut. Our babies deserve it. If you’re looking for more information here are a couple of resources you may find helpful. “8 Ways A Predator Might Groom A Child” from Educate Empower Kids “How to ta

In Episode 7 we talked about discipline (How Do You Discipline Children?) and now in Episode 10, we gave our kids a chance to tell us how they would implement discipline if they were the ones in charge. History (0:48) * Intro. * Parental relationships* Word of the Episode! (2:20) Nidhamu (Swahili) A person who is not disciplined cannot be cautioned. – African Proverb Cleverly Cultured Kids (2:53) During this conversation, we heard from our daughters. Two are 10 years old and one is 11 years old. It’s not often that adults get to hear kids discuss discipline. The conversation was both informative and amusing. I also want to let you know that I apologize in advance for the echo. I need to find a way to record all of the kids without us hearing an echo if you have any tips for us share them in the comment section below. Past Posts on Discipline * Discipline is Not Shame* Parenting and Discipline – Should You Spank Your Child?* Tips for Successful Gentle Discipline* What’s

In Episode 9 we learn more about health and hygiene. Teaching kids these lessons, while they are healthy, are critical to helping them establish healthy habits as adults. Come along with us as we hear from the kids and discuss our own journey towards living a healthier lifestyle.

Episode 8 touches on how to deal with stress while trying to teach your children and live your everyday lives. Everyone will encounter stress in their lives there is no way around it. Not all stress is bad, but should be managed and can even be positive, it’s all depends on what steps you take to stay in control of the stress that’s in your lives. History (0:08) Rwandan Proverb Instruction in youth is like engraving in stone. – Moroccan Proverb Word of the Episode! (2:13) tuko pamoja Cleverly Cultured Kids (2:53) During this conversation, we heard from my two daughters 10 years old about their thoughts about stress. Favorite quote from this segment: Good stress is “Stress that motivates you to do better and power through.” – Maya Grown Up Talk (10:05) Elle and Miriam share their real life experiences and scenarios about how they deal with stress while also homeschooling their children. Resources on Handling Stress * World Mental Health Day – 5 Free Ways to Redu

Discipline is a topic that goes beyond the classroom and homeschooling, but it is important for parents to figure out which techniques work best for them and their children. Discipline is the art of teaching your child right or wrong based on your rules, values, and standards. Intro (00:34) Word of the Episode (3:48) Cleverly Cultured Kids (4:15) Listen to Aamira talk about dealing with distractions. Grown Folks Talk (6:00) Discipline is not something any parent really wants to dole out, but it is a necessary part of parenting. Every household is different, and no matter your style of parenting and loving discipline, we all want our children to be responsible, productive and moral beings. As responsible parents our guidance and nurturing will help them learn how to navigate this world and all of its many wonders, pitfalls, learning opportunities and personalities. * Miriam’s style of discipline and how she handles misbehaving in her “no spank” household despite being raised with