#310:Rethinking School to Foster a Love of Learning with Laura Sandefer of Acton Academy
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Steph interviews Laura Sandefer, co-founder of Acton Academy, a revolutionary design for K-12 learning. Acton is dedicated to inspiring each child to see life as a Hero's Journey, where someone with curiosity and character can find a 'calling’ and foster a true love of learning. Steph shares examples of how the transition out of public school to Acton Academy has significantly impacted her children’s happiness and education. They discuss how children can embrace heroism versus victimhood, the importance of failure, why grades and homework aren’t required for success, and skills kids actually need to thrive in the modern world. They offer tools for all parents to consider and practice in their house to help their kids build resilience. You’ll walk away with a new perspective on  early education that offers the child more agency, joy, and independence. Topics Discussed:

Steph’s experience with Acton Academy.

The underlying belief about children and learning that Acton is built on.

The difference between heroism and victimhood.

Three things a mom can do at home to build the mindset of hero so her child avoids the pitfalls of victimhood.

What children really need to be healthy and happy. 

What happens when you step back and let kids lead.

Show Notes:

Check out the Be Family - Dinner table card game)

Purchase the Courage to Grow book)

Click here) to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate!

Click here) to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

Listen to today’s episode on our website)

Laura Sandefer: Co-Founder, Acton Academy. Laura lived on both US coasts and in between as a child, then settled into Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies. After being awarded the Walter Wattles Fellowship at Lloyd’s of London, Laura worked in the aviation insurance industry in New York City. Deciding to follow her calling into the world of education, Laura returned to Nashville and earned her second Vanderbilt degree with her Master of Education. This led her to her work at the Oklahoma Arts Institute, creating fine arts education programs for teachers and talented high school students. Laura married Jeff Sandefer and is the happy mother of Sam and Charlie and step-mother to Taite. It is the inspiration of these children that led Laura and Jeff to co-found Acton Academy, a revolutionary design for K-12 learning, and the Acton Children's Business Fair. Today there are over 300 Acton Academy locations around the world and over 1,000 Children's Business Fairs impacting the lives of over 16,000 children. Laura is the author of “Courage to Grow” - a true story documenting the journey she and her family took to create a new vision of learning that has started a global movement in education. Her passion now includes equipping families to build deep connection around the family dinner table with her conversation game, "Be Family."  This Episode’s Sponsors  Enjoy the health benefits of PaleoValley’s products such as their supplements, superfood bars and meat sticks.  Receive 15% off your purchase by using code DOCTORMOM at checkout or head to paleovalley.com/doctormom)  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com), and use code DOCTORMOM100 for $100 off your first 3 months of Needed’s Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com) to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you! @stephgreunke) @drelanaroumell) Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.