Noodles in the Sandbox
by Angela Griffiths
Latest episode
Is It Really Just Lord of the Flies?
Is It Really Just Lord of the Flies?
About this podcast
Noodles in the Sandbox is a playful yet thought-provoking exploration of alternative education, designed for parents who have stepped away from traditional public schools and are seeking the best path for their children. Hosted by experienced educators who lead Acton Academy Northwest Austin (Texas). Together we dive into early education tools, parenting strategies, and focus on cultivating 21st-century skills in a learner-driven environment.
In each episode, we embrace curiosity, lifelong learning, and the Hero's Journey. Expect casual, irreverent conversations that challenge conventional thinking—without being prescriptive. Whether you’re in the thick of decision-making or already on an alternative path, join us weekly for insights, practical life hacks, and the big questions that drive modern education.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 31 episodes
- Is It Really Just Lord of the Flies? · 41 min · Season 1 Episode 32What does it take to truly foster self-governance in a learner-driven community? This episode dives deep into the essential skills of self-awareness, self-management, and…
- How to Chase a Shadow · 52 min · Season 1 Episode 31Do certain behaviors in others make you instantly see red? In today’s episode we dive into the fascinating world of button-pushing and shadows—those behaviors that trigger us…
- Feedback Cafe: Recipes for Growth · 30 min · Season 1 Episode 30What if feedback wasn’t a chore but a deliciously crafted experience? In this episode, we’re stepping into the Feedback Café, where feedback isn’t just given—it’s served. Drawing…
- Feedback Cafe: Quality Ingredients · 34 min · Season 1 Episode 29In this episode, we explore the art of giving and receiving qualitative feedback in a way that builds trust, clarity, and growth. Together, we unpack three key ingredients of…
- What is a Challenge Donut? · 28 min · Season 1 Episode 28What do donuts and personal growth have in common? In today’s episode, Andrew and I explore the Challenge Donut, a visual framework for navigating comfort, challenge, and panic…
- What is a Constructive Critique? · 27 min · Season 1 Episode 27I must say, I was surprised when Andrew told me he wanted to do an episode about Constructive Critique. This framework can be one of the hardest to master, because it often…
- On Sacredness, Connection and Being Seen · 43 min · Season 1 Episode 26What makes a space sacred? Is it the rituals we create, the history we honor, or the quiet moments of reflection we bring? In this episode, we delve into a family trip to…
- On Being Human in the Age of AI · 1 h 34 min · Season 1 Episode 25In this thought-provoking episode, we dive headfirst into the brave new world of artificial intelligence through the lens of Ethan Mollick’s Co-Intelligence. How does AI reshape…
- Feedback: Fuel for Growth · 36 min · Season 1 Episode 24In this episode, we dive into the role of feedback in learner-driven environments. What exactly is feedback? Why does it matter? And how can it transform growth for young heroes…
- Warm Heart + Tough Mind · 45 min · Season 1 Episode 23In this episode, Nick, Tara and I discuss a topic we hold close: the "Warm-Hearted, Tough-Minded" framework. This mental model explores the balance between empathy and…
- The Gardener and the Carpenter · 1 h 14 min · Season 1 Episode 22In this episode, I had the privilege and the pleasure of sitting down with my friend and fellow parent, Alex Watkins to dive into The Gardener and the Carpenter, a book by Alison…
- Ava on AI: Grumpy Bored Blobs · 36 min · Season 1 Episode 21Today’s episode explores the role of AI in learning. Together, Ava and I reflect on AI tools like ChatGPT, critical thinking, and how technology shapes learning. Does AI help us…
- The Role of Structure in a Learner-Driven Environment · 39 min · Season 1 Episode 20In today’s episode, we unpack a common misconception about learner-driven environments: that they’re actually just a chaotic free-for-all. For those of us who crave order (even…
- Clear Is Kind: Boundaries · 31 min · Season 1 Episode 19In this episode, we dive deep into the tricky waters of setting boundaries as a parent. We explore the relationship between clarity, boundaries, and freedom, and why being clear…
- Peace Table vs. Punch in the Face: The Power of Frameworks · 1 h 8 min · Season 1 Episode 18In today’s episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, we’re diving headfirst into the power of frameworks. We all know how chaotic life can get, especially when it comes to helping kids…
- But What About Bad Habits? · 26 min · Season 1 Episode 17In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, Angela, Tara, and Nick dive into the messy world of habits—good, bad, and downright perplexing. From the fear of letting kids build…
- The Discomfort Zone · 44 min · Season 1 Episode 16In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, Tara, Nick and I dig into the often uncomfortable topic of, well, discomfort! Whether it’s boredom, frustration, or failure, the trio…
- Fighting the Victimhood Monster (4 of 4) · 17 min · Season 1 Episode 14In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, we dive deep into the third and final monster in our series: the Victimhood Monster. This tricky foe shows up when we feel like the…
- Fighting the Resistance Monster (3 of 4) · 24 min · Season 1 Episode 13In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, we dive into the second of our monster mini-series: the Resistance Monster. Resistance shows up when you know exactly what you should…
- Fighting the Distraction Monster (2 of 4) · 25 min · Season 1 Episode 12In this episode of Noodles in the Sandbox, we continue our mini-series on monsters, focusing on one we all know too well: the distraction monster. What does distraction look like…
