Empowering Students to Succeed
Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. Mathematics.
Empowering Students to Succeed
Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. Mathematics.
About Rihla STEAM Pod
Our Pod
Our Approach
Our Approach
Taking the best of all our favorite pedagogy models, our learning pod incorporates the holistic “whole child” education and inspiration of the daily rhythms of Waldorf, nature immersion elements of Forest schools, the student-centered and child-led learning ideals of Reggio Emilia, and the hands-on real-world skill building emphasis of Montessori.
Our Approach
Our Approach
Our Approach
In our highly academic enriching environment, students will be challenged and encouraged to progress to the maximum potential of their individual strengths, rather than restricted to an inflexible curriculum. Our focus is on the 5-7 age range, K-2nd grade.
Our Tutors
Our Approach
Our Tutors
Connecting with students and supporting them emotionally, encouraging creative discoveries and guiding towards success, our experienced tutors will take a journey of curiosity alongside your children and explore the world together.
Welcome to Rihla STEAM Pod!
What is a "pod"?
A learning pod is essentially a tiny highly customized tutoring opportunity. Our learning pod will consist of no more than 6 children for a fantastic student-teacher ratio, which will allow for highly tailored learning. Each child will be able to take advantage of 1:1 instruction due to our ratio and longer class times. Every aspect of our pod will be tailored to our specific group of children. Our highly educated tutors have decades of experience. Although we have a schedule, we will stay moderately flexible to accommodate the general daily needs of the pod.
What is STEAM?
Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. STEAM is often considered by pedagogy experts to be more inclusive and more effective than STEM, because it allows children who are naturally more gifted in creative subjects to feel valued, and to let their talents flourish. We believe that developing skills in the arts is essential for a well rounded education!
What about childhood enjoyment?
Our greatest emphasis is on FUN! We believe children should love learning and feel excited to participate in our pod. Children will be encouraged to discuss, ask questions, request to research further, and bring their own ideas to explore. Our loving tutors will be fully invested in our pod and children, bringing out the best in them every day and creating a beautiful and safe space for exploring education and the children’s individual interests.
What's the vibe?
A variety of classroom options encourage children to be comfortable and pursue knowledge and creative skills. Our indoor classroom will have comfortable seating like floor cushions, in addition to individual desks. Two outdoor classrooms (porch and woods) will also have a variety of options. Art will be done in an outdoor space so children can just focus on having fun as messily as they desire!
Who are the tutors?
Jennifer Broussard: MEP, Phonics, Lit Etc, World. Jennifer has over 30 years of teaching experience that ranges from helping highly gifted to severely challenged students excel and succeed. Working in every environment from one-on-one to large classes, she has homeschooled her own 6 kids, taught classes and private tutoring at many co-ops and multiple private schools, as well as her own private tutoring company. She is a Level 1 Certified Wilson Practitioner.
Tatem Spearman: PE, Music/Art. Tatem has 30 years of music, arts, and athletic exploration experience, competing at a high level in many sports, music, and arts events. She has been teaching in a variety of capacities for 20 years. Her background includes homeschooling siblings, teaching in-depth classes and seminars for Scouts and other groups, private music lessons and group music lessons for multiple instruments, coaching children’s sports and classes, and much more.
Shawna Merrill: Science. Shawna earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering from West Virginia University, while assuming the role of captain on their women’s soccer team (1999-2003). She began her career as a project manager for Research and Development projects for the U.S. Department of Energy in the area of Distributed Generation. After kids and relocation, she’s become a local realtor and youth soccer coach. Her love of kids, her curious nature, and her vast experience in engineering and interest in scientific studies and hobbies make her the perfect fit for our science class.
Our Arabic tutor will be a native speaking Egyptian professional.
SCHEDULE
Schedule is still developing and subject to change. Early drop off and late pickup will possibly be available for additional cost, as well as carpooling to additional afternoon activities (gymnastics, taekwondo, jiu jitsu, dance). We will most likely follow the Cherokee County school calendar modified for Islamic holidays off.