Episode 6: What 3rd Grade Students Taught Me About Retirement

Real Retirement

In this episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen, invite Debbie Elder, the owner of Shady Oaks Primary School and an education innovator for a discussion. Debbie shares her unique teaching philosophy centered around curiosity, lifelong learning and adaptability, and illustrates how these principles are applicable not only to children but also to those entering their retirement years. She advocates for maintaining an open mind, planning ahead, and being intentional about one’s actions and decisions. Simultaneously, she stresses the importance of self-awareness, pursuing passion, and living a life that is rich with curiosity, wonder, and joy. At Shady Oaks Primary School, children are empowered with life skills that would typically be perceived as beyond their capacity - like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and empathy. Her purpose is to instill not just academic learning, but to ignite a lifelong passion for discovery and growth in her students. The educators at Debbie's school create an environment that encourages being childlike, fostering vulnerability, authenticity, and exploration, a perspective she encourages adults stepping into retirement to embrace. The conversation also touches upon the importance of building self-esteem, resilience, and maintaining a positive outlook during transitions later in life.

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About Debbie Elder

Debbie Elder is the owner of Shady Oak Primary School in Richmond, Texas. She is a best-selling author, international speaker, grandmother of 4, and loves to read anything on business or education! Her TEDx talk “Your Child Is Redundant “can be found on YouTube.

Shady Oaks Primary School: https://shadyoakprimary.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shadyoakprimaryschool2418

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadyoakprimary/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shadyoakprimary

Books Mentioned: Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards

Retirement Readiness Assessment: www.retirescores.com/ready
Retirement Well-being Assessment: www.retirescores.com
Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

Rozdziały

1. Introduction and Background (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to The Real Retirement Show (00:01:18)

3. Introducing Special Guest: Debbie Elder (00:02:08)

4. The Unique Approach of Shady Oaks Primary School (00:02:23)

5. Applying Childhood Principles to Retirement (00:03:33)

6. Debbie's Personal Perspective on Retirement (00:03:59)

7. The Importance of Self-Awareness and Reflection (00:08:02)

8. The Power of Compliment Circles and Looking for Greatness (00:08:53)

9. The Role of Curiosity and Learning in Retirement (00:12:45)

10. Debbie's Journey and the Story of Shady Oaks Primary School (00:13:44)

11. The Power of Intentionality, Awareness, and Possibilities (00:26:15)

12. Exploring the Seemingly Impossible (00:26:58)

13. The Art of Project Management: From Fudge to Magic Tricks (00:29:04)

14. The Second Semester: Preparing for the Bazaar (00:29:32)

15. The Shark Tank Experience: From Idea to Prototype (00:29:49)

16. The Bazaar: Real Money, Real Lessons (00:30:28)

17. The Power of Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship (00:30:52)

18. The Joy of Lifelong Learning: From Wines to Italian Feasts (00:32:10)

19. Empowering Children: From Classroom to City Commissioners (00:32:37)

20. The Power of Innocence and Hope (00:33:51)

21. The Importance of Financial Literacy in Retirement (00:35:27)

22. The Power of Open-Mindedness and Acceptance (00:35:52)

23. The Power of Accountability and Project-Based Learning (00:39:51)

24. The Joy of Exploration and Discovery in Retirement (00:40:06)

25. The Importance of Self-Esteem and Confidence in Retirement (00:42:25)

26. The Power of Legacy and Celebration in Life (00:47:54)

27. The Joy of Lifelong Learning and Growth (00:51:02)

28. The Power of Positivity and Celebration in Retirement (00:53:30)

29. Closing Remarks and Appreciation (00:54:18)