00:13:55 — The importance of math and English language arts as foundational subjects, integrating practical life skills into the day, and starting teaching based on the child's readiness

00:15:58 — Strategies for homeschooling multiple children, including personalized one-on-one time for each child

00:21:20 — Manisha discusses the challenges of administrative tasks in homeschooling and suggests solutions such as swapping childcare with other parents

00:31:49 — Discussing natural consequences in learning, such as budgeting with an allowance and the importance of volunteer work for understanding privilege and real-world issues

00:38:06 — Addressing socialization in homeschooling, the benefits of homeschooling communities, and strategies for making friends in new locations

00:47:01 — Manisha discusses resources for decolonizing homeschooling

00:52:40 — The importance of choosing the right curriculum to keep children motivated and the value of allowing children to have downtime, even if it leads to periods of boredom

00:54:25 — Discussing strategies for homeschooling children with special needs

00:56:24 — Manisha talks about different types of screen time, ranging from educational to entertainment-focused, and the importance of balancing and adding valuable screen activities to a child's routine

01:04:08 – Manisha addresses the limitations of traditional schooling, emphasizing the benefits of homeschooling and the need to make a clear choice between the two

01:07:09 — Conclusion: Manisha encourages listeners to reach out with their questions and participate in the homeschooling community for support and guidance

This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund

VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at

velaedfund.org