Ep. 231: How to Use Students' Interest and Creativity to Enhance Learning with Victoria Waller, Ed.D.

Apr 1, 2025

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We are so happy to be welcoming Victoria Waller, Ed.D. back to the podcast this episode. Dr. Waller is a seasoned reading specialist and educational therapist with more than four decades of experience helping children with learning differences, especially ones who teachers have sadly given up on. She is the author of Yes! Your Child Can, a finalist for the Foreword Reviews Best Book of the Year in 2022, and has received multiple accolades for her contributions to education. Holding advanced degrees in reading and learning differences, she has shared her expertise nationwide and internationally via speaking engagements and on over 45 podcasts.

Dr. Waller joins us in this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning to discuss how unlocking a child's potential isn't about forcing them to fit a mold but is rather about tapping into what makes them come alive. She shares how she has spent decades helping children build on skills via their passions and interests. Whether it be a fascination with roller coasters, an obsession with Google, a deep love for history, or even love for Taylor Swift, it is Dr. Waller's belief that real learning happens when students engage with subjects that excite them.

Dr. Waller shares remarkable stories of students who transformed their academic struggles into strengths simply by pursuing their interests in creative, hands-on ways. With everything from connecting a child with the Google VP to bringing another face-to-face with an amusement park executive, she proves that meaningful learning truly goes far past just textbooks and standardized testing. She explains why creativity isn't just about making art but is also about problem-solving, emotional regulation, and thinking critically in ways that traditional education often overlooks.

She also offers advice for parents and educators on how to recognize a child's strengths, incorporate their interests into learning, advocate for early support, and teach with creativity. Dr. Victoria Waller's insights move to challenge conventional approaches to education, showing that every child (regardless of their learning profile) has the potential to thrive when given the right opportunities, so if you have ever wondered how to help a struggling student find their spark, this conversation is full of practical insights!

Show Notes:

[2:14] - Dr. Victoria Waller reflects on having realized early in her career that children with learning differences have remarkable strengths. [5:29] - Encouraging children's passions, like cooking or technology, can help unlock their potential and boost confidence. [8:18] - Dr. Waller offers an example of how finding and supporting children's interests can lead to engagement, making learning enjoyable and meaningful. [11:02] - Creativity extends beyond just art and enhances problem-solving, executive functioning, and cognitive flexibility. [12:18] - Dr. Waller argues that every child has a passion, and recognizing it can help reveal their unique intelligence and abilities. [13:27] - Hear about how a non-reading seven-year-old became an expert on U.S. presidents via creative learning. [16:25] - Allowing children to choose how they learn can lead to motivation and meaningful outcomes. [17:10] - Encouraging creativity with everyday materials such as Amazon boxes can boost confidence and engagement in learning. [19:53] - Hear how a child fascinated by Matchbox cars learned by engaging with experts and real-world experiences. [21:38] - A student who was once labeled "disabled" became a trucking company president, truly showcasing the power of passion-based learning. [24:14] - Dr. Waller highlights using children's passions such as music, to teach phonics. [26:34] - Dr. Waller highlights customizing education to students' interests, using Taylor Swift's music as an example. [29:21] - In encouraging creativity in classrooms, Dr. Waller suggests using simple materials to spark children's curiosity. [31:46] - Dr. Waller recommends keeping a box of various items for kids to use for exploration and creativity. [33:53] - Creativity ultimately fosters engagement, critical thinking, and confidence by aligning interests with learning processes.

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