KindlED | The Prenda Podcast

Our guest, Julia, made a bold leap from the public school system to create a transformative Prenda microschool right in her home. In this first installment of our three-part series, where we interview real microschool guides, Julia reveals the magic behind this unique educational approach. She shares her personal journey from burnout to reigniting her passion for teaching by fostering deep relationships and personalized learning paths for her students. Julia details her experience as a Prenda guide and how her microschool offers a flexible yet structured environment, promoting both autonomy and rigor for her students. Finally, we delve into the challenges and successes of implementing the Prenda learning model, emphasizing the significance of honesty, humility, and commitment from both students and families. Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcastThe KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question?We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!Important links:• Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool?Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

It's the moment you've been waiting for all summer break... Introducing our #1 Top Season 1 episode:Embracing Individuality. A Conversation with Todd Rose.On this episode of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane chat with Todd Rose, co-founder and CEO of Populace. They delve into the myth of the "average person" and the power of personalized learning.This episode also explores:the evolution of the "average" concept in education;the challenges posed by conventional teaching methods;insights into Benjamin Bloom's work on mastery learning and its impact on academic growth;strategies for teaching self-determination and the critical role of parents in this process;and so much more!Join us as we envision a future where personalized education leads to optimal outcomes in both health and learning.ABOUT THE GUEST:Todd Rose is the Co-Founder and CEO of Populace. Previously, he was a professor at Harvard, where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and served as the director of the Mind, Brain, and Education program. Todd is the author of three best-selling books, Collective Illusions, Dark Horse, and The End of Average. He earned his Bachelors from Weber State University and his Masters and Doctorate from Harvard.RELEVANT LINKS:PopulaceCollective IllusionsThe End of AverageDark HorseGot a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcastThe KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question?We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!Important links:• Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool?Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

We're continuing summer break with #2 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Can a child's self-esteem and academic performance be profoundly impacted by the labels they receive? This is one of the many crucial questions we explore in our re-release of a cherished episode with Seth Perler, a passionate advocate for children with ADHD and executive function challenges. Kaity and Adriane dive into the significant effects of inhibited dopamine function on children's behavior and development. They discuss learning differences, emphasizing the importance of advocating for each child's unique strengths and addressing the systemic roadblocks that can hinder their progress.You'll leave this episode with actionable strategies to assist children grappling with executive function hurdles. Whether establishing a curated study environment or breaking down organizational skills into color-coded victories, we look beyond the typical toolbox, encouraging positive reinforcement and the delicate art of advocacy without hovering. In this episode, we share our journeys from struggling students to empowered educators and advocates for kids with executive function challenges. Hear how negative labels shaped our self-esteem and academic performance, and how a chance job working with children kindled our passion for teaching. We also critique the disconnect between educational administrators and the real-world challenges faced by teachers and students, underscoring the need to nurture each child's strengths and interests to help them thrive.We also provide practical strategies for managing executive function challenges, such as using planners and organizing personal spaces, and we delve into the relationship between executive function and sensory issues, particularly in twice-exceptional (2E) children. This episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt stories, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to make a difference in a child's life.ABOUT THE GUEST:Seth wears many hats in the Executive Function, Neurodiversity, ADHD, 2e, and Education worlds: activist, coach, speaker, educator, vlogger, and guy who cares about seeing outside-the-box kids succeed. Seth also runs TEFOS, The Executive Function Online Summit.At the heart of it, Seth helps struggling learners navigate a baffling system so they can launch a successful futGot a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcastThe KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question?We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!Important links:• Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool?Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

We're continuing summer break with #3 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Join Kaity and Adriane as they chat with Dr. Deborah McNamara, a clinical counselor and educator with more than 25 years of experience working with children, youth, and adults, who unpacks her book "Rest, Play, Grow." This episode also explores:the importance of providing a supportive environment that allows children to rest in the security of their attachments  outdated behavioral methods that push for early independencehow true growth stems from strong relational foundationskids' unique developmental stagesthe concept of counterwillpractical strategies to foster cooperation and reduce conflictthe critical role of attachment in human development,how to build strong, lasting parental bonds and protect children from negative peer influencesand so much more!Tune in now for practical advice and profound insights that are sure to resonate with anyone involved in nurturing the next generation.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcastThe KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question?We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!Important links:• Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool?Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

We're continuing summer break with #4 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Join Kaity and Adriane as we discover how to nurture emotional resilience in children with guest Lael Stone, an expert in emotional intelligence. In this episode, she shares invaluable insights, from staying calm during emergencies to fostering emotional well-being, illustrated through a touching personal story about her daughter's injury. You'll gain practical advice on creating a nurturing environment that helps children thrive both emotionally and mentally.We also explore the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships and behavior. Lael emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and trauma-informed practices in education, detailing how our early imprints shape interactions and stress responses. This conversation sheds light on the necessity for adults to heal their wounds to offer better support to the younger generation. By adopting these practices, we can create compassionate spaces that enable children to grow into emotionally healthy adults.Lael even shares her journey with trauma and PTSD, underscoring the significance of somatic experiences in the healing process. We also discuss transformative educational practices at the Woodline Primary School, which focuses on emotional well-being and connection. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for parents, educators, and anyone interested in fostering resilience and emotional health in both children and themselves. So what are you waiting for? Join us for this enlightening conversation and start your journey toward a more compassionate and emotionally intelligent future.ABOUT THE GUEST:Lael Stone is the co-author of Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children. Lael is an educator, TEDx speaker, consultant, and counselor who has been working with families for over 20 years. She is the co-creator of Woodline Primary School, an innovative new school based on emotional well-being and connection. Lael is the co-host of The Aware Parenting Podcast and a sought-after public speaker who talks candidly about her experiences and her great passion for creating wellness in families through connection and communication.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcastThe KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question?We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!Important links:• Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool?Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

We're continuing summer break with #5 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Ever wondered how transforming education from within can ignite a child's natural curiosity?  Kaity and Adriane chat with Trevor MacKenzie, an experienced teacher, author, keynote speaker, and inquiry consultant, about this question and more. Trevor shares his journey of reshaping the educational landscape, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong teacher-student relationships and creating psychologically safe learning environments. He reveals how a values-driven, student-focused approach can significantly enhance academic achievement and student agency.Get inspired by the stories of students transitioning from traditional to inquiry-based learning environments and the role parents play in nurturing a love for learning at home. Trevor discusses the necessity of scaffolding and gradually introducing students to different levels of inquiry to build their agency. With tips on creating psychologically safe spaces and fostering resilience, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone invested in modern education. Don't miss the chance to learn how to empower children to explore their interests and thrive.ABOUT THE GUEST:Trevor MacKenzie is an experienced teacher, author, keynote speaker and inquiryconsultant who has worked in schools throughout Australia, Asia, North America, South Africa, and Europe. He is an inquiry practitioner currently as a teacher with the Greater Victoria School District in Victoria, Canada. He has three publications: Dive into Inquiry, Inquiry Mindset Elementary Edition, and Inquiry Mindset Assessment Edition. He has vast experience supporting schools across several years in implementation strategies in public schools, international schools, and International Baccalaureate programs.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcastThe KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question?We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!Important links:• Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool?Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

We're continuing summer break with #6 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.What would it mean for your child to be described as resilient, empathetic, and self-assured? This episode offers you a roadmap to nurturing those very qualities. Discover the transformative power of shifting from a carpenter to a gardener mentality, among other paradigm shifts, as Kaity and Adriane revisit our second episode. They explore the real goals and roles of adults in empowering young minds, offering reflective exercises and analogies to help listeners reframe their perceptions and create environments that "kindle."Whether you're a parent, teacher, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to support the young minds you're helping to shape.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcastThe KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question?We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!Important links:• Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool?Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

We're continuing summer break with #7 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes.Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to address challenging behaviors in children without resorting to punishment? On this episode of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane revisit a groundbreaking conversation about collaborative problem-solving. Their conversation dives deep into the developmental expectations placed on children and the need for age-appropriate support. This episode also explores:parenting challenges and triumphsthe power of patiencethe importance of modeling positive behaviortechnology's place in our kids' lives and how to support their digital exploration effectivelyand so much more!So tune in, forget everything you thought you knew about discipline, and discover how to guide your kids through life's tumbles with empathy and understanding.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcastThe KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question?We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!Important links:• Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool?Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

Find out how to empower children by giving them more control over their lives with renowned neuropsychologist Bill Stixrud. Learn about shifting from fear-driven to consultative parenting, managing parental anxieties, tackling homework issues, and creating nurturing environments for children to flourish.

We're continuing summer break with #9 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. On this episode, Kaity and Adriane chat with KJ Althoff,  Director of Content for Big Life Journal. This episode is all about navigating a child's emotions and how it can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves. KJ shares her insights into gentle parenting and fostering emotional literacy in children.This episode also explores:the challenges of regulating our own emotions while teaching our children to manage theirs how co-regulating alongside kids can create a nurturing environmentthe strategies of gentle parentingguiding with respect and patiencechildren's developmental stagesthe impact of fear-based approachesand so much more!Learn all about resources like Big Life Journal and its new platform, GrowthMinded, that offer support for parents committed to raising resilient and kind-hearted children.So, join us for an insightful and candid exploration of emotional regulation and gentle parenting, and discover how we can create a generation that embraces their feelings with courage and self-compassion. ABOUT THE GUEST:KJ is the Director of Content for Big Life Journal. She has also built her community on social media with over 100k followers on Instagram, sharing about her gentle parenting journey as well as healing from childhood wounds. She has a master's degree in mental health counseling and is also a certified parenting coach. KJ and her husband, Adam, have been married for seven years. They have a 6-year-old son, who is the reason KJ began her gentle and conscious parenting journey more than three years ago.‍🔗 RELEVANT LINKS 🔗🌐 Big Life Journal🪴 GrowthMindedGot a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcastThe KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being. Got a burning question?We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!Important links:• Connect with us on social • Get our free literacy curriculum Interested in starting a microschool?Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool