KindlED | The Prenda Podcast

Ready to unlock the magic of math? 🎉 This episode features Richard Rusczyk, founder of Art of Problem Solving and Beast Academy. His journey—from an “aggressively average” high school in Alabama to Princeton—shows the magic of student empowerment through autonomy and intrinsic motivation. 🚀We explore learning spaces where project-based learning and creative problem-solving shine. Richard explains how leading with questions reduces math anxiety and builds confidence. Through stories of teachers and mentors, he highlights the value of self-paced and mastery-based learning.At Art of Problem Solving, students don’t just excel—they join a vibrant learning community and build lifelong friendships. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑❤️ This episode celebrates the mentors, parents, and educators creating empowered learners. 🙌 Tune in and get inspired to help kids think creatively, overcome challenges, and thrive. 🎧More About Our Guest Richard Rusczyk founded the Art of Problem Solving in 2003 to create interactive educational opportunities for avid math students. Art of Problem Solving now reaches hundreds of thousands of high-potential math students every year through its learning centers, online schools, books, websites, and online learning systems. Richard authored or co-authored 7 math textbooks and was one of the co-creators of the Mandelbrot Competition and a past Director of the USA Mathematical Talent Search. Richard was a participant in National MATHCOUNTS, a three-time participant in the Math Olympiad Summer Program, and a USA Mathematical Olympiad winner (1989). He graduated from Princeton University in 1993.Connect with Richardhttps://artofproblemsolving.com/https://beastacademy.com/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

Ready to dive into another amazing microschool this week? Tara Larsen from Flagstaff, Arizona, shares her journey from public school parent to Prenda guide. Tara's microschool is a shining light of joyful learning.  Listeners will gain insights into how microschools maintain a learner-centered approach, allowing students to enter a flow state where engagement and curiosity lead to deeper learning experiences. The episode underscores the influence of modeling behaviors for children and challenges listeners to rethink generational teaching patterns. Discover how Prenda's culture empowers children to set and surpass their own learning goals, dispelling myths about student motivation while revealing surprising stories of growth and ambition.In the final segment, Tara opens up about overcoming societal pressures and initial fears to embrace non-traditional education for her own children. She highlights the benefits of goal setting and autonomy, and the role of Prenda guides in creating magic through supportive and engaging educational spaces. Learn more about the professional development opportunities for Prenda guides and the supportive community that encourages innovative educational approaches. 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

Are you ready to reimagine education? Join us on this transformative episode of the Kindled podcast as we sit down with Candi Lehenbauer, Prenda guide and the driving force behind Tapestry Academy in Florida. Discover how Candi’s passion for microschooling led her to create a thriving educational environment that has evolved over the past five years. From handling fluctuating student numbers to shifting from a homeschool mindset to a tuition-based model, Candi’s journey is one of resilience and adaptation, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, her work with Microschool Florida highlights the importance of community and innovation in microschooling.Candi overcame her initial fears about starting something new in her community as well as the steep learning curve of starting a business. Hear about the excitement, the hurdles, and the triumphs of transitioning from a homeschool co-op to running a microschool. Learn about the unique strategies Candi employs to manage her microschool environment, emphasizing the importance of social activities, flexible curriculums, and interest-based learning.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

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