

KindlED | The Prenda Podcast
Prenda
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments through microschooling. Powered by Prenda, 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 curiosity, motivation, and well-being in young learners. Do you have a question, topic, or story you'd like to share with us? Get in touch at podcast@prenda.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 18, 2024 • 47min
Season 1 Top 10 | #10 The Power of Agency. A Conversation with Ian Rowe
We're starting off the summer break with #10 of our Top 10 Season 1 episodes. Ever wondered how personal agency can transform lives? In Episode 11 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane welcome author and educational expert Ian Rowe. Ian, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, co-founder of Vertex Partnership Academies, and CEO of Public Prep, shares his inspiring story of personal 'coming of agency.' ABOUT THE GUEST:Ian Rowe is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he focuses on education and upward mobility, family formation, and adoption. Mr. Rowe is also the cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies, a new network of character-based International Baccalaureate high schools opening in the Bronx in 2022; the chairman of the board of Spence-Chapin, a nonprofit adoption services organization; and the cofounder of the National Summer School Initiative. He concurrently serves as a senior visiting fellow at the Woodson Center and a writer for the 1776 Unites Campaign.Until July 1, 2020, Mr. Rowe was CEO of Public Prep, a nonprofit network of public charter schools based in the South Bronx and Lower East Side of Manhattan. Before joining Public Prep, he was deputy director of postsecondary success at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, senior vice president of strategic partnerships and public affairs at MTV, director of strategy and performance measurement at the USA Freedom Corps office in the White House, and cofounder and president of Third Millennium Media. Mr. Rowe also joined Teach for America in its early days.Mr. Rowe has been widely published in the popular press, including in the New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Examiner. He is often interviewed on talk radio programs. With his forthcoming book “Agency” (Templeton Press, May 2022), Ian Rowe seeks to inspire young people of all races to build strong families and become masters of their own destinies.RELEVANT LINKS:BLACK MEN MAKING IT IN AMERICA: The Engines of Economic Success for Black Men in AmericaGot 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

Jun 11, 2024 • 3min
Announcing... Summer Break! Season 1 Recap & What's Next.
What if stepping out of your comfort zone could transform your life? As we wrap up the remarkable first season of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity and Adriane reflect on this incredible journey and the amazing guests who made it unforgettable. This season has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and meaningful conversations that have enriched not only our lives but hopefully yours, too.From addressing the stressors in education and society to sharing actionable advice that makes a real difference, our guests have provided insights that have helped us become better parents, partners, and individuals. As we celebrate these moments, we also look forward to what lies ahead.We're excited to announce that Season 2 will premiere on August 27, bringing even more amazing guests and inspiring discussions. In the meantime, we invite you to revisit our top 10 favorite episodes this summer and get a sneak peek into what's coming next.Thank you for being part of this journey with us. 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

Jun 4, 2024 • 1h 9min
Episode 50: Igniting Greatness. A Conversation with Howard Glasser.
What if you could change your children's lives for the better by simply shifting your focus? Howard Glasser, the brilliant mind behind the Nurtured Heart Approach, joins Kaity and Adriane for a milestone celebration on our 50th episode of The KindlED Podcast. In this special episode, we dive deep into the Nurtured Heart Approach and its transformative power in fostering positive relationships and personal growth. What to listen for:The core principles of the Nurtured Heart ApproachActionable advice for establishing clear, positive rules and the importance of calmness and co-regulation in maintaining healthy relationshipsHow focusing on a child's strengths and building their inner wealth can empower them to tap into their true potentialThe importance of building a portfolio of positive moments to counteract past traumas and the role of personal adversity in sparking a lifelong love of learning and curiosityHow to create boundaries that support and enhance a child's ability to thriveTune in to uncover how the Nurtured Heart Approach can help children thrive by recognizing and igniting their inner greatness. About the guest:Howard Glasser is the founder and creator of the Nurtured Heart Approach®. He is a voice of greatness for children so that they can ultimately find their own voice of greatness. Howard is the author of 15 books, including Transforming the Difficult Child, a longstanding bestseller on intense and challenging children. The Nurtured Heart Approach has been researched by Rutgers University, the University of Arizona’s School of Public Health, and New Mexico State University. He currently teaches at the University of Arizona’s School of Public Health and its Integrative Medicine Program. His upcoming book is an unfolding of the Nurtured Heart Approach from the ‘Inside Out’ Connect with Howard: WebsiteFacebookInstagramEmail: howardglasser@email.arizona.eduBuy his books.Mentioned in this episodeGot 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

May 28, 2024 • 52min
Episode 49: The Importance of Sleep. A Conversation with Lisa Lewis.
What if your teenager could excel in school and be happier and healthier, all by just getting more sleep? Lisa Lewis, a renowned parenting journalist, author, and advocate for adolescent sleep, joins Kaity & Adriane to explore the importance of sleep for teenagers' physical and mental well-being. Tune in to uncover how understanding and addressing the factors that impact teens' sleep can help them thrive.About the guest:Lisa L. Lewis is the author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive. Her book is an outgrowth of her previous work on the topic, including her role in helping get California’s landmark law on healthy school start times passed. Lewis has written for The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, among others, and has appeared on the TODAY show, “On Point,” BBC World Radio, and local radio and TV in Los Angeles, San Francisco and elsewhere. She regularly presents to schools and other organizations about the essential role of sleep. A parent of two, Lisa lives in California with her family.Connect with Lisa: WebsiteGot 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

May 21, 2024 • 1h 13min
Episode 48: Navigating the Teen Brain. A Conversation with Dr. Dean Burnett.
Have you ever wondered about the hidden mechanisms of the teenage brain and how understanding them can shape a more empathetic and supportive environment for our youth? Dean Burnett, a neuroscientist and author, joins Kaity & Adriane to delve into the complexities of adolescent brain development and the critical role of parental influence.What to listen for:• Why teenage brains are wired for risk-taking and seeking new experiences• How practicing good phone hygiene and setting a positive example can impact teen behavior and emotional regulation• Why it's essential for parents to recognize and validate their teenagers' emotions, even when they seem exaggerated or trivial• The difficulties parents face in understanding and empathizing with teenage emotions• Insights into the development of the teenage brain and how this knowledge can guide parents in allowing teens to take calculated risks and learn from their experiencesSo, what are you waiting for? Tune in to uncover the secrets of the teenage brain and how you can better support the young minds in your life.About the guest:Dr Dean Burnett is a doctor of neuroscience, an experienced postgraduate lecturer in psychiatry and mental health, and a sometimes comedian. And, most prominently, an internationally acclaimed science author, producing many books such as The Idiot Brain, Emotional Ignorance and Why Your Parents are Driving You Up The Wall and What to Do About It. Dean is in much demand as a science communicator and pundit, but as several of his books are aimed at teens and young people, he has also spoken at many schools and is involved with numerous projects regarding the mental health and development of young people. He lives in Cardiff, UK, with his wife and their two children, a chaotic beagle and a sociopathic cat.Connect with Dean: • Website• Facebook• Brain Yapping BlogMentioned in this episode:• Brainstorm by Dr. Daniel SiegelGot 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

May 14, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 47: Non-violent Communication. A Conversation with Morris H. Ervin Jr.
Have you ever wondered how the way we communicate can transform our relationships and communities? Morris H. Ervin Jr., an expert in Non-Violent Communication (NVC), joins Kaity & Adriane to explore the profound impact of empathy and honest expression in building meaningful connections.What to listen for:What is Non-Violent Communication (NVC), and why is it crucial for creating empathetic relationships?How can self-connection and self-awareness enhance our ability to communicate effectively?Practical examples of applying NVC in personal relationships to express needs and make clear requests.The transformative power of NVC in the classroom: using curiosity and empathy to address student behavior and needs.So, what are you waiting for? Tune in to gain insights into the art of nonviolent communication and how it can help you build authentic and empathetic connections.About the guest:Morris H. Ervin Jr. is the founder of Mansa Consulting and author of Reflections of a Troubled Black Man: A Teacher’s Quest Turning Fear into Strength and Pain into Passion. With over 20 years of experience, Morris has pioneered social and emotional mentoring programs, leadership seminars, mindfulness retreats, and community engagement initiatives. As a Social Studies Teacher in South Central Los Angeles, he developed a unique African American History curriculum and implemented Nonviolent Communication in the classroom, dedicated to keeping young boys off the streets, out of gangs, and away from prisons.Connect with Morris: WebsiteInstagramMentioned in this episode:The Message by Grand Master FlashThe Center for Nonviolent CommunicationNonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg Giraffe Language and Jackal Language | Nonviolent Communication explained by Marshall RosenbergGot 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

May 7, 2024 • 1h 1min
Episode 46: Why Schools Fail to Innovate. A Conversation with Tom Arnett.
Have you ever wondered if the current educational system truly harnesses the potential within each student? Tom Arnett, a senior research fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, joins us to talk about the significant shifts from traditional learning environments to innovative, technology-enhanced systems that offer personalized education.What to listen for: • What do current parent sentiment and enrollment data tell us about the state of education?• What are the main reasons parents are exploring alternative educational options like microschools and hybrid schools? • Why is change so challenging within traditional education systems?• What does the future hold for education over the next 5 to 10 years?Overall, this episode offers a sneak peek into a future where education is tailored to fit the learning needs of each individual student rather than a one-size-fits-all experience. So, what are you waiting for? Tune in to gain insights into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.About the guest:Thomas Arnett is a senior research fellow for the Clayton Christensen Institute. His work focuses on identifying the enabling conditions for disrupting the conventional batch-processing model of schooling. He also studies the circumstances that lead teachers, administrators, and families to adopt new approaches to education.Thomas began his work in education as a middle school math teacher in Kansas City Public Schools through Teach For America and as an Education Pioneers fellow with the Achievement First Public Charter Schools. He has also served as an elected trustee and board president for the Morgan Hill Unified School District and currently serves as president of the board of Compass Charter Schools.For a full transcript of this episode, go here.Resources mentioned in this episode:• Christensen Institute — christenseninstitute.org • Follow Tom on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasarnett/• Follow Tom on X — https://twitter.com/ArnettTomGot 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

Apr 30, 2024 • 58min
Episode 45: Authentic Creativity & Living in the What If. A Conversation with Melquea Smith.
This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Melquea Smith, a New York-based children's book illustrator who is obsessed with children's media. Melquea shares her love of designing black characters for children's books and creating characters that children can relate to, from the curls of their hair to the unique patterns of their clothes.Melquea also shares the secrets of her craft, her approach to the process of creating authentic black characters in her illustrations, and how she's changing the game by redefining representation in children's literature. This episode also covers the significant shift towards inclusivity in children's books, the challenges illustrators face in the industry when it comes to depicting black characters, and just how important it is for children to see themselves reflected in the books they read.Melquea emphasizes the significance of portraying black joy in children's book illustrations, highlighting how crucial this is for fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth among young black readers. Plus, she even gives us some insight into how we can live in the "what if" and embrace our own authentic creativity in our day-to-day lives.This is an episode you don't want to miss! Tune in now.ABOUT THE GUEST:Melquea Smith is a New York based children's book illustrator with an obsession with children’s media. When not illustrating, you can find her watching cartoons and animated movies, learning all about Japan, practicing Spanish with her cat Kilala, and patting her other cat Bumblebee on her super fluffy tummy.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

6 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 58min
Episode 44: Mastery-based Learning
This podcast discusses mastery-based learning, the risks of excessive screen time, essential features of educational technology, challenges of implementing mastery-based learning without technology, and the benefits of a mastery-focused approach. It explores the impact of technology in promoting mastery-based learning, the importance of personalized teaching methods, and optimizing screen time for effective learning in children.

Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 9min
Episode 43: The Knowledge Gap. A Conversation with Natalie Wexler.
This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Natalie Wexler, an education writer and the author of "The Knowledge Gap," about the root causes of the pervasive knowledge gap, the unintended consequences of modern education, and actionable solutions for closing the achievement gap and igniting a love of learning in students.Episode 43 also explores: 🔥 the significance of explicit instruction, guided practice, and frequent retrieval practice🔥 the link between screen time, family dynamics, and academic success🔥 the importance of having a good curriculum🔥 the systemic challenges that teachers face 🔥 and so much more!So, don't miss out on this insightful conversation and learn how to improve student outcomes in education!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔑 Building knowledge is crucial for student success, particularly in reading comprehension.🔑 Writing instruction can reinforce knowledge and develop analytical abilities.👤 ABOUT THE GUEST 👤Natalie Wexler is an education writer and the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System—and How to Fix It (Avery 2019). She is also the co-author, with Judith C. Hochman, of The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades (Jossey-Bass 2017) and the host of "Reading Comprehension Revisited," a six-episode series for the Knowledge Matters Podcast. Her articles and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The American Scholar, and other publications. She is a senior contributor to Forbes.com, and she has a free Substack newsletter called Minding the Gap. 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