In Episode 10 of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity and Adriane explore the creation of enriching environments that empower children to unlock their potential, drawing parallels with the immersive world of video games like Super Mario Bros. They talk about merit-based approval, conditional relationships, mental health among high school students, and the need for nurturing resilience, grit, and safety. They advocate for fostering a world where children are empowered learners, focusing on promoting individual learning paths and boosting confidence, competence, and academic achievement. Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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

In Episode 9 of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity and Adriane dive into the fascinating world of the nervous system. Joined by Dr. Debra Em Wilson, a seasoned educator, consultant, and author of 'The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning,' they explore how integrating neuroscience and neurodevelopmental activities into academics can help kids unlock their full potential and become empowered learners.ABOUT THE GUEST: Debra is the Founder of S’cool Moves and a graduate from the University of Southern Queensland Professional Studies Program. Her dissertation uncovered attributes of successful collaboration between occupational therapists and general education teachers working together in the classroom environment.Dr. Wilson is a Reading Specialist who possesses teaching credentials in the areas of biology, physical education, multiple subjects, and reading and language specialist. Debra has taught at the college, high school, and elementary levels.Debra consults with districts, focusing on collaboration between support staff and teachers. For over twenty years, her workshops have provided evidence-based strategies to support all students in the classroom. She is the author of numerous books and instructional materials integrating neuroscience and neurodevelopmental activities into academics. Her latest additions are two books published by Norton, The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning: Transforming Classrooms One Nervous System at a Time and The Polyvagal Backpack: Classroom Activities for Focused, Joyful Learning.Debra’s experience as the mother of a child with a constellation of challenges enhances her understanding of children who learn differently and have a difficult time fitting in with their peers.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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

In Episode 8 of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity and Adriane delve into the profound significance of play in childhood development and learning. Drawing from the wisdom of experts like Fred Donaldson and Susan Linn, they discuss how play serves as a foundation for creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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

In Episode 7 of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity and Adriane sit down with renowned author and developmentalist Dr. Deborah MacNamara. Known for her profound work in understanding the intricacies of child development, Dr. MacNamara shares her insights into the way children perceive and interact with the world around them.This episode shifts the spotlight on the inherent difference between Behaviorism and Developmental Theory, shedding light on the importance of understanding a child from the inside out. Tune in to Episode 7 of The KindlED Podcast and take a deep dive into the fascinating world of child development. ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Deborah MacNamara is a clinical counselor and developmentalist, the author of "Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one)," and "The Sorry Plane," a children’s picture book. She is on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute, is the Director of Kid’s Best Bet Counselling, and presents on child and adolescent development to parents and professionals internationally.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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

In episode 6 of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity and Adriane take a deep dive into the fascinating world of the autonomic nervous system. Using their real-life experiences and insights from renowned researchers, they unravel the complex relationship between neuroscience and our reactions to the world around us.Tune in to explore the science behind human emotions and behaviors and how you can apply this knowledge to better nurture the young minds around you.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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

In episode 5 of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity Broadbent and Adriane Thompson chat with Dr. Gina Riley, an educational psychologist, and expert in homeschooling, unschooling, and self-directed learning. Dr. Riley shares her experience and research on Self-Determination Theory and how it impacts students' motivation and well-being. Tune in to discover how you can create environments that support students' psychological needs, promote deeper respect for learners, and inspire lasting change in education systems. About the Guest: Gina Riley, Ph.D. is an educational psychologist, Clinical Professor, and Program Director of the Adolescent Special Education Program at CUNY Hunter College. Dr. Riley has over 25 years of experience in online, hybrid, and hyflex teaching and learning at the college/university level. She is known internationally for her work within the fields of homeschooling, unschooling, and intrinsically motivated, self-directed learning. She is currently the President-Elect of the New York State Association of Teacher Educators and a faculty advisor for Supported Decision Making New York (sdmny.org), which is an alternative to legal guardianship for individuals with disabilities. Her books include Unschooling: Exploring Learning Beyond the Classroom (2020); The Homeschooling Starter Guide (2021); and The Joys of Self Determined Learning (2022).Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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

In episode 4 of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity Broadbent and Adriane Thompson talk about the hidden effects of punishments & rewards on a child's motivation & well-being. Discover insights and strategies for fostering a more empowering and holistic approach to nurturing your child's growth.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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

In episode 3 of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity Broadbent and Adriane Thompson talk with Bill Stixrud, co-author of "The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control over Their Lives."Dr. William (Bill) R. Stixrud is a clinical neuropsychologist, founder of The Stixrud Group, a member of the teaching faculty at Children's National Medical Center, and an assistant professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine. He is the author, with Ned Johnson, of the bestseller "The Self-Driven Child." He is also a frequent lecturer on adolescent brain development, stress & more. 📚 Want to read "The Self-Driven Child?" Buy it here.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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

In this episode of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity Broadbent and Adriane Thompson dive deep into the real goals and roles of adults in empowering young minds. Explore how embracing a growth mindset and creating relationship-driven learning environments can significantly impact child development and emotional well-being. Through engaging analogies and reflective exercises, you’ll also learn practical strategies to shift from a control-based approach to a mentorship role that fosters autonomy and resilience in children. Tune in to discover how you can help you better support the young people in your life and create environments that “kindle.”Relevant links:Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklThe Dot by Peter H. Reynolds Make teaching fun again… The 3 ShiftsGiving Children More Control. A Conversation with Bill StixrudBuilding Healthy Brains. A Conversation with Ned JohnsonGot a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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

In our very first episode of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity Broadbent and Adriane Thompson introduce KindlED's mission, share their journey to Prenda, and discuss the importance of empowering learners.Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!About the podcast:The 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 • Subscribe to The Sunday Spark• 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