Foundations of Learning

por Shali Flint

Temporada 3

Why Mississippi's Reading Scores Skyrocketed (And What It Means for Your Child)

What if your child's struggle to read has nothing to do with them — and everything to do with how they're being taught? In this episode, I'm breaking down the "Mississippi Miracle" — how a state that used to rank near the bottom in reading scores turned things around and posted some of the biggest reading gains in the country. It wasn't luck, more homework, or a new gadget. It was a shift to explicit, systematic phonics instruction rooted in Structured Literacy. I'll walk you through exactly what Mississippi changed, why so many classrooms still aren't teaching reading this way, and — most importantly — how you can bring these same research-backed principles into your home, no matter where your child is starting from (struggling, brand new to reading, losing confidence, or ready to move ahead). You'll learn: ✔️ What actually happened in Mississippi's reading turnaround ✔️ Why phonemic awareness is the #1 predictor of reading success ✔️ How explicit, systematic phonics instruction works (and why "exposure" isn't enough) ✔️ How high-frequency words should be taught in context, not memorized in isolation ✔️ What a research-backed, at-home reading routine actually looks like I also share a bit about how these exact principles are built into my Level 1 and Level 2 Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum, and how you can join the waitlist for Level 3. Check out K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources to get started today: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse for Parents 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse for Parents Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources Your child isn't the problem — the approach is. And the right approach changes everything.

T3 · E15

20 ago 2026

8:07

The Neuroscience of Confident Learners: How Parents Can Use Brain Science at Home | Dr. Lisa Riegel

In this episode of Foundations of Learning, we sit down with Dr. Lisa Riegel — Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University, author of NeuroWell: The Science of Feeling Better, Thinking Better, and Leading Better, and creator of the 7C Framework for lasting engagement. With over 25 years working with schools and families, Lisa translates neuroscience into simple, doable strategies parents can use at home. Connect with Dr. Lisa Riegel: Website Engagement Partners Institute LinkedIn Book a session Books on Amazon K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources

T3 · E14

20 may 2026

53:57

How to Raise Entrepreneurial Kids: Teaching Financial Literacy & Confidence Early

What if the skills your child needs most… aren’t being taught in school? In this episode, we sit down with Leah Ellis, founder of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs, to explore how entrepreneurship can become one of the most powerful tools for raising confident, resilient, and capable kids. Connect with Leah and The Society of Child Entrepreneurs: Facebook Instagram Website Learn More Skool Community K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources

T3 · E13

30 mar 2026

54:51

Why Your Child Isn’t Learning to Read (3 Signs It’s the Wrong Approach)

If reading lessons feel frustrating… you’re not alone. Between the mess, the interruptions, and trying to teach your child while managing everything else—it’s easy to wonder: “Why isn’t this clicking yet?” In this episode, I’m breaking down the 3 biggest signs your child doesn’t need more practice… they need a different reading approach. We’ll cover: ✔ Why guessing words is a red flag (and what it actually means) ✔ The real reason your child “forgets everything” overnight ✔ Why reading time turns into a battle—and how to fix it Here’s the truth most parents aren’t told: 👉 Struggling readers don’t need more time. They need the right method. If you’re ready for reading lessons that actually work in real-life, busy homes… ➡️ Start your child’s reading journey here: FREE Assessment Mnemonic Cards K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources

T3 · E12

24 mar 2026

10:59

Why So Many Kids Aren’t Thriving in School (And How The Good and the Beautiful Helps)

If your child isn’t thriving in school… it might not be them. In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really going on—and what parents can do differently. In this conversation, I sit down with Patch Crowe from The Good and the Beautiful to talk about what’s actually happening beneath the surface when kids aren’t thriving academically. 🔗 Learn more about The Good and the Beautiful: Website Instagram Follow Patch: Instagram Explore more content: YouTube Kids Channel TikTok 🎙️ Don’t forget to: Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it. K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources

T3 · E11

18 mar 2026

1:00:26

Why Kids Who Play More Often Become Better Readers

Most parents think learning to read starts with letters, phonics worksheets, or handwriting practice. But neuroscience tells a very different story. Long before children recognize letters or blend sounds, their brains are building the foundational systems that make reading and writing possible. In this episode, we explore why unstructured play is one of the most powerful foundations for literacy development and how movement, sensory experiences, imagination, and social play build the brain pathways children rely on for reading success. You’ll learn: • Why climbing, balancing, and outdoor play strengthen attention and reading fluency • How sensory input helps children sit still, listen to sounds, and write letters later • Why imaginative play builds language and comprehension skills • The connection between social play, self-regulation, and reading stamina • How parents can support both play-based brain development AND structured literacy If you’ve ever worried your child might be falling behind in reading, this conversation will help you understand what their brain actually needs first. Play isn’t wasted time. Play is the pre-reading curriculum. Small wins start early. Big confidence lasts a lifetime. If you're ready to support your child with brain-aligned literacy tools, you can explore my resources: K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources

T3 · E10

11 mar 2026

15:41

The Truth About Homeschooling: Socialization, School System Gaps & What Parents Need to Know

Homeschooling is one of the most misunderstood educational choices a family can make. In this honest and encouraging conversation with Cheri Boissonnault of Raising Aspens and Arrows, we talk about: • What first led her family to consider homeschooling • The truth about socialization (yes… we go there 👀) • How homeschooling changes as kids grow • The real strengths — and real gaps — in today’s school system • What’s easier than expected (and what’s more challenging) • How to stay grounded when people question your choices • What learning can look like outside the traditional model If you’re a parent quietly wondering: “Is this system actually serving my child?” “Could I really homeschool?” “What about social skills?” This episode will feel like a deep breath. Our hope is that this conversation encourages you to explore what education can look like — not just what it has always looked like. 📲 Connect with Cheri Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingaspensandarrows Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582722281954 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raisingaspensandarrows K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources

T3 · E9

3 mar 2026

1:05:25

Why Traditional Grammar Instruction Fails (And What To Do Instead) | With Patty McGee

Grammar doesn’t have to mean worksheets, red pens, and bored kids. In this episode of the Foundations of Learning podcast, I’m joined by literacy expert and author Patty McGee to talk about her book, Not Your Granny’s Grammar, and how we can rethink grammar instruction so it actually supports reading, writing, and confidence. If you’ve ever: Dreaded teaching grammar Felt like grammar didn’t connect to real writing Wondered if your child is “bad at grammar” Or felt intimidated teaching it yourself This conversation is for you. We discuss: ✔️ Why traditional grammar instruction often falls flat ✔️ What “not your granny’s grammar” really means ✔️ How grammar can support reading and writing — not compete with them ✔️ Low-pressure, high-impact ways parents can support language at home ✔️ How to rebuild confidence in kids who think they’re “bad at grammar” ✔️ What joyful grammar instruction actually looks like Whether you're a homeschool parent, classroom teacher, or supporting your struggling reader at home, this episode will help you see grammar in a completely new light. 📚 Patty’s Book & Resources Grab Not Your Granny’s Grammar here: www.pattymcgee.org Connect with Patty: Instagram: @pmgmcgee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-mcgee-36507926/ If this episode encouraged you, subscribe and share it with another parent who needs this message. K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources

T3 · E8

27 feb 2026

54:41

Early Signs of Reading Struggles in Kids & What Parents Can Do

Reading doesn’t begin with letters. It begins with language. In this episode, I’m walking you through: • The early signs of reading struggles in toddlers and young children • Why letter practice alone often doesn’t work • What phonological awareness actually is (in simple parent terms) • How to strengthen pre-reading skills through play • What to do if your child forgets letter sounds daily • The difference between memorizing and mastering reading skills Many parents think: “If I just read more books, it’ll click.” “If we practice flashcards more consistently, they’ll remember.” “Maybe my child just isn’t a strong reader.” But often, the real issue isn’t intelligence or effort. It’s foundation. When we strengthen phonological awareness — rhyming, syllables, sound awareness, vocabulary — letters start to stick naturally. This episode will help you: ✔ Feel confident spotting early reading challenges ✔ Understand what skills come before reading ✔ Support your child in simple, play-based ways ✔ Build confidence without worksheets or overwhelm You are not behind. Your child is not behind. You’re building the foundation. Phonological Awareness Resources FREE Phonological Awareness Mat K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources

T3 · E7

17 feb 2026

14:10

Can Schools Build Accountability Without Punishment?

In this episode, Shali sits down with Nicholas Bradford, restorative justice expert and founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice, for an honest and nuanced conversation about discipline in schools. Where do restorative practices truly transform school culture — and where are there tensions or unanswered questions? Together, they explore: • The difference between punishment and accountability • The impact of compliance-driven environments on children • What “repairing harm” really looks like • How strong-willed children are often misunderstood • Where restorative justice succeeds — and where implementation gets complicated • Practical tools parents and educators can use immediately This is not a one-sided conversation. It’s a thoughtful dialogue about how we support children in ways that build identity, belonging, and responsibility — without losing structure. Get in touch with Nicholas and his team: Website: nationalcenterforrestorativejustice.com Nicholas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordnicholas/ Network: https://nc4rj-network.mn.co/share/dqvuwroCsNuCKex7?utm_source=manual K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources

T3 · E6

13 feb 2026

59:22

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