90-Minute School Day

Ep 17 - Put Curriculum in its Place!

Join host Kelly Edwards in this eye-opening episode of "The 90-Minute School Day" podcast, featuring an enlightening discussion with grown unschooler, Liana Francisco. Together, they explore the intriguing notion of moving beyond traditional homeschooling curriculums and embracing a more effortless, natural learning process.
The episode delves into their personal experiences in their home learning journeys, addressing the common dilemmas of curriculum selection, navigating the overwhelming options, and confronting the fear of mistakes.
Liana offers a unique perspective on how learning can succeed without any formal curriculum, challenging common misconceptions and revealing home education as a tool for parental personal growth.
Listen, and be inspired to rethink your approach to homeschooling, letting go of rigid structures and resistant learners in favour of a more fluid, personally-tailored educational approach.
The tips and insights shared are designed to support you on your homeschooling voyage, encouraging alignment of personal values and goals with the educational journey embarked upon by your child.
Resources and Support:
Featured Product: "A Study of Seeds." A guided family study from seed to sprout, learn all about seeds this spring in under 90 minutes a day with this open and go plan.
Shop Our Family's Homeschool Favorites In Our Amazon Store.  The binoculars mentioned under the category "Nature Study."
Join the Waitlist for 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ – The next co-hort coaching series starts Fall 2024!  
 

Ep. 16 - Cabin Fever to Spring Fever: 5 Reasons to Take Your Homeschool Outdoors

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a surge of energy, excitement, and distraction in our homeschools.  Cabin Fever has been cured by Spring Fever, so how do you cure Spring Fever?
 
In today's episode, we're going to explore strategies to navigate this season effectively, ensuring that both you and your children stay engaged, inspired, and on track with your learning goals.
 
Inside this Episode:
Spring Fever: Opportunity, Not Obstacle
Nature is the Ultimate Classroom
Answering “What Is Natural Learning?”
Fostering Connection with Our Kids
 
Share this episode with a friend!!
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it within your homeschooling community. Let's harness the energy of the season to cultivate curiosity and watch the seeds of natural learning sprout!
 
Resources and Support:
Featured Product: "A Study of Seeds." A guided family study from seed to sprout, learn all about seeds this spring in under 90 minutes a day with this open and go plan.
 
Shop Our Family's Homeschool Favorites In Our Amazon Store.  The binoculars mentioned under the category "Nature Study."
 
Join the Waitlist for 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ – The next co-hort coaching series starts Fall 2024!  
 
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method if you’re ready to start today.
 
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ with your homeschool community here.
 
Share your homeschool with this community! Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.

Ep. 15 – Your Must-Have Homeschool Guide

Here is your permission slip to try a different path!  If conventional schooling or homeschooling is a point of frustration, overwhelm or accumulating stress for you and your child, this is your invitation to become a guide instead of a teacher.
 
90 minutes a day is all you need to offer all your children (regardless of age) a world-class education.
 
This episode previews Guide Training™, delving into the transformative approach of guiding children in homeschooling rather than simply teaching them.  Emphasis is placed on understanding neurodiversity and adopting natural learning practices through deschooling, using biological rhythms instead of schedules, and viewing learning using the 90-Minute School Day™ lens.
 
This approach has 4 pillars and uses the Stages of Change model to implement:
Deschooling
Homeschooling Neurodiversity
Synching Your Biological Rhythms
Applying the 90-Minute School Day framework
 
Tune-in now for a sneak peek into Guide Training™ and discover how it equips parents with the tools to navigate homeschooling challenges effectively.
 
Resources and Support:
 
Join Waitlist for 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ – The next co-hort starts Fall of 2024!
 
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method if you’re ready to start today.
 
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ with your community here.
 
Share your homeschool with this community! Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here

Ep. 14 – Strewing for Success in Your Homeschool

Strewing. What is it and Why should I do it?
Welcome to Season 2 of the 90-Minute School Day podcast! In this episode, discover the secrets behind successful strewing and how it can turn your homeschool into a vibrant hub of curiosity and exploration
Why Strewing Matters:
Strewing is a catalyst for observation and deepening your deschooling.
Tune-in to learn what strewing is, why you should do it, and practical tips for seamless integration into your daily routine.
 
Inside the Episode:
Exploring Strewing Through a Cat’s Perspective
Defining Strewing and its Philosophical Connections
Benefits of Strewing
How to Strew using 4 Categories of Environments
Real-life Examples
Answering Common Strewing Questions
Mindset Moment: Embracing the Process of Learning
 
Spread the Word and Happy Strewing!
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it within your homeschooling community. Let's cultivate curiosity and watch the blooms of exploration unfold.
 
Resources and Support:
Grab the Strewing Cheat Sheet here.  Print out this list and keep it handy for the next time you need a little inspiration for strewing.
 
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
 
Join Waitlist for 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ – The next co-hort starts on March 7, 2024!  Waitlist registration opens Feb 27th.
 
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method if you’re ready to start today.
 
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ with your community here.
 
Share your homeschool with this community! Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.
 

Ep. 13 - Don’t Let Demands Overwhelm You: Less is More

Discover a revolutionary approach to parenting and homeschooling!
Join host Kelly Edwards as she engages in a live recorded conversation with Amanda Diekman, author of "Low Demand Parenting” and Robyn Robertson of Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids.
Amanda walks us through her personal journey through burnout, breaking societal norms, and finding freedom outside conventional boxes. She shares practical tips for navigating demands, recognizing your capacity, and building trust with your children. If you're a parent seeking joy, healing, and a unique path, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode we answer the following questions:
I’m a new homeschooler and I’m very nervous about 24/7 with my kiddo.  I’m worried about my own burnout and self-care...help!
How do I strew as a neurodivergent parent with executive functioning challenges?
How do I work with my kiddo who never has enough, who is always asking for more time together, more play?
How do I low demand parent a 1-year-old and 3-year-old?
Are demands a social construct?
Tips for the low demand lifestyle, homeschooling and working from home?
What are the signs of PDA and how do I get it diagnosed?
What other diagnosis are made in lieu of PDA not being in the DSM 5?
Tune-in for insights that will reshape your parenting experience!
 
Resources and Support:
 
Amanda Diekman’s Website and Instagram
Buy Amanda’s book, Low Demand Parenting
Robyn Robertson’s podcast, Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids
Book - Burnout: Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Nagoski sisters
Learn more about PDA here: PDA North America
Join Waitlist for 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ – The next co-hort is March 2024!
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method if you’re ready to start today.
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ with your community here.
Share your homeschool with this community! Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.
 

Ep. 12 – Chaos to Clarity! The Craft of Personal Retreats

In this special episode of the 90-Minute School Day podcast, I guide you through the transformative practice of crafting personal retreats.
 
Together, we delve into the essence of these intentional breaks, exploring why they're crucial in preventing burnout and fostering personal and familial growth.
 
In this episode you will learn:
What are personal retreats?
The need for retreats.
Why they matter.
When and how long should they be?
How to plan your retreat.
Logistics and responsibilities to consider.
What to bring.
The art and craft of retreating.
Post-retreat: moving forward
 
I encourage you to embrace change gradually, making personal rest and assessment a healthy habit integrated into your routine on a regular basis.
 
Until next time, nurture yourself and thrive on your homeschooling journey.
 
Resources and Support:
 
Grab our homeschool planning worksheets:  My Learning Year and Homeschool Year in Review  (I use these seasonally instead of yearly – they run from retreat to retreat).
 
Our Week At-A-Glance Sheet – we keep this over our kitchen sink for easy visual reference each day.  Reminders of who is in meetings, appointments, activities, and social engagements.  Most importantly – what is for dinner!
 
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
 
Join Waitlist for 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ – The next co-hort is Spring 2024!
 
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method if you’re ready to start today.
 
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ with your community here.
 
Share your homeschool with this community! Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.
 

Ep. 11 – Play Homeschool Holiday Hooky!

In this special holiday episode of the 90-Minute School Day podcast, you’re invited to take a break from your usual learning routine and embrace the gift of "Holiday Hooky."
 
Let’s get tactical on navigating the busy month of December and finding balance amidst gatherings, festivities, and daily responsibilities.
 
This episode emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing peace during the holiday season. Gain the encouragement you need as a homeschooling parent to assess your values and make intentional decisions that align with your family's goals.
 
Here’s your permission slip to take a break from traditional learning and play "Holiday Hooky" instead.  The benefits of this break are explored, highlighting how novelty and a change of pace can enhance learning experiences.
 
Delve into five key areas of learning inspired by Maria Montessori to offer a fresh perspective on how holiday activities that happen naturally in your home contribute to education. These areas are: Practical Life, Sensorial experiences, Language, Math, and Cultural understanding.
 
Everyday examples of holiday activities are shared and the learning within them decoded through the lens of these 5 areas.  Together, we explore the richness of learning opportunities embedded in holiday traditions, encouraging you to align these experiences with your homeschooling goals.
 
One of the gifts of the season you receive in this episode is the gift of presence: encouragement to prioritize family time, recognize the value of the holiday season in fostering learning, and play "Holiday Hooky."
 
Resources and Support:
 
Free Boundaries Scripts – grab your 30+ boundary scripts here to adapt to use with family and friends.
 
Episode 10 – Why Don’t Kids Like School?
 
Watch this video: how I use visual positioning during the holidays.
 
Shopping for gifts for your favorite learners?  Here are the curated lists of our favorite learning items.
 
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
 
Join Waitlist for 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ – The next co-hort is Spring 2024!
 
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method if you’re ready to start today.
 
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here
 
Share your homeschool with this community! Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.
 

Ep. 10 - Why don’t kids like school?

In this episode we address the universal question: "Why don’t kids like school?" Tune-in and re-consider the challenges faced by children in conventional school settings (both at home and in a classroom) and what home educating parents may want to do differently.
 
Unraveling the Mystery:
This episode challenges the perception that kids don't like learning.  Instead, we suggest that adults may struggle to recognize and honor learning that is meaningful to the child.  Listen in and explore the idea of actively engaging with children's self-chosen learning, entering their world, and offering non-judgmental support.
 
Reshaping the Approach to Learning:
We examine the need to reevaluate and reshape the approach to learning in homeschools by:
Introducing the philosophy of the 90-Minute School Day, drawing inspiration from educational philosophers Maria Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and John Holt.
Defining deschooling and its benefits.
Answering, “Is deschooling the same as unschooling?”
Discussing the challenges in shifting paradigms.
Carving out a space for natural learning.
Linking neuroscience to thinking and learning.
Building memory libraries in children’s minds.
Sharing practical takeaways.
 
Resources and Support:
Join us regularly for more insights into homeschooling strategies.  Subscribe, rate, review and share!
“Why Don’t Student’s Like School?” – article from American Educator by Daniel T. Willingham
Episode 9 – The Science of Attachment: Reading Aloud is Key
How Children Learn by John Holt
Montessori: A Modern Approach: The Classic Introduction to Montessori for Parents and Teachers by Paula Polk Lillard
For the Children’s Sake: Foundations for Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macauley
Episode 4 – Escape the Homeschool Comparison Trap
Episode 6 -  Unlock Your Child’s Superpowers: The Magic of Observation
Need some support defending your homeschooling choices?  Grab 30+ boundary scripts to adapt and use.
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
Join Waitlist for 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ – The next co-hort is Spring 2024!
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method if you’re ready to start today.
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here
Share your homeschool with this community! Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.

Ep. 9 - The Science of Attachment: Reading Aloud is Key

Delve into the world of neurobiology and attachment, exploring the profound impact reading aloud has on relational synchronicity.  Reading aloud activates the whole brain and grows our collective cognitive and emotional empathy.
This episode closes our series on reading aloud.  The other episodes in the series are:
Episode 7, "If You Do Nothing Else, Read Aloud," and Episode 8, "Read Aloud with Neurodivergence."
In this episode you will learn:
The Concept of Reading Aloud and Attachment
Relational Safety is a Basic Need
Development and Anatomy of the Brain
Where Language is Processed in the Brain: Analytic and Gestalt Processors.
Brain Functions and Attachment
Left Brain:
Linear, Logic, Language
Words, Symbols, Rules
Parts to Whole
Abstract Thinking
Patterns – looks for order in chaos and fits into a linear story
Right Brain:
Relational, Big Picture, Emotion
Images + experience
Whole to part
Concrete Thinking: Memories, Connection with body – Sensory system (autobiographical)
Stories stick because they are imbedded in an image
Reading Aloud as a Whole Brain Activity
Story
Karema Akilah, a fellow homeschooling mom and self-directed education thought leader, shares a favorite memory and read aloud with us that includes a challenge to living life without school.
Mindset Moment
Resources and Support
Join us regularly for more insights into homeschooling strategies.
Subscribe, share, and remember – as homeschooling parents, you’re shaping a relational family culture that celebrates curiosity, connection, and the joy of learning. ✨
Share your homeschool with this community! Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.
Grab our family’s read aloud list to find your next great read.
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
Join the waitlist for Guide Training™, a live group learning environment of homeschool parents, I guide you so you can guide them.  In this program we go deep, build our invisible toolkit and make new friends.  It’s only offered twice a year. 
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here.
Connect with featured mom, Karema here.
Citations:
Article - Understanding Unconscious Bias
Dr. Allan Schore – Annals of General Psychiatry
Study - Conscious processing of narrative stimuli synchronizes heart rate between individuals
Article - Is Your Child A Gestalt Processor?
Dr. Dan Siegel - The Whole Brain Child
Huberman Lab Podcast – Science of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship & Romantic Love
I’d love to connect with you personally too: find me on Instagram!
You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!
Kelly
 

Ep. 8 – Reading Aloud with Neurodivergence

In this episode, we explore why reading aloud is the first answer for any disability, difference, resistance, struggle, overwhelm or doubt in your homeschool. 
Mindset Moment
Let’s reframe the "learn to read, read to learn" adage.
Training + Tools
We explore 6 definitions to answer the question, “What is language?”
We answer why reading aloud is the first answer to various learning or behavioral challenges in homeschooling.
We dig into neurodiversity noting some (not all) of the struggles with learning differences and how to use the child’s strengths associated with their learning difference to access and approach reading aloud. 
Learning differences discussed: autism, non-verbal, adhd, dyslexia, hearing-impaired.
Reading aloud is the first answer to homeschooling challenges because it is a low-demand approach for any struggle you and your children are experiencing in a particular season because it is relational.  Reading aloud together builds (or repairs) relationships by facilitating understanding of not only the content, but one another.
On a hard day.  Drop the drainers, pick up a book and read aloud together.
Story
Marci is a wife and mom-of-3.  She has been homeschooling for 14 years, is an avid nature lover, homeschool community leader and loves to learn alongside her children, getting lost in deep conversations, good books and the outdoors. 
Resources and Support
Free to Learn by Peter Gray
Body Doubling in ADHD
90-Minute School Day Reading Discussion Guide - Use this free download to foster conversations in reading!
Join Waitlist for 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ – The next co-hort is Spring 2024!
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method if you’re ready to start today.
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here.