90-Minute School Day

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.
 

Ep. 7 - If You Do Nothing Else: Read Aloud

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of reading aloud, diving into neuroscience, anthropology, and the benefits it offers for home learning.  If you do nothing else, read aloud - it's enough!  
Training:
How Does Language Develop?
What is Reading?
Benefits of Reading Aloud.
Tools:
10 strategies to employ in making reading aloud a regular practice in your homeschool.
Mindset Moment:
Progress is the Goal, Not Perfection...Persist.
Story:
Meet the Brothers Grimm, linguists from the 19th century whose body of work exemplify why reading aloud is so transformational and academically intersectional.
Resources Mentioned:
Join 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ - Registration closes at midnight Tuesday, October 3rd.
90-Minute School Day Reading Discussion Guide - Use this free download to foster conversations in reading!
The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
Amber O'Neal Johnston, Heritage Mom Blog
Ep. 3 - Decoding the Language of Homeschooling
 
Additional Resources for Reading Aloud:
Megan Cox Gurdon's book The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction
Read Aloud Revival podcast and book lists
 
 

Ep. 6 - Unlock Your Child’s Superpowers: The Magic of Observation

Discover the power of observation in homeschooling! In this episode, we simplify learning, delve into the mechanics of observation, and explore how it reveals your child's inner world and strengths.
 
Training and Tools:
Explore observing your child in both regulated and dysregulated states for a complete picture.
Learn how to "Resource and Converse" and "Reflect and Respond" based on your observations.
 
Mindset Moment:
4 essential observation mindsets to hold.
 
Story:
Meet Lesley, a mom, educator, and fellow homeschooler, as she shares her confidence-building journey through observation.
 
Join us and share your story on a future episode by clicking here.
 
Resources:
Allison Gopnik’s book The Gardener and The Carpenter.
Find Dr. Gray’s work on PsychologyToday.com or read his book, Free to Learn.
The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
Join us 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.
 
I’d love to connect personally: find me on Instagram!
 
You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!
 
-xo, Kelly
 
PS - Thank you for your ratings, reviews and following the podcast!
 

Ep. 5 - Crafting Enriching Learning Environments

The heart of effective education is always … Home.
Join us as we unveil the key elements that shape an enriching learning landscape.
Step away from traditional models to embrace interests, strengths, and real-world applications. Explore three vital environments for learning: Relationship, Space, and Time.
In this episode, Kelly walks us through learning as a house with three levels:
Building the Foundation: Relationship
Designing First Floor Family Living: Space
Second Floor Gets Personal: Introspection + Empowerment: Time
 
Unveil scheduling secrets for individual growth. Grant kids control over time and projects for self-directed learning. Discover how less is more with extracurricular activities.
Mindset Moment: Say "YES"
Stories:
Meet Missy Willis, a fellow homeschooler and podcaster, as she shares her story and highlights resilience's role in her home.
Listen to Ashley's unschooling journey intertwining learning, relationship, space, and time. Share your stories via voice messages and join our community.
Resources:
Subscribe to the podcast for more homeschooling insights! Shape an environment celebrating curiosity, connection, and joyful learning. ✨
Share your homeschool with this community! Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.
Grab our homeschool planning worksheets:  My Learning Year and Homeschool Year in Review.
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
Build a Quiet Time – grab our mini-training.
Say “YES!” to your kids and shift your homeschool.
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.  Join the waitlist here.
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here.
Connect with featured mama’s, Missy and Ashley, on Instagram.
 I’d love to connect with you personally too: find me on Instagram!
You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!
-xo, Kelly
PS - Thank you always for your ratings, reviews and following the podcast.

Ep. 4 - Escape the Homeschool Comparison Trap

Are you tired of falling into the comparison trap while homeschooling?
In this episode, join me as I guide you through breaking free from comparison, understanding the essence of learning, and equipping you with tools to embrace an individualized, growth-focused homeschooling journey.
Breaking out of comparison means we must recognize the conditions that lead us to the trap so we can avoid it all together or if caught, have the tools to remove ourselves as soon as possible.  Grab your earbuds and give this episode a listen to equip your toolkit with what you need to keep yourself away from unhealthy comparison.
 
Resources and Support:
Share your homeschool with this community!  Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.
Join our newsletter (Your Guide Map) so you’re the first to know about upcoming episodes and special offers!
Here is the link to Episode 3 where I explain the 8 essentials you need to homeschool.
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. 
Help me in building a rhythm in my homeschool!
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here.
 
I’d love to connect personally: find me on Instagram!
You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!
-xo, Kelly

Ep. 3 - Decoding the Language of Homeschooling: How to Speak Homeschool-ese with Confidence

Lost in a sea of homeschool jargon? Join us as we decode the language of homeschooling, exploring the various methodologies and essential terms to boost your confidence (and your vocabulary) in your homeschooling adventure!  
Training:
Understanding Different Homeschooling Approaches: Traditional, Classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Project-Based Learning (Unit Studies), Eclectic, Unschooling.
Essential Homeschool Terminology
Homeschool-ese: Conversational Language Homeschoolers Use
 
Tips:
Eight Essential Things You Need to Homeschool.
Why Community is Important.  Join our free community of homeschooling conversations on Clubhouse
Resources and Support Mentioned In Today’s Podcast:
Grab your free Homeschool Dictionary that includes all the terms and definitions from this episode!
Build a Quite Time routine – grab our mini-training.
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
There is also Guide Training™, a live group learning environment, for those who prefer community learning, offered twice a year.  Join the waitlist here.
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here.
 
Be Featured on the Podcast!
The 90-Minute School Day™ podcast aims to support all homeschooling families with a focus on neurodiverse families, with learning differences and unique learning styles.  Be featured on the podcast by sharing your story, struggle or asking your question here.
 
I’d love to connect personally: find me on Instagram!
You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!
-xo, Kelly

Ep. 2 - Why 90 Minutes?

Journey off the beaten path of education to discover the 90-Minute School Day™ an innovative approach to natural learning.  In this episode, we explore the birth and details of the revolutionary 90-Minute School Day™ method, designed to ignite passion, strengthen bonds, and revolutionize homeschooling. Join us as we unravel the magic behind this approach and discover how 90 minutes can transform your family’s learning life.
This Episode Includes:
Birth of the 90-Minute School Day™
Key Elements of the 90-Minute School Day™ method
Benefits and Impact
 
Resources and Support:
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
There is also Guide Training™, a live group learning environment, for those who prefer community learning, offered twice a year.  Join the waitlist here.
Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here.
 
Be Featured on the Podcast!
The 90-Minute School Day™ podcast aims to support all homeschooling families with a focus on neurodiverse families, with learning differences and unique learning styles.  Be featured on the podcast by sharing your story, struggle or asking your question here.
 
At the end of the day, trust your instincts and explore alternatives to what isn’t working!
I’d love to connect personally, find me on Instagram.
You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!
-xo, Kelly

Ep. 1 - Our Homeschool Origin Story

The 90-Minute School Day™ was created as a deschooling framework and system to approach natural learning by Kelly, a homeschooling foster-adoptive mother, in search of a more attachment-based approach to learning. 
This episode includes:
Kelly's Background and Struggles
Influences: Maria Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and John Holt
The Relationship-Centered Approach
Steps to Begin Homeschooling
Understanding the 90-Minute School Day™ method.
 
Resources and Support
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day™ method.
There is also Guide Training™, a live group learning environment, for those who prefer community learning.  Join the waitlist here.
The 90-Minute School Day™ podcast aims to support all families, with a focus on neurodiverse families with learning differences and unique learning styles.  Be featured on the podcast by sharing your story, struggle or asking your question here.
Listen to Kelly speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ on these other podcast episodes:
The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens: Why you Might Want to Consider Homeschooling for 90-Minutes A Day
Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids: Finding Freedom Within Structure with Kelly Edwards
 
I’d love to connect personally, find me on Instagram.
You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!
-xo, Kelly