Falling for Learning Podcast

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This episode of Falling for Learning Podcast focuses on the risks associated with popular educational technology tools like iReady, including data mining practices and their effects on learning. This episode sheds light on lawsuits, advocacy efforts, and practical steps for safeguarding students' privacy and fostering genuine learning connections.

Resources & Links:

• Schools Beyond Screens - Advocacy for safe EdTech policies
• Distraction Free Schools California - Initiative combating EdTech overreach and distraction
• iReady Curriculum by Curriculum Associates - Official site for the product discussed

Key topics:

• The legal case against Curriculum Associates over data mining and privacy concerns
• How mandated use of EdTech, like iReady, impacts teaching autonomy and student learning
• The influence of EdTech on student engagement, achievement metrics, and long-term development
• Critical analysis of corporate claims that technology alone boosts academic performance
• Alternatives and advocacy groups fighting for safe, effective EdTech policies
• The long-term effects of excessive screen time: attention fragmentation, dysregulation, deterioration of handwriting and deep reading skills
• Practical advice for parents and teachers to balance technology with traditional learning and human interaction
• The importance of community involvement in decision-making about EdTech contracts and policies

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We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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This episode explores how educators and parents can teach children about societal and political issues in a respectful, safe, and critical manner. It emphasizes the importance of fostering critical thinking, civic responsibility, and community engagement from a young age.

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We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
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Identity, Purpose & Direction: Guiding the Next Generation Toward Success

In this powerful episode of Falling for Learning, T.D. Flenaugh is joined by Lauren Moseley for a meaningful conversation about how we can intentionally guide the next generation toward success by strengthening three critical pillars: identity, purpose, and direction.

Key Takeaways
1. Identity: Helping Children Know Who They Are
Children develop identity through stories, traditions, and community.
Family gatherings, storytelling, and cultural practices build a sense of belonging.
Exposure to ancestral history and culturally relevant books helps children see themselves reflected in the world.
Without identity, children may seek belonging in unhealthy spaces.
Core Insight: Identity is not taught once—it is built continuously through connection, culture, and community.

2. Purpose: Helping Children Discover What They Are Meant to Do
Purpose grows from exposure and experience.
Encouraging reading, creative expression, and exploration helps children uncover their strengths.
Early opportunities (like presentations, hobbies, or activities) can shape lifelong paths.
It’s equally important for children to learn what is not for them.
Core Insight: Purpose is discovered—not assigned—and requires space, trial, and encouragement.

3. Direction: Helping Children Navigate Their Path
Even with identity and purpose, children need guidance and structure.
Mentors, teachers, and programs (like AVID) play a critical role.
Early exposure to opportunities (college, careers, entrepreneurship, trades) expands possibilities.
Clear steps, expectations, and encouragement help children stay on track.
Core Insight: Direction transforms potential into action.

Powerful Moments from the Episode
The importance of multi-generational influence: children thrive when supported by a “village,” not just one parent.
A reminder that rest and self-care are essential for both parents and children to function at their best.
Real-life examples of how early exposure (books, reports, experiences) can shape lifelong success.
The importance of educators as advocates and partners in a child’s journey.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Little Mobile Home on the Tundra - littlemobilehomeonthetundra.com
→ A memoir-style novel centered on healing, identity, and interrupting generational dysfunction.

AVID - https://www.avid.org
→ A program designed to help students develop skills for college readiness and academic success.

Roots - https://www.history.com/shows/roots
→ Referenced as an example of cultural storytelling that helps build identity and historical awareness.

United Negro College Fund - https://uncf.org
→ Highlighted for its message about the importance of education and opportunity.

Encyclopedia Britannica -  https://kids.britannica.com
→ Used as an example of early learning tools that can spark curiosity and purpose.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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In this episode, TD Flenaugh dives into the vital balancing act between home and school responsibilities, sharing practical insights for parents and teachers to foster children's independence, good habits, and love for learning. Discover how small daily steps can set children up for lifelong success.

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction: The importance of balancing home and school responsibilities
02:22 - The demands of classroom routines, such as shoe-tying and behavior habits
04:57 - Teaching procedures like sitting, taking turns, and routines
07:15 - Supporting children with trauma, meltdowns, and behavioral challenges
08:40 - Teaching older children to question authority and communicate respectfully
11:14 - The value of modeling, explanation, and gradual release in teaching skills
13:39 - Promoting positive attitudes towards learning and avoiding a punishment mindset
15:57 - Strategies for teaching through mistakes, patience, and celebrating wins
21:36 - Broadening learning beyond the classroom to real-world experiences
26:25 - Engaging children with new experiences like museums and family outings
28:22 - The parent-teacher negotiation: sharing responsibilities for child success

Resources & Links:

• The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method
• The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method Workbook

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
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Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Follow us:
Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

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Discover how different educational philosophies can transform homeschooling, making learning engaging, effective, and tailored to your child's interests. Tiffany shares insights on Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and more to help parents build a personalized learning journey.

Key Topics
The importance of starting with educational philosophies rather than fixed curricula
Montessori: hands-on, self-directed learning activities for motor skills and focus
Reggio Emilia: outdoor, art-based, project-driven learning emphasizing nature and creativity
Waldorf: holistic education incorporating movement, singing, storytelling, and environment
Project-based learning: real-world applications such as community garden design
Forest school: outdoor learning environments that promote independence and nature connection
Sensory play activities for all ages to develop motor and cognitive skills
Using creative resources like Instagram accounts for inspiration and ideas
The value of individualized learning approaches that adapt to each child's interests

Resources & Links
The Reggio Emilia Approach
Maria Montessori Official
Waldorf Education Overview
Instagram: where_learning_meets_play
Instagram: Mulberry House Play School
Instagram: Tinker Wonder Play
Forest School Resources
Rewrite Method for Writing
Connect with Tiffany
LinkedIn
Twitter
Enjoy exploring a diverse set of approaches that make homeschooling rich, dynamic, and tailored to your child's unique needs!

Episode Chapters 
00:00 - Introduction to homeschooling philosophies and Tiffany's success tips
00:29 - Exploring the Montessori approach to hands-on, self-directed activities
03:10 - Practical example of motor skill development through pouring activities
07:27 - Overview of Reggio Emilia philosophy emphasizing outdoor and art-based learning
8:20 - Using nature for creativity and art projects in Reggio Emilia style
10:21 - Waldorf philosophy integrating art, nature, holistic development, and movement
12:44 - Combining philosophies and tailoring experiences to child's interests
14:00 - Project-based learning: designing community gardens and real-world skills
15:51 - Implementing forest school concepts with outdoor, nature-centered lessons
18:14 - The importance of engaging resources and social aspects in homeschooling
19:16 - Customizing homeschooling plans that match your child's interests and learning style
20:17 - Adjusting curriculum to fit individual needs rather than one-size-fits-all
22:46 - Sensory play ideas: water activities, building blocks, and hands-on exploration
25:13 - Creative movement activities for kinesthetic learning and fun
26:14 - Inspiring Instagram accounts for homeschooling ideas: Where Learning Meets Play, Mulberry House, Tinker Wonder Play
29:01 - Wrap-up and additional resources for homeschooling success

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Parents mean well.

But sometimes the way we were taught to “do school” is exactly what makes our children resist it.

In this episode of the Falling for Learning Podcast, TD Flenaugh and guest Lauren Moseley unpack a simple but powerful shift:

- What if homework wasn’t called homework?
- What if practice felt like play?
- What if 10 minutes a day could prevent summer slide?

Instead of drill and kill, they explore how to accelerate learning through drill and thrill through practicing skills through games and competitions.

From turning tricky words into a Go Fish card game to creating a distraction-free “practice zone” at home, this episode gives you practical, screen-free strategies that build:

• Reading fluency
• Letter recognition
• Fine motor strength
• Confidence
• Ownership of learning

You’ll also learn why:

• Kids will fail at video games 100 times but quit after 5 flashcards
• Coloring and card games build writing stamina
• Partnering with parents changes outcomes
• Routine beats intensity every time

New episodes air Saturdays at 5 PM Pacific.

Do something today that gives your child the competitive advantage.

And if you try the Go Fish strategy — tell us how it went.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Sagie the Bookworm, a fourth grader, shares her love for reading and how she became a bookworm by reading in a tree at the park. She credits her reading journey to tutors Miss Harley Hartley and Miss Barber. Sagie discusses her summer activities, including dance camp to aid her track journey, inspired by her dad who was a top track athlete. She recommends the book "IRL" by Jenny Goell, describing its plot about a girl in Alaska. Sagie also talks about her reading habits, including using the "five finger rule" to choose books, and her involvement in a book club.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Discover how one family combines sports, writing, and education to inspire young learners and parents alike. In this episode, Coach JoJo and his daughters Camille and Cameron share their stories of passion, resilience, and goal-setting that can motivate anyone to pursue their dreams.


Family of Influencers: Journey of Teaching, Writing, and Sports Success
Discover how one family combines sports, writing, and education to inspire young learners and parents alike. In this episode, Coach JoJo and his daughters Camille and Cameron share their stories of passion, resilience, and goal-setting that can motivate anyone to pursue their dreams.

Get Coach Kenny's Curriculum:
Clutch DNA - https://www.clutchdna.com
Lofi Phonics Music Program -  https://lofiphonics.com

Resources:

Coach JoJo – LinkedIn | Instagram
Camille Smith – Instagram
Cameron Smith – Twitter

Family of Influencers: Journey of Teaching, Writing, and Sports Success

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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TD Flenaugh discusses integrating AI into the writing process, using tools like otter.ai and chat GPT. Chat GPT assisted in categorizing expenses for taxes and creating a book cover. Flenaugh emphasizes responsible AI use, particularly in education, through a collaborative project with the California Writing Project. Students use AI to enhance their writing, but Flenaugh stresses the importance of maintaining personal intelligence over AI-generated content. The approach involves using AI for revision and feedback, while ensuring students understand the value of their own creativity and critical thinking skills. Flenaugh also promotes the "rewrite method" to foster a love for writing in students.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Follow us:
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
https://linktr.ee/falling4learning