Foundations of Learning

By Shali Flint

At K3 Homeschool Foundations, we are dedicated to empowering parents on their journey through the ever-evolving landscape of education. Our mission is to create a supportive community where parents

... more

· Education

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Foundations of Learning:

How many episodes does Foundations of Learning have?

The podcast currently has 76 episodes available.

Foundations of Learning episodes:

February 13, 2026 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
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 (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
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
...more
1h
February 09, 2026 Grief, Faith, and Learning: Helping Families Breathe, Heal, and Grow Again
In this powerful episode of Foundations of Learning, I’m joined by Marcia Earhart, certified grief, trauma, brain, and mental health coach, HeartSync Minister, author, and founder of The Sterling Rose Sanctuary. Marcia has walked through unimaginable loss and now helps families breathe again, move again, and live again.
Connect with Marcia and The Sterling Rose Sanctuary:
www.thesterlingrosesanctuary.us
https://www.facebook.com/TSRS21
https://www.instagram.com/thesterlingrosesanctuary/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-earhart-the-sterling-rose-sanctuary-943a8410b/
https://a.co/d/3Gy550K
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
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
...more
1h 26min
February 06, 2026 Why Storytelling Shapes a Child’s Confidence, Identity, and Emotional Strength
What helps children stay grounded when they face disappointment, pressure, or failure?
In this episode, I sit down with the author of The Goal of the Game to explore how story, reflection, and shared experience shape a child’s emotional world. Drawing from decades of observing human relationships through sports and storytelling, we talk about what actually builds resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of identity in children. This conversation is especially for parents and homeschooling families who care deeply about raising thoughtful learners, not just high achievers.
Check out Harvey's Book
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
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
...more
53min
January 20, 2026 The Truth About “Fun” Learning and What Kids Actually Need to Learn to Read
We’re constantly told that learning has to be fun, full of games, songs, and entertainment, or kids won’t engage. But here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud: Not every lesson needs to be fun to be meaningful.
In this episode, I explain why focused, sometimes “boring” learning moments are not only normal, they’re essential, especially when it comes to learning to read.
You’ll learn:
Why the brain needs repetition and structure to build real reading skills
What neuroscience says about phonics, practice, and mastery
Why over-entertaining kids can actually work against long-term learning
How short, explicit lessons build confidence, independence, and motivation
A real classroom story showing how structure (not fun) transformed a struggling reader
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
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
...more
11min
January 13, 2026 Is My Child Behind on the Alphabet? Real Timelines for Learning Letters
“Is my child behind on learning letters?”
This is one of the most common questions parents ask —and in this episode, we’re answering it honestly and calmly.
You’ll discover:
What “normal” alphabet learning really looks like
Why every child learns letters at a different pace
How confidence matters more than speed
The signs your child is actually making progress (even if it doesn’t feel like it)
We’ll talk about how slowing down, building mastery, and making learning joyful leads to stronger reading skills long-term, without pressure or comparison.
Letters and Sounds Curriculum https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/letters-sounds-curriculum
Try the first 2 lessons for FREE https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/d6c6c42aa0
The Letter Mysteries https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/the-reading-mysteries
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
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
...more
9min
January 05, 2026 The Vaccine Questions Parents Are Afraid to Ask (And Why That Matters)
Learn More from Dr. Joel Gator Warsh
Sign up for his Substack:
@drjoelgator
Follow Dr. Gator:
Instagram: @drjoelgator
Facebook: Joel Gator
TikTok: @drjoelwarsh
Get his Books —
Between a Shot and a Hard Place
Parenting at Your Child's Pace
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words
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
...more
1h 7min
December 22, 2025 I Read to My Child Every Day… So Why Can’t They Read Yet?
Why Being Read To Isn’t the Same as Learning to Read You’re doing everything “right.”
You read to your child every day. You prioritize books. You love cozy storytime together. So why is your child still struggling to read or spell?
In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest misconceptions parents hear about early literacy — and why reading to your child, while incredibly valuable, doesn’t actually teach them how to read.
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
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
...more
14min
December 18, 2025 Can AI Bring Play and Creativity Back Into the Classroom?
Classrooms were never meant to be one-size-fits-all—yet teachers are expected to meet wildly different learning needs with less time and more paperwork than ever.
In this episode of Foundations of Learning, I sit down with Jeffrey Riley, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Day of AI, to explore how AI—when used intentionally—can help teachers differentiate instruction, reduce cognitive and administrative overload, and create space for something that’s been missing from many classrooms: play, curiosity, and passion-driven learning.
Jeffrey brings a hopeful, practical perspective shaped by his work with tens of thousands of educators and millions of students, helping schools adopt AI in ways that protect creativity, equity, and human connection.
If you’re a teacher, parent, or school leader looking for ways to meet students where they are—without burning out—this episode will leave you encouraged and inspired.
Check out Day of AI:
FREE AI curriculum, resources, and community
Sign up for America's Youth AI Festival
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
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
...more
50min
December 15, 2025 How External Validation Is Undermining Your Child’s Confidence and Resilience
Do our kids really need outside validation to succeed?
From gold stars and grades to praise and awards, children are constantly taught to measure their worth by how others respond to them. But what if this obsession with external validation is quietly undermining their confidence, resilience, and long-term success?
In this episode of Foundations of Learning, we explore why so many kids—and adults—crave approval, how the school system reinforces extrinsic motivation, and what research actually says about building true confidence from within.
Videos Mentioned: How Schools Were Designed to Control You: The History of American Education
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
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
...more
12min
December 12, 2025 Is AI Making Kids Dumber? How Technology Shapes Thinking, Creativity, and Learning
In this episode of Foundations of Learning, I sit down with Professor Vasant Dhar—a global leader in machine learning, data science, and AI decision-making—to explore one of the most urgent questions of our time: How do we raise and educate children in the age of intelligent machines?
Professor Dhar breaks down the real opportunities and risks of AI in classrooms, what skills will matter most in the next decade, and how parents can help children build a healthy, empowering relationship with technology. From trust and critical thinking to creativity, risk-taking, and the future of human–machine collaboration, this conversation gives parents, educators, and leaders a roadmap for what learning will look like—and require—in an AI-driven world.
If you’ve been curious, cautious, or overwhelmed by AI in education, this episode will leave you informed, grounded, and hopeful about the next generation’s potential.
Check out his website and book: VasantDhar.com
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) 
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led) 
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led)
Level 2: Beginning Reader 
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide 
Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
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
...more
56min

FAQs about Foundations of Learning:

How many episodes does Foundations of Learning have?

The podcast currently has 76 episodes available.