On Episode 27 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane chat with Amir Nathoo, CEO of Outschool. We talk about inquiry-based learning, and Amir shares his inspiring journey to creating Outschool and offers insights about the power of out-of-school learning. 

This episode also explores:
🔥 how we can equip our children with the skills they need to thrive
🔥 the rise of alternative education movements like homeschooling and microschooling
🔥 the future of education
🔥 the potential of unbundling education and providing a marketplace for teachers and students
🔥 the benefits of letting teachers teach what they're passionate about
🔥 and so much more!

So, join us on this episode to reimagine education for a new era, where personalized learning takes center stage, and the joy of discovery is at the heart of every child's learning experience.

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Amir Nathoo is CEO of Outschool, a marketplace for live online classes for K-12 learners. Amir worked at Square, leading the development of Square Payroll. Previously, he served as CEO and co-founder of Trigger.io, a development platform for creating native mobile apps. He holds an MEng in Electrical and Information Sciences from The University of Cambridge. Amir lives in San Francisco with his wife, Kirsty, and their two children.

✨ P.S. If this conversation sparks you to find a class on Outschool, use the code LEADERSHIP20 to get a $20 credit toward your first class. ✨

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

On Episode 26 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane chat with Ana Lorena Fabrega, author of "The Learning Game" and chief evangelist at Synthesis,  In this episode, Ana — drawing from her acclaimed book and her own global educational experiences — provides a striking critique of the traditional schooling system and offers practical strategies to help children combat negativity and victim mentality.

This episode also explores:
🔥 the challenges of excessive screen time on children's development
🔥 tips for striking a healthy balance between screen use and real-world experiences
🔥 standardized testing and its long-standing flaws
🔥 the layers of societal pressure to achieve perfect grades
🔥 and so much more!

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Ana Lorena Fábrega is an author, edupreneur, and Chief Evangelist at Synthesis. Growing up, she attended ten schools in seven different countries. She then earned her BS in Childhood Education and Special Education from New York University and taught elementary school in New York, Boston, and Panama. Today, Ana Lorena writes online to over 200,000 readers about the promise of alternative education. 

🔗 RELEVANT LINKS 🔗
🌐 Synthesis - https://www.synthesis.com/
🌐 Ana's website - https://afabrega.com/
📖 The Learning Game by Ana Lorena Fabrega - https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Game-Teaching-Themselves-Challenge/dp/1804090093/ref=asc_df_1804090093/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=647362115894&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1363360272200781084&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014290&hvtargid=pla-1944726938555&psc=1&mcid=d5f4af224afd3d69a9ad9a1f526836d9
✍️ 7 DANGEROUS LESSONS TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS blog - https://afabrega.com/my-blog/7-dangerous-lessons-taught-in-schools

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

On Episode 25 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane chat with Todd Rose, co-founder and CEO of Populace. They delve into the myth of the "average person" and the power of personalized learning.

This episode also explores:
🔥 the evolution of the "average" concept in education;
🔥 the challenges posed by conventional teaching methods;
🔥 insights into Benjamin Bloom's work on mastery learning and its impact on academic growth;
🔥 strategies for teaching self-determination and the critical role of parents in this process;
🔥 and so much more!

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Todd Rose is the Co-Founder and CEO of Populace. Previously, he was a professor at Harvard, where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and served as the director of the Mind, Brain, and Education program. Todd is the author of three best-selling books, Collective Illusions, Dark Horse, and The End of Average. He earned his Bachelors from Weber State University and his Masters and Doctorate from Harvard.

🔗 RELEVANT LINKS 🔗
🌐 Populace - https://populace.org/
📚 Collective Illusions - https://www.amazon.com/Collective-Illusions-Conformity-Complicity-Decisions/dp/0306925680
📚 The End of Average - https://www.amazon.com/End-Average-Unlocking-Potential-Embracing/dp/0062358375/ref=monarch_sidesheet
📚 Dark Horse - https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Horse-Achieving-Success-Fulfillment/dp/0063000245/ref=monarch_sidesheet

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

On Episode 24 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane deep dive into understanding aggression in kids. They share some of their own stories of dealing with aggression in kids and give practical tips for dealing with these tough situations. The episode focuses on fostering understanding, curiosity, and awareness when dealing with kids' complex emotions.

This episode also covers: 
🔥 the different factors, including biological, psychological, and socioeconomic, contributing to aggression;
🔥 common parental responses to aggressive behavior;
🔥 the importance of empathy and understanding children's emotions;
🔥 the role of emotional development in preventing aggressive behavior;
🔥 the impact of prioritizing work over your kids;
🔥 and so much more!

The episode wraps with a close look at the relationship between aggression, brain development, and empathy. And you'll leave this episode with newfound insight and confidence to address child aggression in any situation.

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

On Episode 23 of The KindlED Podcast,  Kaity and Adriane chat with Joanna Lovejoy, an education technology innovator and founding member of Alpha and Kinjo. Get ready to be inspired by Joanna's amazing experiences with adaptive technology, where she helps students improve their academic skills in revolutionary ways, and discover the possibilities of how we can make screen time more effective and meaningful for students. 

This episode also covers: 
🔥 the intersection between education and technology;
🔥 the exciting yet challenging terrains of blended learning, gamification, adaptive technology, and mastery-based learning;
🔥 how to effectively incorporate technology into mainstream K-12 curriculums;
🔥 a fresh perspective on the future of education;
🔥 the potential and pitfalls of gamification;
🔥 how we can keep students engaged in their learning journey;
🔥 and so much more!

Tune in now for this thought-provoking discussion that will redefine your understanding of education, technology, and their exciting crossroads.

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Joanna Lovejoy, a trailblazer in edtech innovation, has been instrumental as a founding member of Alpha, Austin Deep Academy, and Kinjo. Effortlessly fusing academic principles with the vibrant energy of technology and unconventional sectors, she rejuvenates student engagement in education. Tapping into her vast industry insight, Joanna designs frameworks that elevate and extend beyond the confines of traditional learning. As the Director of Technology Integration at Alpha, she showcased her unwavering dedication to harnessing adaptive technologies. True to her vision, Joanna seamlessly bridges academia and gaming, with her work at Kinjo standing as a testament to her ability to curate transformative learning experiences.

Joanna would like to thank the following students for igniting her love of learning: Grace, Maddie, Kate, Elle, Gideon, Sawyer, Peyton, Sloane, Wyatt, Wade, Hope, Clara, Benjamin, Nathan, Rhett, Max, Parker, Shelby, Luke, Ethan, & Kurt.

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

On Episode 22 of The KindlED Podcast,  Kaity and Adriane chat with Audrey Wisch, founder of Curious Cardinals. We take a deep dive into the pivotal role of consistency and trust in a mentor-student relationship and how it helps students realize their full potential. We also shine a light on the transformative power of passion-based learning and how it can lead students to meaningful careers. 

This episode also covers: 
🔥 the power of near-peer mentorship and how it humanizes the path to success
🔥 the role of parents in a child's learning process 
🔥 the significance of project-based learning
🔥 the importance of representation in learning
🔥 how finding mentors that students can identify with can significantly impact their success
🔥 and so much more!

ABOUT THE GUEST: 
Audrey left Stanford to found Curious Cardinals, mobilizing peers to inspire K-12 students to discover their passions. With her vision to unlock students' potential through personalized mentorship, she raised $6.8m in ventured funding. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Audrey empowers youth and provides college students meaningful work.

Founder & CEO Audrey left Stanford to found Curious Cardinals, mobilizing peers to inspire K-12 students to discover their passions. With her vision to unlock students' potential through personalized mentorship, she raised $6.8m in ventured funding. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and having spoken on CNN, the Today Show and to students worldwide, Audrey aims to unlock student potential through the power of mentorship.

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

On Episode 21 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane sit down with Josh Dahn,  executive director of Astra Nova School and co-founder of Synthesis. Their conversation sheds light on how to create an engaging school culture and a unique educational experience that fosters curiosity and joy in young minds.

This insightful episode also covers:
🔥 student involvement and decision-making;
🔥 the often adversarial relationship between students and school;
🔥 how to create a culture of meaningful connections and mutual respect;
🔥 and so much more! 

Whether you are a parent, educator, or caring adult, Episode 21 of The KindlED Podcast offers an inside look into how the expert's role in a classroom is much more than being a mere information source. They're catalysts for student curiosity. Josh articulates this beautifully as he stresses the importance of bringing in highly knowledgeable adults who can inspire students to explore new fields. 

Tune in, learn, and gain perspective on how to promote collaboration in education, and advocate for a space that encourages team thinking and unique problem-solving. 

This episode might even change how you view education today.

ABOUT THE GUEST: 
Josh Dahn directed Ad Astra School on the campus of SpaceX for six years. He is currently the executive director of Astra Nova School and co-founder of Synthesis, an edtech company that does pioneering work in both the hard skills (AI math tutoring) and soft skills (collaborative thinking games) that all children need. Josh also writes and produces the Conundrums video series, which has been viewed by millions of students in classrooms around the world.

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

On Episode 20 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane do a deep dive into the intricate world of brain diversity and neurodivergence, exploring how children and individuals process the world around them uniquely. Their conversation sheds light on the importance of positive language, understanding different brain structures, and advocating for an inclusive education system.

This insightful episode also covers:
🔥 3 main ways to help support neurodivergent learners;
🔥  the critical role of positive language;
🔥 how neurodivergent individuals navigate their environments;
🔥 the necessity of understanding and empathy;
🔥 practical advice and strategies for educators and parents to support neurodivergent learners
🔥 the importance of scaffolding, environmental adjustments, and fostering self-advocacy;
🔥 and more!

Are you ready to shift your paradigm about brain function and embrace the diversity within neurological development? 

Whether you are a parent, educator, or simply interested in the wonders of the human brain, Episode 20 of The KindlED Podcast offers valuable knowledge, empathy, and tools to support the neurodivergent individuals in your life. Tune in, learn, and become part of the movement towards embracing neurological diversity.

🔗 RELEVANT LINKS 🔗
🌐 Positive Psychology - https://positivepsychology.com/
🎙️ Episode 7 with Dr. Deborah MacNamara - https://prenda.com/podcasts/rest-play-grow-a-conversation-with-dr-deborah-macnamara
📖 The Whole-Brain Child - https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580696157740&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9014290&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6930799891717566837&hvtargid=kwd-38058487196&hydadcr=22561_13493272&keywords=the+whole-brain+child&qid=1698093423&sr=8-1

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

On Episode 19 of The KindlED Podcast, Kaity and Adriane are joined by Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working with children, teens, and their families for over 20 years. They discuss the need for coping skills in our rapidly evolving world and the importance of introducing coping strategies when children are calm, emphasizing patience and consistency. 

This episode also touches on:
•  the significance of adults managing their emotions effectively and modeling self-regulation;
• coping strategies for children into relaxation, distraction, play, and movement;
• the importance of cognitive flexibility;
• the value of play in developing social skills;
• the challenges teenagers face today;
• how to reconnect with your inner child; 
• coping skills for children, teens, and adults; 
• and so much more!

Coping skills don't have to be this thing where you have to plan, have a list, and follow it. Dive into this episode and learn how to make “coping” a way of life and a way of being. 

ABOUT THE GUEST: 
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working with children, teens, and their families for over 20 years. She has been helping children and teens build their coping skills throughout her career in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health clinics, and in her private practice. She founded Coping Skills for Kids to help children and teens learn healthy and safe ways to manage big feelings. She has written several books, including the bestselling Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, the Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, and the Social Skills for Kids Workbook. She is also the host of the Calm & Connected Podcast and the founder of the Coping Skills Community Hub. Her work has been featured in the Boston Globe, CNN, Huffington Post, and The Skimm® Newsletter. Janine lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two children.

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool

On Episode 18 of The KindlED Podcast, hosts Kaity and Adriane are joined by Garrett Smiley, co-founder of Sora Schools. Garrett shares his journey into education, driven by a desire to revolutionize traditional education methods. They delve into how to help students discover their passions and develop a deeper sense of purpose over time. They also talk about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, emphasizing the importance of embedding multiple meanings into activities to keep students engaged and the importance of mindsets over content. Tune in to learn how you can balance autonomy and rigor and empower kids with personalized, purpose-driven learning. 

ABOUT THE GUEST: 
Garrett Smiley is the Co-Founder of Sora Schools. Garrett has also worked as a software engineer and a venture partner.

Garrett Smiley has always been interested in technology. Garrett started their first software company while they were still in college. After graduation, they worked as a software engineer for Madison Reed. Garrett then joined True Ventures as a TEC Fellow, where they worked with startups and studied the startup ecosystem.

In November 2017, Garrett joined Contrary Capital as a venture partner. As part of this role, they evaluated dozens of companies and sat on the investment committee for pitches from other universities. In May 2019, they left Contrary Capital to co-found Sora Schools.

Garrett Smiley's educational career began with a Field in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Garrett then went on to earn their E Lab Certificate from Teachers College, Columbia University.

RELEVANT LINKS: 
Episode 4 of The KindlED Podcast - https://youtu.be/ql_CS8IRjQs

Got a story to share or question you want us to answer? Send us a message!

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to [email protected]. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
• Connect with us on social
• Get our free literacy curriculum

Interested in starting a microschool?
Prenda provides all the tools and support you need to start and run an amazing microschool. Create a free Prenda World account to start designing your future microschool today. More info at ➡️ Prenda.com or if you're ready to get going ➡️ Start My Microschool