Realizing Genius Podcast

My son and I attended a TEDx yesterday, and I found a theme running through most of the presentations - the importance of taking risks. Have you ever gone to a TEDx?  You've probably watched a TED talk on their website or on your TV.  They are on YouTube as well.  My favorite is the one by Sir Ken Robinson titled "Do Schools Kill Creativity?"

But back to yesterday and the theme.  The presenters weren't talking about education, but I could see how so much of what they shared was applicable to our lives as educators and parents.  There were some definitely genius connections made!

Listen in to hear about a few of the presentations and see how they can connect to your life!

Would you like more information about the presentations I mentioned?  We attended the TEDx Temecula on September 30, 2023.  The speakers I mentioned are Dr. Smita Malhotra, Taylor Cole, and Connie Stopher.  It will take a couple of months for the recordings to be posted on YouTube but be sure to check for them!  The presentations were great!

Have you ever had that incredible experience of meeting someone and feeling an instant, undeniable connection? It's as if you can sense their authenticity, passion, love, and genuine care from the moment you start talking to them. Well, that's exactly who Carrie De Francisco is. Before I dive into our conversation on this episode, I urge you to visit her website, "Coffee with Carrie." There, you'll discover her podcast, store, book, and a treasure trove of other content!

Now, let's get back to the main topic. When I initially got to know Carrie, I had no idea that she was deeply involved in a homeschool co-op for a significant period of time. What both Carrie and I strongly believe in is the profound importance of community within the homeschooling journey. And the reasons behind our emphasis on community might not be what you expect!

If you're as intrigued as I am by Carrie's insights on the power of community in homeschooling, then I encourage you to tune in to our podcast episode. We delve even deeper into this topic, sharing valuable experiences and perspectives that you won't want to miss. So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and join us on this enlightening journey. Listen to the full episode now!

If you'd like to hear more from Carrie, be sure to check out the Realizing Genius Connection Subscription!  She has several presentations in it!  You can find out more HERE.

There are so many negative stereotypes of teens today.  They are rebellious, moody, lazy, and unmotivated.  Just last week, I was talking to a woman whose teen regularly swears and screams at her.

What if I told you it didn't need to be this way?  And it starts with YOU.

In this week's episode, I talk about why "teenagers" aren't allowed in my home.  And, no.  I don't kick my kids out when they turn thirteen.

BOOKS

A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille

NEW!  Realizing Genius Connections - Books and Beyond!

Have you ever had the experience where several things happen, and all of a sudden, you are making all these connections?  You are reading a book, and you remember what someone said in a webinar or course or another book, and everything just makes a little bit more sense.

That happens to me on a regular basis, and the first thing I want to do is share it with someone!  I've been thinking about doing this for a while and this week, I finished a book and attended a webinar and ... BAM!  I was hit with some genius connections!  I just had to share!

The book I read is "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport.  And when I say read, I really mean listened to.  I learned a long time ago that I can get through a lot more books if I listen to them.  I usually listen to them at about 1.5x speed. (I got my boys hooked, too - they can listen to it at 2.0x - a little too fast for me!)  Sometimes I will purchase the physical book as well (after I've listened to it).  These are usually the books that I want to use as sources for research.  I also use Reading Graphics as a resource.  It is meant to be used as a source for book summaries.  I use it mostly for notes on books that I've listened to that I don't need to dive deep into.

But back to my connections...

One of the things I liked about Newport's book is that he brought up several books that I've dived deep into!  Like Drive by Daniel Pink and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.  I quote these books in several of my presentations on homeschooling.  These were the first Genius Connections I made with Newport's book.

I made another one yesterday when I attended Tatiana Fallon's webinar on "Leadership Education: What it is and Why it Works."  Tatiana was raised and homeschooled with the Leadership Education philosophy and is now homeschooling her kids using it as well.  Throughout her presentation, she made connections.  From her connections, I was able to make more.

While you have missed attending her webinar live, there is a subscription special you can purchase to have access to the recording of her webinar and many others that are focused on helping you homeschool and Leadership Education.  Tati is also scheduled to give several more webinars on Leadership Education, usually on the first Saturday of the month.  They are free to attend.  You can see the event schedule and register for them HERE.

If you've ever attended one of my presentations, you'll understand the central role my mother plays in my life. She isn't just a parent; she's my confidante, my mentor, and a great source of inspiration. Her influence on me is immeasurable, and the knowledge she has shared has formed the bedrock upon which I build my work. I genuinely appreciate her willingness to participate in this interview, as it allows me to share her wisdom and insight with a wider audience.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of my mother is her innate ability to connect with children. Kids are drawn to her like a magnet, and it's not by chance. She possesses a unique gift for speaking to them in a way that makes them feel heard and valued. She takes the time to listen to their thoughts, dreams, and concerns, forging genuine connections that leave a lasting impact. It's no surprise that children find in her not just a friend but a trusted mentor.

During our time together, my mother and I delved into a wide range of topics. We explored the various methods she employed to nurture the individual talents and passions of not only myself but also some of my siblings. Her guidance and support were instrumental in shaping our journeys and helping us discover our own unique potential. Her unwavering belief in our abilities encouraged us to strive for greatness.

One particularly memorable part of our discussion was her "3-13-17 talk." This insightful conversation centered around pivotal stages in a child's life—ages 3, 13, and 17—and the guidance parents should provide during these critical times. Her advice in this regard was not only enlightening but also profoundly practical, offering a roadmap for parents navigating the complexities of child-rearing.

Additionally, my mother shared her valuable advice for grandparents actively involved in homeschooling. Her insights into this role emphasized the importance of intergenerational learning and the unique contributions that grandparents can make to their grandchildren's education.

Enjoy!

 

BOOKS:

The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults by Frances Jensen & Amy Nutt

I had the distinct privilege of interviewing Dr. Phil Hickman this week, which I consider a genuine honor. Given my dedication to homeschooling and my consistent message about the pressing issues within the public school system, it's not often that I have the opportunity to converse with individuals with such extensive experience in that field. Dr. Hickman boasts a comprehensive background in academia, having fulfilled nearly every role imaginable, ranging from a teacher's assistant to an advisor to the federal government!

One particularly intriguing point he raised was, "Education remains the sole industry permitted to operate with a failure rate." I truly appreciate his commitment to addressing this matter.

What really got my attention was his current project, an educational application named PlaBook. This innovative platform leverages AI to assess students' proficiency in reading and mathematics. Its gamified approach ensures that it captures children's interest, transforming learning into something they eagerly embrace. Moreover, it equips parents and educators with real-time data, enabling them to tailor their instructional methods accordingly.

Shifting gears to the realm of artificial intelligence, our discussion encompassed the trajectory of education and the necessary shifts in emphasis. Dr. Phil eloquently delved into the idea that the careers our kids will have haven't even materialized yet. This begs the question: How can we adequately equip them for this unforeseen future? Fortunately, Dr. Phil offered insightful suggestions!

To find out more about Dr. Phil check out his WEBSITE, or connect with him on LINKEDIN.

The environment you live and work in makes a huge difference in your productivity.  We know and apply this to business environments but don't always think about it concerning our home education.  This week I spoke to Kristina Heagh-Avritt and Kitti Andrews. These two amazing women are experts in their fields and are teaming up to help put your home and school in order.

Need some ideas for systems to set up to make your homeschool life easier and more harmonious?  Or maybe you'd like to know how changing elements in your home will help your child with ADHD have more success in their learning.  Be sure to tune in to this week's podcast!

Utilizing 27 years of professional public classroom teaching, a love of technology, and a passion for helping her students achieve their highest potential, Kristina Heagh-Avritt is blazing a new trail. Combining her love of education with a lifetime of entrepreneurship experience and self-development, she co-founded Vibrant Family Education with her husband to help bring a much-needed unique perspective into reimagining the education system.

International best-selling author Kitti Andrews, known as “Your Thought Organizer,” helps successful entrepreneurs to get their physical and mental surroundings under control by helping them to declutter their space and brain. Her speaking career spans interviews on top podcasts and summits as well as presentations at Stanford and Harvard Universities. She has contributed articles and interviews that have garnered her front-page status in the Los Angeles Tribune Magazine and USA Today.

They are working together to offer families help with their "From Clutter to College - Your 30-Day Quickstart!"

Connect with KRISTINA:

Website: https://www.vibrantfamilyeducation.com

Podcast: https://bringingeducationhome.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.heaghavritt

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-heagh-avritt

YouTube: Vibrant Family Education - YouTube

Connect with KITTI:

Website: https://www.declutterthebrain.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitti.andrews.21

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitti-andrews-87644055/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittiandrews_mckay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kittiandrews

YouTube:  https://bit.ly/3GQuWw8

I don't know about you, but the idea of having to teach upper-level math to my kids made me question our decision to homeschool.  It didn't STOP me.  I decided I would figure it out when I got there.  But math was not my favorite subject.  Teaching it to little kids is fun!  "How many red M&Ms are there?  What happens if we eat 2?" type of math I can handle no problem.  And then we throw in the non-traditional learner, and the math gets even more challenging to teach!  My three older kids could take a textbook and learn whatever (even if they didn't like it), but my youngest two, especially with math, needed something different.  And, to be honest, I wish I had been able to do better in math with all of them.

What I needed to find is someone who loved math and understood learning styles.  And that is Mr. D and everyone who works at Mr. D Math.   

I wish I had found them years ago!

Dennis DiNoia, M.A.Ed, has been immersed in education for over 30 years. He holds an M.A. in Education from the University of South Florida. He is affectionately known to his students as “Mr. D.” His online programs have students across the entire United States, and Mr. D has worked with students on five different continents! Mr. D is a pioneer in “live online class,” which he began leading in 2013. Mr. D’s first book, “TEACH – creating independently responsible learners,” was released last year, and he is currently working on a new book on how to develop and nurture executive functioning skills. Mr. D’s podcast brings top homeschooling educators, parents, and students with a story to tell.

Even if you already have a math program that works for your family, be sure to check this episode out.  Dennis is AMAZING!  We talked about the differences between textbooks and online math programs and the trends he sees in online class offerings.  He also shares some ideas on how to help your kids really "get" math.  Enjoy!

I've been on the go recently and haven't been able to edit or record any podcasts.  I'm trying something different this time.  Take a walk with me at the Great Homeschool Convention in Round Rock, Texas!

https://realizinggenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GMT20230708-211301_Recording_640x360.mp4

So many great friends there!  Check out more here:

Charla McKinley - The Artisan of Adulting

Carrie De Francisco - Coffee with Carrie - Homeschooling Outside of the Box

Monica Irvine - The Etiquette Factory - The Skill of Bening Kind

Nicholeen Peck - Teaching Self-Government

Andrew Chambers - Excel College

Christina Werner - PubliSq. - Supporting our Values

Henderson Riley - a new friend that I hope to get on the podcast soon - from Mr. D Math!

Enjoy!

I've had so many parents express concern and even despair about the current state of college education.  Young people are getting out of college saddled with debt, and without the skills and experience they need to support themselves.  They are also surrounded by ideas that often don't align with the values that their parents have worked hard to instill in them.

When I heard about Excel College, I had to learn more.  It seemed like an answer to the problems facing higher education.

Andrew Chambers is the Head of Campus Life at Excel College in Black Mountain, NC. Excel is an innovative Christian college forging a new educational path for students to become wise, mature, and productive adults who live purposeful, fulfilling lives. He and his wife Charity live on campus with their two boys, Evan and Jesse, and love every minute.

Andrew describes Excel College as a place to learn to build a life - not just a living. They’ve forged a new educational path for students to become mature, wise, productive adults who live purposeful, fulfilling lives.

Doesn't that sound wonderful!?!  Be sure to listen to this podcast episode to find out more!

You can learn more about Excel College HERE.

If you would like to reach out to Andrew, feel free to email him here: [email protected]