Falling for Learning Podcast

Raise Independent Writers (and Independent Kids) Are you doing too much for your child? Literacy expert T.D. Flenaugh explains why over-helping can undermine kids' independence, and especially their writing. She shares four practical ways to build confident, independent writers using her R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method. These tips work in a homeschool or a classroom. Episode Highlights 0:00 Why babying your...

Writing Feedback That Helps Students Grow T.D. Flenaugh explains how to give students specific, actionable, and encouraging writing feedback. Using a student writing as an example, she shows homeschool parents and teachers how to build confidence, strengthen writing skills, and keep students engaged. Episode Highlights 00:00 — Why actionable writing feedback matters 03:22 — Reviewing a student’s f...

Show Notes Benita Gordon—education strategist, micro school developer, and founder of Global Education Concierge—joins T Dee Flenaugh to discuss how micro schools can offer a more personalized learning experience for children who may not thrive in traditional settings. Drawing on more than 26 years in education, Benita explains how micro schools support flexible pacing, hands-on and project-based...

 Falling for Learning Podcast interviews Marguerite, Amoz, and Malachi Wright on how family, education, faith, and creativity shaped their lives. As they build a mural in Harvey, Illinois, they pause to give in-depth insight on how they turned childhood art into careers and used creativity to bring hope and healing to their community. Show Highlights 02:40 — Learning as a family value 06:02 — Mala...

How to Use UFLI Lessons & Decodable Text for Reading Practice In this episode, T.D. Flenaugh demonstrates how parents and teachers can use UFLI Foundations Lessons and the decodable passage to build early readers’ decoding, fluency, and comprehension. The episode highlights how repeated oral reading, focused practice with tricky words, as well as how drawing and labeling activities can help st...

How to Help Struggling Writers Without Shutting Them Down In this solo episode, T.D. Flenaugh shares a practical approach to supporting students who struggle with writing—especially those who freeze at a blank page or shut down after receiving feedback. She connects classroom experiences with national writing data and introduces a framework for building students’ writing habits without overwhelmin...

Food, Family, and Nutrition: Teaching Kids to Eat Smarter This episode focuses on how parents and educators can help kids make healthier food choices in a world full of recalls, processed foods, and mixed messages about nutrition. T.D. Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley discuss practical ways to teach children about food safety, food labels, and the connection between food and how the body works. They al...

Season 4, episode 11 Replay Show Notes These 12th Graders Can't Read or Write A Texas teacher’s viral reaction to finding 12th graders unable to complete a simple sentence frame sparks a larger conversation about literacy, expectations, and what schools can do when students are far behind. T.D. Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley unpack why the frustration is real, but also why giving up or over-scaffoldi...

Teaching Civic Engagement: How to Think, Vote, and Lead This episode of Falling for Learning Podcast focuses on civic engagement and why it matters to start early with students. T.D. Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley talk about helping kids think critically, understand rules and laws, and practice participation through voting, writing letters, and solving community problems. In this conversation, they c...

T.D. Flenaugh unpacks the reading crisis through the lens of a veteran educator, reading specialist, and National Board Certified Teacher. The episode explains why many kids struggle to read, how the science of reading differs from whole language instruction, and what parents and teachers can do right now to help children catch up. In this episode, T.D. Flenaugh shares how her own experience teach...

In this episode of Falling for Learning , T.D. Flenaugh sits down with Paula Banks, a creative confidence educator, children’s author, and founder of Lit Kids Create. Paula shares how curiosity, reading, and storytelling shaped her path as an educator and how she now helps children discover that their voices matter before they worry about writing perfectly. Key Topics Paula’s educational journey H...

This episode responds to a viral clip of a Texas high school teacher breaking down because 12th grade students could not complete a short writing task, and uses it as a springboard for a broader conversation about literacy gaps. T.D. Flenaugh and Lauren Moseley discuss what scaffolding is supposed to do, why it should be faded over time, and how teachers and parents can build real reading and writ...

Falling for Learning Podcast: Teaching Kids the Learning Process This episode focuses on how children learn, not just what they learn. T.D. Flenaugh explains why teaching the learning process helps kids build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset that carries into school and life. The message is especially relevant for parents and teachers who want to prepare children for challenges, mistak...

Nurturing Creativity, Education, and Community in Harvey How do young artists start by selling drawings to classmates and elevate to getting work commissioned by celebrities to create album covers, murals, and more! The Wright family of artists discuss how art, family, and community can shape the next generation's love of learning and creativity. This episode features artist siblings Malachi Wrigh...

Debriefing the Little Authors Bookmaking Workshop at the Obama Presidential Center Join us in this special episode as we reflect on the recent Little Authors Bookmaking Workshop—an inspiring event for children ages 8-12, held at the Obama Presidential Center. We discuss the importance of fostering literacy, creativity, and critical thinking in young learners, and share insights from the workshop’s...

In this episode of Falling for Learning, Lauren Moseley and T.D. Flenaugh delve into the importance of engaging in personal projects to foster growth, creativity, and resilience. They share their own experiences with summer projects, emphasizing how self-directed learning and creative pursuits can rejuvenate educators, parents, and students alike. If you're looking for inspiration to start your ow...

Season 4, Episode 2: In this episode, Lauren and T.D. share their summer activities and reflections on technology’s role in learning. They explore how personal pursuits can enhance teaching and how trusting instincts benefit both educators and students. Main Topics: The transformative power of personal and creative projects for educators and parents The influence of technology and screen time poli...

Season 4 ep 1 - ep 143 Falling for Learning Podcast  PREMIERE OF SEASON 4 FALLING FOR LEARNING PODCAST This episode focuses on the upcoming Lit’l Authors Bookmaking Workshop ( https://flowuptoday.com/event ) at the Obama Presidential Center on Saturday, July 25, 2026! This workshop is designed for children to craft their own books and boost their confidence. Wanda Lee Florestine collaborated with...

Summary In the final episode of Falling for Learning's season 3, T.D. Flenaugh reflects on her journey through completing her book, managing responsibilities, and navigating personal and professional challenges. She shares insights on balancing joy and pain, the importance of intentionality. An upcoming workshop at the Obama Presidential Center: The Lit'l Authors Bookmaking Event on Saturday, July...

Building Brilliance and Justice In this episode, educator and author Andratesha Fritzgerald shares her inspiring journey of integrating anti-racism with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to transform educational spaces into liberating environments for all students. Gain insights into how community, belief in student brilliance, and strategic advocacy shape equitable learning. Key Topics: Fritzge...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this episode as Blain Watson, a seasoned educator, school leader, and parent, shares invaluable insights on how parents can actively support their children's academic and social-emotional development. Discover practical strategies rooted in research and personal experience to create a strong supportive environment for learning and growth. Main Topics:   The importance o...

Send us Fan Mail Discover practical strategies to motivate your middle school child to read regularly and improve their reading skills, especially in the aftermath of disruptions like the pandemic. This episode emphasizes fostering a positive reading environment, selecting engaging texts, and establishing consistent routines to build confidence and love for reading. Main topics: Understanding and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Falling for Learning Podcast , T.D. Flenaugh dives into the core reasons why traditional schooling methods fail to engage teens and how innovative approaches can reignite their passion for learning. This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical strategies for parents, educators, and advocates to help transform the educational experience for teens...

Send us Fan Mail Summer is upon us! Take your children to the library! Dr. Eno Attah, a school librarian with a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, discusses the transformative power of libraries. She highlights her journey from a Nigerian American background, influenced by PBS and her community, to becoming an educator. Dr. Attah emphasizes libraries' role as safe spaces offering resources...

Send us Fan Mail Celebrating Teachers and Supporting Student Success: A Personal Reflection In this episode, TD Flenaugh shares heartfelt stories and lessons about the importance of teachers in shaping lives, from elementary school to college. It’s a call to recognize ongoing teacher appreciation, foster collaboration, and empower parents and students alike to create environments for success. Key...