Foundations of Learning

Is your child a great reader—but a terrible speller? You’re not alone. Spelling is one of the most common pain points parents and teachers share with me, and for good reason: most of us were taught spelling the wrong way. In this episode, I break down why spelling is harder than reading, why memorizing weekly word lists doesn’t work, and how the Science of Reading offers a better path forward. You...

Is early academics really helping kids, or hurting them? In this episode, I take a fiery look at America’s push for “Kindergarten Readiness” and why play-based preschool actually leads to stronger, happier learners in the long run. We’ll compare the U.S. education model with Finland’s world-renowned approach, breaking down differences in: Preschool & early academics — why later is better Reces...

What if education was built around curiosity instead of compliance? In this episode of the Foundations of Learning Podcast, I sit down with Ben, founder of Recess and former team member at Synthesis, the innovative online program inspired by Elon Musk’s Ad Astra school. Ben shares his journey from working at the cutting edge of education to creating a platform that helps kids learn through communi...

What if our education system was never designed to help us truly learn? In this video, I uncover the hidden history of public education, from the Prussian model to reformers like Horace Mann, and the influence of industrialists like Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Ford. The truth is: government schools were designed to create obedient citizens and compliant workers, not independent thinkers. We were ne...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Jessica, founder of Little Busy Preschool, to explore how she built a thriving early learning environment rooted in play, curiosity, and connection. We talk about: Why Jessica decided to start her own preschool and the pivotal moment that shaped her vision How she blends child-led learning with foundational literacy and numeracy skills Why so many Utah pr...

Tired of flashcards that don’t work? In this video, I’ll show you how to really teach sight words (also called high-frequency words) in a way that sticks—using a method backed by the Science of Reading. Instead of guessing or memorizing, your child will learn how to break down each word by its sounds, understand why it’s spelled the way it is, and actually remember it long-term. This approach is s...

Is handwriting really that important in today’s digital world? According to Holly Britton—handwriting specialist and founder of Squiggle Squad—the answer is a resounding yes. In this powerful episode, Holly unpacks how handwriting isn’t just about neat letters—it’s a vital bridge to literacy and brain development. We explore: Why handwriting helps wire the brain for reading What’s happening neurol...

Looking for a simple, screen-free way to teach your preschooler at home? This 7-week printable preschool packet was created by a former educator and mom to help you build strong literacy and math foundations—without the overwhelm. In this video, I walk you through everything that’s included in this 140+ page resource and explain why it's an essential tool for homeschooling families and parents pre...

What happens when a homeschool family combines their love of learning, faith, and creativity to write a children’s book together? In this episode of Foundations of Learning, I sit down with the Bryant family—authors of Trusting Timothy: A Story About Cheating—to talk about how they balanced homeschooling, daily life, and collaboration to bring a meaningful story to life. We dive into: How each fam...

The education system is BROKEN... or it was designed this way, and it’s time to get LOUD about it! In this explosive episode of This Week in Education, I'm tearing into the U.S. Department of Education’s bureaucratic swamp, the woke SEL scam indoctrinating our kids, and the teacher shortage crisis betraying our educators. With 30% of 4th graders failing to read at grade level, 80% of schools pushi...

Join us as we dive into the latest education shake-up! First, we explore the shocking $7B funding freeze impacting schools nationwide. Next, we uncover the surging homeschooling trend reshaping how kids learn. Then, we break down the role of AI in classrooms and its future potential. Finally, we analyze the $5B voucher bill and what it means for school choice. Don’t miss the discussion Follow for...

What if the system isn’t broken—but actually working exactly as it was designed to? In this thought-provoking episode, Shali sits down with David, educator and founder of Changemaker Education , to unpack what’s gone wrong in modern schooling—and what we can do about it. After years inside the classroom and witnessing firsthand how disengaged, stressed, and boxed-in students had become, David real...

In today’s episode, I’m talking with Kelsey—former teacher, mom of four, and the founder of Learning with Kelsey. If you’ve ever wondered what learning really looks like in the toddler and preschool years—or if you’ve felt pressure to start academics early—this one’s for you. We explore: • What “learning through play” really means • How to support your child’s development without worksheets • Enco...

Is your child “behind” in reading—or are they just developing at their own pace? In this episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt (and maybe unpopular) perspective as both a former educator and a homeschooling mom. We’ll explore why I’m not worried if my daughter isn’t reading by age 7 or 8, and how science supports a more developmentally appropriate timeline for literacy. You’ll hear: What essential pre-...

What if you had the power to customize your child’s education with funding that puts you in the driver’s seat? Traditional education funding sends dollars to systems, but what if those dollars went directly to families instead? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Amy Anderson, co-founder and executive director of RESCHOOL, is working to make possible. In this episode, Amy breaks down how direct-to-...

What Kind of World Will Your Children Inherit? The ideas shaping our culture today will define the future of our children. Are we unknowingly embracing ideologies that undermine freedom? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Christian Ray Flores —a child refugee, former Soviet pop star, entrepreneur, evangelist, and author of The Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America. Having lived under c...

In this episode, I sit down with Spencer Russell, the founder of Toddlers CAN Read and the Head of Literacy Strategy at Lovevery, to dive into the strategies that truly work when teaching kids to read. We discuss his journey from classroom teacher to literacy expert, why he believes toddlers are capable of learning to read, and how parents can step in when schools fall short. We also tackle big qu...

Have you ever wondered why so many kids today need braces? Is it just genetics, or is something else at play? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ben Miraglia of Toothpillow to explore a fascinating and somewhat alarming trend in dental health—our jaws are shrinking. We dive deep into the consequences of having a small jaw, especially in children, and how it affects speech, breathing, and even be...

In this episode, we dive into an innovative approach to education with the co-founder of the Modern Classroom Project. Blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning are revolutionizing how students engage with material, and today we explore how these pillars can transform academic outcomes. Our guest shares their journey from being a high school math teacher to co-founding this groundbreaking or...

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Vale, founder of For the Cubs, to explore her inspiring journey from the Australian outback to advocating for children in foster care. Amy shares how her upbringing among diverse travelers on her family's property shaped her worldview and instilled a passion for helping others. A pivotal figure in her life, Jake, a backpacker from the 1980s, left a lasting imp...

Are schools truly preparing our kids for success, or are parents being kept in the dark? In this episode, I explore the shocking disconnect between what parents believe about their children’s academic performance and the stark reality of national proficiency data. Inspired by a recent Time article, we’ll explore why 90% of parents think their kids excel, while only a fraction meet grade-level stan...

In this episode, I unpack the key points of Trump’s proposed education policies and what they could mean for parents, teachers, and students. From school choice to merit pay for teachers, we’ll explore the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of these changes. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, an educator, or just curious about the future of education, this episode offers a balanc...

I had an inspiring conversation with Tracy, founder of STEP in Arizona. We discussed how her program is helping low-income students in Arizona pave their way to college. What makes STEP truly unique is its three-week immersion in Alaska, where students learn essential life skills. It''s not a fancy, nice, and cozy trip to Alaska! Tracy shared how this transformative experience helps high schoolers...

Dr. Bethany is the founder of C.O.R.E Methods. She has helped countless schools and parents eliminate unwanted behaviors at home and school. They are on a mission to help others feel safe; physically and psychologically where people can fully experience their feelings and select their behaviors. They aim to work with all the systems within an individual’s life to integrate techniques that decrease...

In this episode, we dive deep into the role and function of school boards. What are they, why were they created, and are they fulfilling their intended mission? I share my personal perspective on the value of school boards, acknowledging that this is a complex issue with no easy answers. I encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this topic. Let's have a respectful and thoughtful discu...