Kami Harris – Empower Your Educational Journey

Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of homeschooling with Kami Harris, a beacon of wisdom and guidance in the homeschooling community. I’m thrilled to have Kami here to share her extraordinary journey with us. From her initial path toward becoming a teacher to making the bold leap into homeschooling, Kami’s story is nothing short of inspiring. She embarked on this adventure when she recognized that the traditional education system just wasn’t cutting it for her eldest daughter. That realization was the spark that ignited her passion for a more personalized, hands-on approach to education.

Over the years, Kami has truly embraced the essence of homeschooling. She didn’t just stop at teaching her own kids; she went on to start a homeschooling community in her local area, deeply immersing herself in Leadership Education and Leadership Education Mentoring Institute (LEMI). But what’s perhaps most exciting is Kami’s latest chapter. As her own children step beyond the homeschooling threshold, Kami is now channeling her vast experience into coaching other parents embarking on their homeschooling journeys.

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Amaan Ahmad – Changing the Future of Education

Welcome to our latest episode where we dive into the world of innovation in education with Amaan Ahmad, a visionary from London who, along with his colleague Sid, is reshaping how we approach learning. In this insightful conversation, Amaan introduces us to ‘Pathfinder’, an Artificial Intelligence tool designed to enhance the learning experience for alternative education communities such as homeschoolers, learning pods, and micro-schools.

Discover how Pathfinder curates safe and relevant content from the internet, guiding learners through a journey of discovery and application. This tool isn’t just about finding information; it’s about nurturing a safe and focused learning environment that encourages the practical use of knowledge. With its focus on project-based learning and curiosity-driven education, it addresses the needs of the next generation of learners.

Enjoy!

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From Traditional to Transformative

In this episode, I’m thrilled to share with you the insights and experiences of two remarkable individuals in the world of alternative education – Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt from Vibrant Family Education. They delved deep into the myriad approaches to education and offered their unwavering support for families navigating both the homeschool and traditional education systems.

Kristina, who comes with an impressive 27 years of experience as an educator, shared her poignant decision to leave the traditional school system. Her story resonates with many of us, underscoring the need for educational models that prioritize the well-being and values of both students and teachers.

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Doing December Differently

Isn’t it exciting? December’s here. We have all kinds of exciting activities that we’re doing. We are going sledding and having snow days and, you know, going to see Santa, if that’s your thing. We have church activities and all kinds of family that are going to be visiting. And additional fancy meals that you’re supposed to put together. And oh, by the way, on top of that, educate our kids.

Right.

I don’t know about you, but I have always loved December, but… Being really vulnerable here… It’s also when I kind of had a couple of breakdowns over the years.

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Julia Booker – Learning to Love Reading

Meet Julia Booker, the heart and soul of Booker’s Book Nook. She has a passion for sharing the love of reading! She’s a representative with PaperPie (formerly Usborne). Their motto? “We gather for good around literacy and learning.” For five years now, Julia’s been hosting an annual book drive bash, raising money to hook up foster care kids in CCC (Community Care County) with shiny new books.

In just the last two years, she’s scored enough donations to dish out a whopping 1,200 top-notch books, one for each kid in the county’s care. Julia’s no newbie to the kid scene; she’s spent over 20 years waltzing through roles like dance teacher, sub, helper, and Sunday school teacher. When she’s not dishing out the best children’s stories, she’s got her hands full, homeschooling her two sons. Julia’s on a mission to bring families closer, one book at a time.

Find out more about Julia and PaperPie by listening to this week’s podcast!

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Tatiana Fallon – Becoming More Human

In an age where Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly interwoven into our daily existence, there’s a growing urgency to impart the essence of humanity to our children.  This week’s episode is a conversation Tatiana Fallon and I had after we finished recording her presentation for the 2024 Realizing Genius Homeschool Conference (February 22-27, 2024).  Her presentation is on AI and is fascinating!  I can’t wait for you to watch it! Our conversation is a great preview.  Tatiana talks about how a classical Liberal Arts education for ourselves and our kids is a great antidote to the artificiality around us.

Enjoy!

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Carrie De Francisco – Homeschool Co-ops & More

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!

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Cherry Hughes – An Inspiration!

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.

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Kristina Heagh-Avritt & Kitti Andrews – Putting Your Home/School in Order

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!

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