Foundations of Learning
by Shali Flint
There's No Research Saying Kids Must Learn to Read by Age 5
About this podcast
At K3 Homeschool Foundations, we are dedicated to empowering parents on their journey through the ever-evolving landscape of education. Our mission is to create a supportive community where parents can explore innovative ideas, navigate school choices, and gain insights into effective learning strategies for their children. We believe in the transformative power of education and strive to provide a platform that delves into the best practices for reading, writing, and math.
Through engaging conversations with experts, educators, and thought leaders, our podcast aims to equip parents with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about their child's education. We are committed to fostering a dynamic dialogue that goes beyond conventional approaches, encouraging the exploration of alternative educational methods and philosophies.
At the heart of our mission is the belief that every child deserves a tailored and enriching educational experience. By embracing diverse perspectives and sharing practical tips, Foundations of Learning seeks to inspire parents to actively participate in their child's learning journey, fostering a love for knowledge and nurturing the skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world.
Join us as we embark on this educational exploration, where we strive to support and guide parents in their pursuit of providing the best possible educational experience for their children. Together, let's shape the future of education and empower the next generation through informed and inspired parenting.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 76 episodes
- There's No Research Saying Kids Must Learn to Read by Age 5 · 7 min · Season 3 Episode 16For decades, parents have been told that learning to read by age five is essential — and if a child isn't there yet, panic sets in. But that timeline was never based on child…
- Why Mississippi's Reading Scores Skyrocketed (And What It Means for Your Child) · 8 min · Season 3 Episode 15What if your child's struggle to read has nothing to do with them — and everything to do with how they're being taught? In this episode, I'm breaking down the "Mississippi…
- The Neuroscience of Confident Learners: How Parents Can Use Brain Science at Home | Dr. Lisa Riegel · 54 min · Season 3 Episode 14In this episode of Foundations of Learning, we sit down with Dr. Lisa Riegel — Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University, author of NeuroWell: The…
- How to Raise Entrepreneurial Kids: Teaching Financial Literacy & Confidence Early · 55 min · Season 3 Episode 13What if the skills your child needs most… aren’t being taught in school? In this episode, we sit down with Leah Ellis, founder of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs, to explore…
- Why Your Child Isn’t Learning to Read (3 Signs It’s the Wrong Approach) · 11 min · Season 3 Episode 12If reading lessons feel frustrating… you’re not alone. Between the mess, the interruptions, and trying to teach your child while managing everything else—it’s easy to wonder…
- Why So Many Kids Aren’t Thriving in School (And How The Good and the Beautiful Helps) · 1 h 0 min · Season 3 Episode 11If your child isn’t thriving in school… it might not be them. In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really going on—and what parents can do differently. In this conversation, I…
- Why Kids Who Play More Often Become Better Readers · 16 min · Season 3 Episode 10Most parents think learning to read starts with letters, phonics worksheets, or handwriting practice. But neuroscience tells a very different story. Long before children…
- The Truth About Homeschooling: Socialization, School System Gaps & What Parents Need to Know · 1 h 5 min · Season 3 Episode 9Homeschooling is one of the most misunderstood educational choices a family can make. In this honest and encouraging conversation with Cheri Boissonnault of Raising Aspens and…
- Why Traditional Grammar Instruction Fails (And What To Do Instead) | With Patty McGee · 55 min · Season 3 Episode 8Grammar doesn’t have to mean worksheets, red pens, and bored kids. In this episode of the Foundations of Learning podcast, I’m joined by literacy expert and author Patty McGee to…
- Early Signs of Reading Struggles in Kids & What Parents Can Do · 14 min · Season 3 Episode 7Reading doesn’t begin with letters. It begins with language. In this episode, I’m walking you through: • The early signs of reading struggles in toddlers and young children • Why…
- Can Schools Build Accountability Without Punishment? · 59 min · Season 3 Episode 6In this episode, Shali sits down with Nicholas Bradford, restorative justice expert and founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice, for an honest and nuanced…
- Grief, Faith, and Learning: Helping Families Breathe, Heal, and Grow Again · 1 h 25 min · Season 3 Episode 5In this powerful episode of Foundations of Learning, I’m joined by Marcia Earhart, certified grief, trauma, brain, and mental health coach, HeartSync Minister, author, and…
- Why Storytelling Shapes a Child’s Confidence, Identity, and Emotional Strength · 52 min · Season 3 Episode 4What helps children stay grounded when they face disappointment, pressure, or failure? In this episode, I sit down with the author of The Goal of the Game to explore how story…
- The Truth About “Fun” Learning and What Kids Actually Need to Learn to Read · 11 min · Season 3 Episode 3We’re constantly told that learning has to be fun, full of games, songs, and entertainment, or kids won’t engage. But here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud: Not every…
- Is My Child Behind on the Alphabet? Real Timelines for Learning Letters · 9 min · Season 3 Episode 2“Is my child behind on learning letters?” This is one of the most common questions parents ask —and in this episode, we’re answering it honestly and calmly. You’ll discover: What…
- The Vaccine Questions Parents Are Afraid to Ask (And Why That Matters) · 1 h 6 min · Season 3 Episode 1Learn More from Dr. Joel Gator Warsh Sign up for his Substack: @drjoelgator Follow Dr. Gator: Instagram: @drjoelgator Facebook: Joel Gator TikTok: @drjoelwarsh Get his Books —…
- I Read to My Child Every Day… So Why Can’t They Read Yet? · 13 min · Season 2 Episode 33Why Being Read To Isn’t the Same as Learning to Read You’re doing everything “right.” You read to your child every day. You prioritize books. You love cozy storytime together. So…
- Can AI Bring Play and Creativity Back Into the Classroom? · 49 min · Season 2 Episode 32Classrooms were never meant to be one-size-fits-all—yet teachers are expected to meet wildly different learning needs with less time and more paperwork than ever. In this episode…
- How External Validation Is Undermining Your Child’s Confidence and Resilience · 12 min · Season 2 Episode 31Do our kids really need outside validation to succeed? From gold stars and grades to praise and awards, children are constantly taught to measure their worth by how others…
- Is AI Making Kids Dumber? How Technology Shapes Thinking, Creativity, and Learning · 55 min · Season 2 Episode 30In this episode of Foundations of Learning, I sit down with Professor Vasant Dhar—a global leader in machine learning, data science, and AI decision-making—to explore one of the…







