The Neuroscience of Confident Learners: How Parents Can Use Brain Science at Home | Dr. Lisa Riegel

The Neuroscience of Confident Learners: How Parents Can Use Brain Science at Home | Dr. Lisa Riegel

What if the secret to raising a confident, capable learner isn't more entertainment — but more brain science? In 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 Science of Feeling Better, Thinking Better, and Leading Better, and creator of the 7C Framework for lasting engagement. With over 25 years working with schools and families, Lisa translates neuroscience into simple, doable strategies parents can use at home. In this episode, you'll learn: How children's brains build real skills over time — even when learning feels repetitive or "unglamorous" The difference between short-term engagement (entertainment) and long-term motivation and mastery How to support focus, resilience, and emotional regulation in everyday routines Why structure, predictability, and clear expectations reduce stress and grow confidence Practical ways families can apply brain science at home — without overcomplicating learning or relying on constant stimulation Connect with Dr. Lisa Riegel: Website [https://www.lisariegel.com] Engagement Partners Institute [https://www.epinstitute.net] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel/] Book a session [https://calendly.com/lisariegel/60min] Books on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=lisa+riegel] K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/science-of-reading-simplified-course] 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/the-5-foundations-of-reading-e-course] Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-curriculum] Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/d6c6c42aa0] Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/fb54993b56] Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/sor-aligned-high-frequency-words-107-zeno-words] Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/5e2086e116] The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/the-literacy-clarity-plan] FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/29e01da942] Affiliates Tuttle Twins Books [https://tuttletwins.com/ref/K3_homeschool_foundations/] Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources [https://rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/foundations]

How to Raise Entrepreneurial Kids: Teaching Financial Literacy & Confidence Early

What 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 how entrepreneurship can become one of the most powerful tools for raising confident, resilient, and capable kids. We dive into: What “child entrepreneurship” really looks like in everyday life Why traditional learning methods often miss the mark for real-world readiness Simple ways parents can introduce business thinking and money skills at home How family culture shapes a child’s confidence, risk-taking, and resilience The deeper transformation kids experience when they’re trusted to lead You’ll also hear about Leah’s Ignite. Empower. Lead. curriculum and her Astra & Zeke book series—resources designed to help kids grow into thoughtful leaders, especially in communities navigating real-world challenges. If you want to raise a child who thinks creatively, leads confidently, and isn’t afraid to try (and try again), this conversation is for you. Connect with Leah and The Society of Child Entrepreneurs: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SocietyofChildEntrepreneurs] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/societyofchildentrepreneurs/] Website [https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/] Learn More [https://bit.ly/m/SoCEHub] Skool Community [https://www.skool.com/socecircle] K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/science-of-reading-simplified-course] 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/the-5-foundations-of-reading-e-course] Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-curriculum] Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/d6c6c42aa0] Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/fb54993b56] Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/sor-aligned-high-frequency-words-107-zeno-words] Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/5e2086e116] The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/the-literacy-clarity-plan] FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/29e01da942] Affiliates: Tuttle Twins Books [https://tuttletwins.com/ref/K3_homeschool_foundations/] Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources [https://rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/foundations]

Why Your Child Isn’t Learning to Read (3 Signs It’s the Wrong Approach)

If 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 isn’t this clicking yet?” In this episode, I’m breaking down the 3 biggest signs your child doesn’t need more practice… they need a different reading approach. We’ll cover: ✔ Why guessing words is a red flag (and what it actually means) ✔ The real reason your child “forgets everything” overnight ✔ Why reading time turns into a battle—and how to fix it Here’s the truth most parents aren’t told: 👉 Struggling readers don’t need more time. They need the right method. If you’re ready for reading lessons that actually work in real-life, busy homes… ➡️ Start your child’s reading journey here: FREE Assessment [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/7cf4106f11] Mnemonic Cards [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/bundle-mnemonic-keyword-and-sound-cards-vowel-team-letters-digraphs-r-controlled-vowel-digraphs-word-families] MORE K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/science-of-reading-simplified-course] 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/the-5-foundations-of-reading-e-course] Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-curriculum] Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/d6c6c42aa0] Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/fb54993b56] Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/sor-aligned-high-frequency-words-107-zeno-words] Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/5e2086e116] The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/the-literacy-clarity-plan] FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/29e01da942] Affliates Tuttle Twins Books [https://tuttletwins.com/ref/K3_homeschool_foundations/] Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources [https://rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/foundations] This simple, science-backed system helps your child build real skills—without long, overwhelming lessons. You don’t need a perfect schedule. You just need the right approach.

Why So Many Kids Aren’t Thriving in School (And How The Good and the Beautiful Helps)

If 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 sit down with Patch Crowe from The Good and the Beautiful to talk about what’s actually happening beneath the surface when kids aren’t thriving academically. We dive into: ✨ Why capable kids struggle in traditional school settings ✨ How reading impacts emotional well-being and identity ✨ What happens when learning becomes tied to stress or shame ✨ The philosophy behind creating a love of learning (not just checking boxes) ✨ Why homeschooling is growing—and what families are discovering ✨ How to create a home environment where learning feels natural and joyful This episode will challenge the way you think about education—and give you a new lens on what your child actually needs to thrive. 🔗 Learn more about The Good and the Beautiful: Website [https://www.goodandbeautiful.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegoodandthebeautiful/] Follow Patch: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/patchcrowe/] Explore more content: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheGoodandtheBeautiful] Kids Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@TheGoodandtheBeautifulKids] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegoodandthebeautiful] 🎙️ Don’t forget to: Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a parent who needs to hear it. K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/science-of-reading-simplified-course] 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/the-5-foundations-of-reading-e-course] Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-curriculum] Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/d6c6c42aa0] Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/fb54993b56] Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/sor-aligned-high-frequency-words-107-zeno-words] Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/5e2086e116] The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/the-literacy-clarity-plan] FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/29e01da942] Tuttle Twins Books [https://tuttletwins.com/ref/K3_homeschool_foundations/] Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources [https://rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/foundations]

Why Kids Who Play More Often Become Better Readers

Most parents think learning to read starts with letters, phonics worksheets, or handwriting practice. But neuroscience tells a very different story. Long before children recognize letters or blend sounds, their brains are building the foundational systems that make reading and writing possible. In this episode, we explore why unstructured play is one of the most powerful foundations for literacy development and how movement, sensory experiences, imagination, and social play build the brain pathways children rely on for reading success. You’ll learn: • Why climbing, balancing, and outdoor play strengthen attention and reading fluency • How sensory input helps children sit still, listen to sounds, and write letters later • Why imaginative play builds language and comprehension skills • The connection between social play, self-regulation, and reading stamina • How parents can support both play-based brain development AND structured literacy If you’ve ever worried your child might be falling behind in reading, this conversation will help you understand what their brain actually needs first. Play isn’t wasted time. Play is the pre-reading curriculum. Small wins start early. Big confidence lasts a lifetime. If you're ready to support your child with brain-aligned literacy tools, you can explore my resources: K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources: Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/science-of-reading-simplified-course [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/science-of-reading-simplified-course] 5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/the-5-foundations-of-reading-e-course [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/the-5-foundations-of-reading-e-course] Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-curriculum [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-curriculum] Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/d6c6c42aa0 [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/d6c6c42aa0] Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/fb54993b56 [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/fb54993b56] Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/sor-aligned-high-frequency-words-107-zeno-words [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/sor-aligned-high-frequency-words-107-zeno-words] Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/5e2086e116 [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/5e2086e116] The Literacy Clarity Plan- Work one on one with me to create a detailed literacy plan made for YOUR child https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/the-literacy-clarity-plan [https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/the-literacy-clarity-plan] FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/29e01da942 [https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/29e01da942]