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.
There's No Research Saying Kids Must Learn to Read by Age 5
For 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 development research. It came from systemic pressure: benchmarks, testing, and the assumption that starting earlier means more time to intervene.
Multiple studies comparing early readers to later readers show no long-term academic advantage for kids who start formal reading instruction earlier. Children who begin later catch up, show similar comprehension and fluency, and experience no lasting academic harm. There is no single "right" age to learn to read — but there is a right sequence of skills that has to come first.
Want the deeper dive on brain development and reading readiness? Watch here (https://youtu.be/BNkWHtTvZ6M)
K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse (https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/shop/ols/products/science-of-reading-simplified-course)
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse (https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/shop/ols/products/the-5-foundations-of-reading-e-course)
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (start here if you're not sure which level to choose) (https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/curriculum)
Level 1: Letters and Sounds (Parent Led)
Level 1: The Letter Mysteries (Video Led) (https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/shop/ols/products/letter-mysteries-workbook)
Level 2: Beginning Reader
Level 3: The Sound and Spelling Guide (https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/shop/ols/products/sound-and-spelling-guide)
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/shop/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)
20 Aug 2026
Why Mississippi's Reading Scores Skyrocketed (And What It Means for Your Child)
What 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 Miracle" — how a state that used to rank near the bottom in reading scores turned things around and posted some of the biggest reading gains in the country. It wasn't luck, more homework, or a new gadget. It was a shift to explicit, systematic phonics instruction rooted in Structured Literacy.
I'll walk you through exactly what Mississippi changed, why so many classrooms still aren't teaching reading this way, and — most importantly — how you can bring these same research-backed principles into your home, no matter where your child is starting from (struggling, brand new to reading, losing confidence, or ready to move ahead).
You'll learn:
✔️ What actually happened in Mississippi's reading turnaround
✔️ Why phonemic awareness is the #1 predictor of reading success
✔️ How explicit, systematic phonics instruction works (and why "exposure" isn't enough)
✔️ How high-frequency words should be taught in context, not memorized in isolation
✔️ What a research-backed, at-home reading routine actually looks like I also share a bit about how these exact principles are built into my Level 1 and Level 2 Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum, and how you can join the waitlist for Level 3.
Check out K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources to get started today:
Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse for Parents (https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/shop/ols/products/science-of-reading-simplified-course)
5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse for Parents (https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/shop/ols/products/the-5-foundations-of-reading-e-course)
Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum (https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/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)
Join the waitlist for level 3; The Sound and Spelling Guide (https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/c28411fd1e)
Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words (https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/shop/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)
Your child isn't the problem — the approach is. And the right approach changes everything.
20 May 2026
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)
Who has been a guest on Foundations of Learning
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Kelsey
homeschooling mom
Amy Anderson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
16
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
Contact Foundations of Learning
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Foundations of Learning?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
