"I think the biggest why is love really. I love my children. I love children in general. It's what got me into education in the first place." – Keri Mae
What if personalized education wasn't just for stay-at-home parents? In this eye-opening episode, former public school teacher and single mom Keri Mae shares how she crafts individualized learning experiences for her three boys while working full-time (at OpenEd).
From navigating Montessori to homeschooling, Keri Mae challenges the notion that alternative education requires a traditional two-parent, stay-at-home setup. She reveals practical strategies for balancing work and education, advocating for your children's needs, and creating rich learning experiences even with time and resource constraints. Learn why she implemented a strict no-homework policy for her elementary-aged children, and how this decision created more time for family connection and real-world learning.
Learn:
- How to personalize education while working full-time, including creative scheduling and resource management
- Why homework policies should be questioned and how to advocate for your child's after-school time
- The power of practical skills and hands-on learning versus traditional worksheets
- How to blend different educational approaches (Montessori, homeschool, etc.) based on each child's needs
- Real-world strategies for staying involved in your children's education as a working parent
- Why age 12 can be the perfect transition point for homeschooling
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:15 Starting the Journey: Public School Experience
01:45 Challenges with Public Schooling
02:49 Transition to Homeschooling
03:14 Current Educational Setup
04:49 Pandemic and Homeschooling Realizations
09:08 Daily Homeschool Routine
11:48 Balancing Work and Homeschooling
12:37 Personalizing Education for Each Child
15:36 Values and Family Activities
16:36 Challenges and Adjustments in Homeschooling
19:48 Monitoring and Accountability
21:29 Staying Involved with Montessori
22:52 Engaging with Your Child's Education
24:20 The No Homework Policy
26:54 Alternative Learning Methods
30:57 The Importance of Context in Learning
36:31 Fostering Independence and Practical Skills
38:14 The Motivation Behind Open Education
40:36 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections
