Ep. 36 - Reimagine Reading: It's Not A Race!

Listen-in as we challenge conventional thinking about reading and literacy, inviting you to reimagine what learning to read can look like. If you’ve ever worried about whether your child is “on track” or felt pressure to meet school-based milestones, this conversation is for you. We deschool our mindsets around traditional literacy approaches and explore a more natural, expansive perspective on learning to read.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The pressure homeschooling parents feel around reading milestones
• Why traditional phonics drills and early benchmarks may not serve every learner
• Insights from 90-Minute School Day in the Life Community on reading readiness and neurodivergent learners
• Socrates’ paradoxical thoughts on literacy and memory
• How the schooling model of reading falls short for many children
• Personal reflection prompts on your own childhood reading experiences
• The non-linear nature of reading development and the true average age of reading fluency
• Expanding our definition of reading beyond just decoding letters and words
• The broader scope of literacy—reading, writing, speaking, listening, and making sense of the world
• How ableism affects perceptions of literacy and learning
• Deschooling our fears around reading and trusting our children's natural development

 

Key Takeaways:

• Reading readiness varies widely, typically developing between ages 4 and 12.
• The societal view of literacy needs to expand beyond traditional reading and writing.
• Alternative literacy pathways, assistive technology, and multimodal learning are valid and important.
• Our fears around reading often stem from outdated school-based expectations.

 

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

Want to explore this topic in community? The Day in the Life Community is hosting live discussions all month on rethinking reading through Zoom and asynchronous Marco Polo video chats. Share your thoughts and experiences—join us today!

Listen in now, and don’t forget to share this episode with other homeschooling parents who may need this perspective shift.

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Join the conversation inside Day in the Life Community this month on rethinking reading
• On Feb. 12, Amber O’Neal Johnston will be joining us live on Zoom to discuss her new book, Soul School, and the importance of identity and representation in children’s literature.

 

Additional Resources for You:

• Need guidance through deschooling and natural learning?  Learn about Guide Training™, our signature step-by-step program to launch you into confident self-directed learning with your kids (not against them).
• 90-Minute School Day offers a self-paced course and 1:1 coaching services to meet you where you are, schedule a free consult today.
• Don’t Homeschool Alone!  Join DITL community with 90-Minute School Day and implement self-directed learning with supportive new friends.
• Invite Kelly to speak at your next in-person or virtual gathering or event.

 

Support the Podcast: Love this episode? Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be the first to know when new episodes drop. Also, a quick rating or review helps more families like yours find support on their journey.