Ep. 38 - What if School Creates DYSlexia? with Je'anna Clements

Dive deep with us–into the idea that conventional schools might be contributing to the very struggles many people associate with dyslexia. I’m joined by Je’anna Clements, an advocate for self-directed learning and a dyslexic learner herself, to discuss her eye-opening perspective on DYSlexia (school-created) vs. dyslexia (a neurotype).

Je'anna explains how conventional interventions often offer “helpful harm,” leading to poorer outcomes than self-directed educational approaches for dyslexic learners. She shares how shifting our perspective allows all children to thrive in learning in ways that truly honor their unique needs. We also explore the powerful connections between felt-safety, self-determination theory, flow in learning, and consent—and how these elements are key to fostering meaningful, lifelong learning.

We also dive into the idea of “inherent wisdom”—the concept that children already possess what they need to find their own learning solutions. Je’anna shares her perspective on how self-directed learning, rooted in trust and understanding, can help children mature in their own ways—especially those who’ve been labeled as “dyslexic.”

This conversation challenges conventional educational norms and invites us to rethink how we approach learning, reading, and the holistic development and respect of children.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between DYSlexia (school-created) and dyslexia (a neurotype)
• Why some common reading interventions might actually be harmful
• How felt-safety, self-determination, and flow impact learning
• The role of consent in a child’s learning process
• The importance of connecting learning to a child’s innate interests and curiosity
• Why trusting your child’s natural learning process can be the key to thriving in home education

90-Minute School Day Guide Training™

If this conversation resonated with you, and you’re looking for guidance, structure, and support in creating a self-directed learning environment that truly works for your family, Guide Training™ is here to help. This group coaching program provides personalized mentorship, community, and tools to help you break free from the constraints of traditional schooling and build a thriving homeschool experience.

Enrollment is open now through March 18th—learn more and sign up here: https://90minuteschoolday.com/guide-training/

Connect with Je’Anna:

• Website and her books
• Patreon and mini-courses
• Horizontal Communication
• Rights-Centric Education
• LinkedIn

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• What if School Creates Dyslexia? By Je’anna Clements
• Free to Learn by Peter Gray
• Successful Illiterate Men study by Roger A. Clark
• The Art of Receiving and Giving: the Wheel of Consent by Betty Marin

Join the Conversation! This episode is just a peek inside our Day in the Life community, where parents support one another in self-directed learning and explore homeschooling through the lens of play, flow, and nervous system safety.

Want to join us for support, connection, + more conversations like this?

👉 Learn more at 90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life/.