The fight over how to teach reading (and what matters instead)
Parents are drowning in arguments about phonics, whole language, and balanced literacy. Here’s the truth behind the Reading Wars, and what really matters for your child.
Issy Butson
Check out the latest posts
Why reading makes us panic (and what children’s brains are really ready for)
Part one of this series uncovers why reading timelines get parents so worried, and what the science says about how and when children are really ready.
Ten things a home educating parent should NEVER do
After years of doing this, and speaking to thousands of other parents, I’ve found there are ten things that will categorically make home education harder than it needs to be. This episode puts every one of them under the spotlight.
Why home educating is the most important work there is
As a home educator, there’s a good chance you’re not valuing yourself, or your role, nearly as much as you should. Today I want to show you why I believe you’ve taken on a level of professional responsibility and weight that most people never will.
The myth of the self-directed child, Part Two (the six blockers to motivation)
Six common reasons children struggle with motivation, and how to gently support autonomy by addressing what’s really getting in the way.
The myth of the self-directed child, Part One (why freedom isn’t enough) 🎙️
Why so many children struggle to take initiative - even with total freedom - and what the science of motivation, autonomy, and brain development tells us they actually need instead.