Ep. 6 – Unlock Your Child’s Superpowers: The Magic of Observation

Tune-in to unlock the mechanics of observation, what it is, what it does and why it is important in homeschooling.  We will simplify our understanding of what learning is and how observation gives us insight into our child’s inner world and strengths.

Training + Tools

We answer how-to observe by looking at observation in 2 categories: the regulated and dysregulated state to gain a full picture of your child’s superpowers.  Once we’ve made our observations, we view them through 4 part lens.

Observation leads us to “Resource and Converse” and “Reflect and Respond.”

Mindset Moment

When observing, it is helpful to remember these 4 mindsets:

  • All behavior is communication.
  • “Children (and adults) do well when they can” – Dr. Ross Green in the Explosive Child
  • Assume competence.
  • Release the outcome (safety of property and people exception).

Meet Lesley

Mom of Sammy, principal, progressive educator, adjunct college professor, and fellow home educator are just some of the hats Lesley has in her closet.  In today’s episode, Lesley shares how her confidence grew through her practice of observation.  You can connect and learn more about Lesley on her blog www.watchmonkeymama.com

Let us hear your story!  Be featured on the podcast by recording your story, struggle or asking your question here.

Resources and Support

Allison Gopnik’s book The Gardener and The Carpenter.

Find Dr. Gray’s work on PsychologyToday.com or read his book, Free to Learn.

The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene

Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.

Join us for Guide Training™, a live group learning environment of homeschool parents, I guide you so you can guide them.  In this program we go deep, build our invisible toolkit and make new friends.  It’s only offered twice a year. 

Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here.

I’d love to connect personally: find me on Instagram!

You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!

Kelly

Be Featured on the Podcast!

The 90-Minute School Day™ podcast aims to support all homeschooling families with a focus on neurodiverse families, with learning differences and unique learning styles.  Be featured on the podcast by sharing your story, struggle or asking your question here. Or leave your recording by clicking the mic below.

Ep. 59 – Unschooling to University with Judy Arnall

What if the years your child and teen spent playing, exploring, and following curiosity weren’t wasted time — but exactly the preparation they needed?

Can unschooling really lead to university? Child development expert Judy Arnall shares the research, the roadmap, and what parents need to know.

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Ep. 58 – Unschooling Students with Disabilities with Dr. Gina Riley

What happens when traditional school isn’t a fit?

In this episode, we dive into unschooling students with disabilities with Dr. Gina Riley. We explore why families leave school, how intrinsic motivation supports learning, and what research reveals about neurodivergent learners thriving in low-demand, self-directed environments.

Ep. 57 – How Many Friends Do Kids Really Need? with Missy Willis

How many friends does a child need? An attachment-based look at peer orientation, homeschool socialization, and healthy development. Influenced by the work of Gordon Neufeld, Gabor Maté, and Peter Gray, this is a paradigm-shifting look at friendship that challenges cultural norms around socialization.