What stories are shaping your child’s self-concept?
In this episode, I sit down with Amber O’Neal Johnston, homeschooling mother, speaker, and author of A Place to Belong: Raising Kids to Celebrate Their Heritage, Community, and the World and Soul School: A Literary Journey into the Soul of Black American Culture. Amber shares her passion for using books, culture, and intentional experiences to help children develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.
We explore:
- How Amber began homeschooling, what was missing and how she gutted her homeschool to save it
- The powerful influence of literature and storytelling in shaping our children’s self-concept and worldview
- Ways to create a culturally rich and inclusive home learning environment and community
- The importance of representation in the books we read and the experiences we provide
- How to move beyond fear and into a place of connection, belonging, and growth
Amber’s insights will challenge and inspire you to think more deeply about the role of stories and community in shaping our children’s lives. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to enrich your approach, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas and encouragement.
Amber O'Neal Johnston
Amber O’Neal Johnston is a home education expert and mother of four who speaks and writes about including diverse voices in traditional curricula and infusing ethnic and family culture into the home environment. She is the author of A Place to Belong: Raising Kids to Celebrate Their Heritage, Community, and the World and passionately shares Black books, art, music, poetry, people, things, and ideas at HeritageMom.com. She regularly speaks at education, homeschooling, and parenting conferences around the country and lives in Georgia, nestled among pine trees, hammocks, and zip lines with her husband and four children.
connect with amber:
Resources mentioned
- A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond by Amber O’Neal Johnston
- Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture by Amber O’Neal Johnston
- Wonder by R. J. Palaccio
- The Danger of a Single Story Tedx Talk by Chimamanda Adichie
- Christmas in The Big House, Christmas in the Quarters by Patricia McKissak
Join the community!
This episode is just a peek inside our Day in the Life community, where we explore homeschooling through the lens of play, flow, and nervous system safety.
Want to join us for more conversations like this?
👉 Learn more at 90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life/.
At the end of the day, trust your instincts and explore alternatives to what isn’t working!
I’d love to connect personally, find me on Instagram.
You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!
Kelly
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