How This Working Mom Ditched Homework & Transformed Her Kids' Education with Keri Mae | OpenEd

"I think the biggest why is love really. I love my children. I love children in general. It's what got me into education in the first place." – Keri Mae

What if personalized education wasn't just for stay-at-home parents? In this eye-opening episode, former public school teacher and single mom Keri Mae shares how she crafts individualized learning experiences for her three boys while working full-time (at OpenEd).

From navigating Montessori to homeschooling, Keri Mae challenges the notion that alternative education requires a traditional two-parent, stay-at-home setup. She reveals practical strategies for balancing work and education, advocating for your children's needs, and creating rich learning experiences even with time and resource constraints. Learn why she implemented a strict no-homework policy for her elementary-aged children, and how this decision created more time for family connection and real-world learning.

Learn:

- How to personalize education while working full-time, including creative scheduling and resource management

- Why homework policies should be questioned and how to advocate for your child's after-school time

- The power of practical skills and hands-on learning versus traditional worksheets

- How to blend different educational approaches (Montessori, homeschool, etc.) based on each child's needs

- Real-world strategies for staying involved in your children's education as a working parent

- Why age 12 can be the perfect transition point for homeschooling

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:15 Starting the Journey: Public School Experience

01:45 Challenges with Public Schooling

02:49 Transition to Homeschooling

03:14 Current Educational Setup

04:49 Pandemic and Homeschooling Realizations

09:08 Daily Homeschool Routine

11:48 Balancing Work and Homeschooling

12:37 Personalizing Education for Each Child

15:36 Values and Family Activities

16:36 Challenges and Adjustments in Homeschooling

19:48 Monitoring and Accountability

21:29 Staying Involved with Montessori

22:52 Engaging with Your Child's Education

24:20 The No Homework Policy

26:54 Alternative Learning Methods

30:57 The Importance of Context in Learning

36:31 Fostering Independence and Practical Skills

38:14 The Motivation Behind Open Education

40:36 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections