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Stories That StickAuthor: Little Stories That Stick
Join Laura, resident storyteller, as she shows you how oral stories inspire and captivate minds young and old. Tune in each week to hear a compelling story and join in meaningful conversations. Laura will be digging deep into the heart of storytelling: connection and listening. Come get lost in another world and discover how stories shape our lives. Language: en Genres: Education, Kids & Family, Stories for Kids Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Embracing Unschooling and Natural Literacy with Leah McDermott
Wednesday, 3 December, 2025
In this Season 3 opener of "Stories That Stick," Laura is joined by educator, author, and founder of Your Natural Learner and Bridge Academy, Leah McDermott, for a conversation about courage and child-led learning. Leah has spent years helping families and educators break free from rigid, traditional models so children can learn in ways that honor who they are. In this episode, they explore the heart of unschooling, natural literacy development, and what it means to truly trust children’s learning without checklists, timelines, or pressure. Highlights: Redefining Learning Beyond School: Leah breaks down the most common misconceptions about unschooling and explains why it isn’t anti-school. You’ll hear how removing children from rigid structures opens the door to deeper curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and authentic engagement with the world. Natural Literacy as Expression, Not a Timeline: We discuss why pushing reading too early can backfire and how literacy develops through language, connection, and real-world context. Leah explains what natural literacy looks like day-to-day and why trusting a child’s brain development leads to stronger, more confident readers in the long run. Doing the Adult Work: A major theme in this episode is unlearning. Leah and Laura talk about the internal work adults must do from examining fears, to undoing their own educational conditioning, all while learning to trust the process. Navigating Fear, Pressure, and the Unknown: What if you let go of timelines? What if your child learns differently than you did? Leah offers grounded, compassionate advice for navigating the fear and societal pressure that often arise when you choose a path outside the norm. If you’ve ever wondered what learning might look like without the pressure, the power struggles, or the constant comparison, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Leah’s insights offer a vision of education rooted in connection, curiosity, and trust—one that prepares children for a rapidly changing world by honoring who they are today. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @little.stories.that.stick Website: Little Stories That Stick Get support on your own journey in The Play-Led Literacy Program Connect with Leah:Instagram: @yournaturallearnerWebsites: Your Natural Learner & Bridge Academy Learn more about Natural Learning from Dr. Peter Gray’s substack or books.
