Empowering Education and Expanding Learning Horizons

This podcast episode highlights two distinct initiatives aimed at fostering curiosity and academic success: the versatile online learning platform IXL and the upcoming release of the "Encyclopedia of Smarting" book series.

IXL: A Versatile Tool for Academic Success

Sheila Moore introduces IXL, an "award-winning online learning platform" designed to support students from pre-K through 12th grade. The platform is lauded for its ability to "fit seamlessly into schooling and homeschooling," offering interactive practice across core subjects including math, language arts, science, and social studies.

Key features that make IXL an effective resource include:

• Adaptive Learning: The platform "adapts to your child's level," ensuring that content remains challenging yet accessible.
• Progress Tracking: It provides parents with a "clear picture of their progress," allowing for immediate feedback.
• Confidence Building: By identifying exactly what a child understands and where they "need more practice," the platform helps students "build real confidence as they go."

Whether the goal is "finishing the school year strong" or "keeping skills fresh over the summer," IXL provides a flexible schedule that has attracted over 15 million students globally. The episode notes that listeners can receive an "exclusive 20 off IXL membership" by visiting the specified URL.

The Encyclopedia of Smarting: A New Way to Learn

Following the educational focus, the host, Trusty, announces a "secret project" that the Who Smarted team has been developing: the Encyclopedia of Smarting. This series aims to move beyond screens and computers, offering a "deluxe series of books" that provide a "deepest dive into all the topics" children are passionate about.

The Topics Covered

The series is designed as a "treasured resource" for families, featuring "fun facts" and "incredible illustrations." The first three volumes cover diverse and engaging subjects:

1. Explosions: This volume explores phenomena like the heat of a volcano versus the sun, the science behind fireworks, and even "how is everything in your body just a leftover from an explosion?"
2. Dinosaurs: A deep dive into prehistoric life, answering questions such as why T-Rex had "tiny, useless-looking arms" and how an asteroid ended "75% of life on Earth in a single afternoon."
3. Foods: A look at culinary mysteries, including why "spicy food hurt instead of taste," the ongoing scientific debate between fruits and vegetables, and the history behind everyday foods.

Accessing the Project via Kickstarter

Because this project is a unique, "modern-day fun family encyclopedia," it is not available in traditional stores. To bring the vision to life, the team is partnering with Kickstarter. Trusty encourages "Smarty families" to visit whosmarted.com to join the "please notify me list." This sign-up ensures that families receive information about the launch, including "special editions and early bird discounted books," when the campaign goes live on Sunday, May 24th.

By bridging the gap between digital learning tools like IXL and the tangible, deep-dive nature of the Encyclopedia of Smarting, these initiatives provide comprehensive ways for children to "keep on smarting" and stay engaged with the world around them.