From Synthesis to Recess: Ben’s Vision for Kid-Led Learning & Homeschooling

What if education was built around curiosity instead of compliance?

In this episode of the Foundations of Learning Podcast, I sit down with Ben, founder of Recess and former team member at Synthesis, the innovative online program inspired by Elon Musk’s Ad Astra school. Ben shares his journey from working at the cutting edge of education to creating a platform that helps kids learn through community, play, and their own interests.

We talk about:

Why Recess was created and the gap it fills for homeschooling families

What kid-led learning looks like in practice (yes, even with Minecraft!)

How parents can bring more curiosity, creativity, and connection into their homeschool

The future of education, technology, and balancing screen time with real-world skills

Encouragement for parents who feel “underqualified” to homeschool

Whether you’re just starting your homeschooling journey or looking for fresh ways to spark joy in your child’s learning, this episode will inspire you to see education differently.

Learn more about Recess:
Website:https://recess.gg/
Instagram: instagram.com/recessgg?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recessgg/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recessgg/featured
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@recessgg

Connect with Ben:
ben@recess.gg
X: https://x.com/ben_m_somers?lang=en

K3 Homeschool Foundations Resources:

Science of Reading Simplified Ecourse
https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/science-of-reading-simplified-course

5 Foundations of Reading Ecourse
https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/the-5-foundations-of-reading-e-course

Skill-Based Literacy Curriculum
https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-curriculum

Get the first 2 letter lessons for FREE
https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/d6c6c42aa0

Get the first 5 Reading Lessons for FREE
https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/fb54993b56

Your Guide to Teach High-Frequency Words
https://k3homeschoolfoundations.com/literacy-resources/ols/products/sor-aligned-high-frequency-words-107-zeno-words

Get the first 10 lessons to teach high-frequency words for FREE
https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/5e2086e116

FREE Literacy for Littles Ebook
https://k3-homeschool-foundations.kit.com/29e01da942

Tuttle Twins Books
https://tuttletwins.com/ref/K3_homeschool_foundations/

Learning with Kelsey Boxes & Resources
https://rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/foundations